Last night was the first ever virtual city council meeting. The online Zoom meeting was necessitated by Gov. Baker’s emergency order restricting the number of people allowed in a public space. There were some hiccups, but by and large, the meeting went smoothly. The city will have to figure out a way to allow for public engagement during the public meeting, since the chat function was commandeered by a racist troll. I’m keen to see how they pull that off.
Mayor Driscoll started the meeting with an overview of the city’s response to COVID-19. As of yesterday, the number of tested and confirmed cases in Salem had grown from 8 to 14 (247 in Essex and 2,417 in Massachusetts). I’m sure by the time you all read these figures, they will be outdated. Driscoll outlined the task forces that are working to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place for all “at-risk” communities (those who are food insecure, seniors, homeless, etc.); and spent a good deal of time on the resources available to all Salem residents. Please visit the Salem Together page for more information on those resources or to sign-up to help.
We have heard a great deal from our vibrant restaurant and small business community, who are rightfully worried about the impact COVID-19 will have on their livelihood. Right now, small business relief is largely coming in the form of loans, but Driscoll noted that grants are being explored.
She ran through some frequently asked questions, and then the councilors had their own. Some of those highlights:
PLAYGROUNDS are closed. The parks are sign-posted, but that may not be clear enough because we have all seen kids shooting hoops and hanging from monkey bars. They city may take extra precautions, but at present enforcement is with the board of health or the parks and rec department, and both are operating with reduced personnel.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. Many people are trying to navigate the online unemployment form, which is not intuitive. If you are familiar with the state system, and would like to donate your time to help others apply for unemployment, please sign up through Salem Together.
HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST? Weeks maybe months. The Peabody Essex Museum is planning for July, for example. We have to be patient with one another and support one another.
The councilors roundly lauded the Mayor for her leadership during this crisis, which is unprecedented. The city has moved quickly provide online schooling options, meals to residents, and helpful resources while maintaining strict measures to keep people at home in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Kudos.
The regular meeting commenced and there were no real controversial issues at hand.
The mayor requested that $250K be placed in an emergency fund for COVID-19 response. Councilor Dominguez asked many questions about state aid and suggested that the matter be referred to the finance committee. Councilor Prosniewski emphasized the need to have cash on the ready so the city can be nimble with its response. He underscored that people’s lives were at stake. Councilor Madore asked about the reimbursement cap from the state. Driscoll noted that the reimbursement cap for natural disaster aid was usually around 75%, but this was an unprecedented situation, so she could not answer that question. The matter passed AND was referred to committee. If the mayor needs additional funding between this vote and the second and final passage, she can request the request be modified since it is in committee. I’m not really sure what other questions the council may have about use…COVID-19 response is broad and I’m not sure we all really comprehend what we’re up against or have coming our way.
The other matters were routine and nothing worth reporting. The matter of changing from Cushing’s to Robert’s Rules was sent to Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs. The permits for Salem Main Street’s Art Festival and Wreaths Across America were optimistically approved. I certainly hope we are in a place to enjoy one another and the fantastic rendering of our creative artist community by June.
Stay safe everyone. Respectfully, Jen Lynch