If I had to sum up the council meeting in one word last night, it would be “efficient.” My heart sings with some of the changes implemented by council President Madore. Routine matters, such as standard appropriations and parking were grouped together and taken as a single vote. If any councilor needed further discussion on one of the topics bundled, they could move to take up the matter separately. Council business took about 20 minutes in total last night. There isn’t much to report; the councilors approved everything on the agenda: the retirement fund was replenished and some buy-backs were approved; they accepted a $15K donation from Footprint for fire department software; handicap spots were rescinded because residents moved; licenses were granted. Councilors Morsillo and Hapworth will serve as council representatives on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
There were two guest speakers to address the council prior to the business meeting, Mayor Driscoll and Superintendent Zrike. Driscoll gave an update on COVID numbers in Salem, which while dropping are still high–Salem is still in the red. Hospital bed availability is quite low in the region. Vaccines are starting to roll out and she reported that 4% of Salem residents have been vaccinated (it takes 70% to reach “herd immunity"). We are still in Phase One, but the state has opened Phase Two (bullet one: Ages 75+). The priority list will be followed strictly, and we are moving as fast as we can with the resources provided. The city relies on the state to dispense the vaccines; the state is reliant on the federal government for the vaccine. Seniors who have a hard time making an appointment or who need specialized help can call the Community Life Center at 978-744-0924 ext. 43015. South Salem will be a vaccine site for the area, and Salem residents will have other options for where to go, as we have partnered with Swampscott, Marblehead, Beverly, Danvers and Peabody, so the pharmacies in each of those towns (CVS, Stop & Shops) or specialized vaccine sites (Doubletree Hotel) will accommodate reservations.
Superintendent Zrike outlined the school reopening plans and outlined the safety measures the district is taking. He took a moment to recognize students’ trauma from both COVID and racism and pledged that one of his highest priorities is to provide support for the students. On a positive note, he said that parent participation in teacher and school committee meetings is higher than previous years. He ended his presentation with an eye to the future. Recall he is still in his first year! So, he plans on sharing his “entry plan” activity report, setting strategic priorities, outlining some new initiatives with measurable outcomes. When asked about students leaving district, he said that they had to do a better job of highlighting the school strengths. He pointed to Salem High School offerings: technical programming, early college admission programs, accelerated and AP programs, dual language certification, and more.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch