Each regular city council meeting these days is prefaced with an update from the mayor and the Board of Health. As of tonight, Salem has 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Board of Health has issued a NEW REGULATION designed to keep essential workers safe and to help flatten the curve. Face coverings (bandanas, scarves, home-made masks) are now required to enter any building, pick up food (or deliver food curbside), and in common spaces in buildings with more than one rental unit. Please, don’t be a jerk. Comply with this new regulation and help keep your fellow Salemites safe.
The councilors were able to pose questions to Mayor Driscoll and Dave Greenbaum (BoH). Councilor Dominguez asked about the number of tests in Salem. Unfortunately, it is hard to track tests in Salem because residents may be asked to go to facilities in neighboring cities to get their tests. The state does track testing, but demographic information is missing, as are details about municipalities.
Councilor Madore asked about communication strategies. The city is trying not to overwhelm residents with Code Red notices, but one will be going out tomorrow about the new face covering order. The city has also been working with the local newspapers to communicate daily changes. Your best bet is still to visit the designated website on the city page. The specifics of this health crisis make it particularly hard to communicate updates to people who are not technologically savvy, so please share information with your networks, and encourage people to sign up for the Code Red calls or texts.
Councilor Hapworth asked about the order and whether it was applicable to time outdoors. He referenced the long lines at Hobbs, which were not safe, while acknowledging the good faith effort of residents to support local businesses. Greenbaum noted that face coverings should be worn while in lines to pick up food or get into grocery stores, but that they are not required if you are walking outdoors generally. The city is working with small businesses (like Hobbs and ice cream shops) to figure out better pick-up programs that will minimize crowds.
Councilor Flynn asked about the Salem High field house being used for quarantine. Several different buildings were considered, but the field house has showers, which is important. Homeless shelters are dealing with financial and staffing limitations, so the region is working together to identify solutions for presumed positive cases. The state is handling confirmed cases in a regional capacity.
Councilor Prosniewski asked about how the $250K for emergency response was holding up and further what state and federal support was looking like. FEMA and MEMA (Federal or Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) funds are typical reimbursements, typically about 75% of city spend, and typically not funded for up to 18 months following the emergency. Both agencies are trying to do better on all fronts. In the meantime, the city is tracking their spend on COVID response. They are also carefully monitoring how COVID will affect city revenues (parking enforcement is not happening, tax revenues from hotels will be down, etc.). Driscoll also mentioned that the city is paying close attention to recovery costs. She does not want to see shuttered businesses downtown.
Councilor Dibble took a point of personal privilege to thank the citizen who were donating time, material and talent to making masks for neighbors and emergency responders.
The Agenda commenced, and moved through quickly.
Money matters: $20K was allocated to a teaching farm project at Mack Park. It is an extension of what is established at Palmer Cove. $8090 was approved for poll workers; $10,931 was approved for other early voting expenses (including overtime for the city clerk staff).
The council voted to move forward establishing an arboretum at Greenlawn Cemetery. From what I understand, this is the first city-owned arboretum in the state.
Traffic motions included service zone repeals and bus stop adjustments.
The bond order for the boiler replacement at Bentley was approved ($1.565M), much of that will be reimbursed. The replacement boilers will be more efficient, but probably not as green as they could be.
And finally, second passages for the Valley Street speed limit changes and more stop signs were approved.
Please stay safe, and cover your face if you step out of your domicile.
Respectfully submitted, Jen