The Public Meeting Index

The Aurora City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, with all members present except Councilmember Bergen (attended virtually) and Councilmember Hancock. The meeting was dominated by public testimony against the proposed Trident Vantage Data Center, followed by discussion and votes on several ordinances including opposition to Proposition 132, repeal of mandatory minimum sentences per the Camp Simons decision, creation of a socioeconomic impact business license, and refinancing of certificates of participation. Consent Calendar - Agenda adoption – Approved unanimously. - Consent calendar on motions (11C1–11C5) – Adopted unanimously. - Consent calendar on resolutions and ordinances (12A1, 12A3, 12B2, 12B3) – Adopted unanimously after pulling items 12A2 and 12B1 for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony Data Center (Trident Vantage) – Over 60 speakers, including residents, students, seniors, and community organizers, overwhelmingly opposed the proposed 860,000‑square‑foot data center near 48th Avenue and E470. Key concerns included: - Extreme energy demand (500 megawatts – 11 times that of DIA) and water use (800,000 gallons to start, plus ongoing cooling). - Health impacts from 28 diesel backup generators and air pollution in a census tract already ranking in the 98th percentile for toxic air. - Property value declines and economic harm; - Lack of community input and a four-year approval process that left nearby residents uninformed. - Speakers urged the council to call up the decision, impose a one‑mile buffer, and enact strict regulations. Police Accountability – Multiple speakers, including family members of victims (e.g., LaRonda Jones, Kylan Lewis’s mother), called for firing Police Chief Todd Chamberlain and implementing a civilian police accountability council. They cited cases of Corey Dillard, Kylan Lewis, and Rayjon Belt Stubblefield, alleging a pattern of police violence and lack of accountability. Proposition 132 (Fentanyl penalties) – Several speakers, including representatives from the ACLU and No on 132 campaign, opposed the measure, arguing it would increase incarceration without funding treatment, cost the state hundreds of millions, and disproportionately affect people of color. Other Topics – One speaker opposed the Flock ALPR contract; one raised concerns about the city’s consent decree monitor (IntegraSure); one spoke about a personal case in municipal court. Discussion Items 12A2 – Resolution opposing Proposition 132 – Council debated whether to oppose the state ballot measure that would increase penalties for fentanyl offenses. Councilmember Lawson and Councilmember Hancock spoke against opposing it, citing accountability for traffickers. Councilmember Horton and Mayor Pro Tem Coombs supported the resolution, arguing incarceration does not treat addiction. The resolution passed 8‑2 (noes: Hancock, Lawson). 12B1 – Ordinance repealing mandatory minimum sentences (Camp Simons compliance) – The second reading of an ordinance to remove mandatory minimum sentences for low‑level offenses (e.g., retail theft) following the Colorado Supreme Court’s Camp Simons decision. Mayor Kaufman proposed an amendment to retain a mandatory three‑day minimum for retail theft between $100 and $300. The amendment was defeated 4‑6. The underlying ordinance passed 7‑3 (noes: Bergen, Hancock, Lawson). 15A – Socioeconomic impact retail license – Final reading of an ordinance creating a supplemental license for businesses that tend to over‑concentrate in lower‑income areas (e.g., vape shops, payday lenders). Councilmember Gardner and Councilmember Hancock argued it was anti‑business; Mayor Pro Tem Coombs defended it as a tool for retail mix. Passed 8‑2 (noes: Gardner, Hancock). 14A – Refinancing certificates of participation – Authorized refunding of the 2017 series for Central Recreation Center, not to exceed $23 million. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Opposition to Proposition 132 – Resolution passed 8‑2, placing Aurora in opposition to the state measure. - Repeal of mandatory minimum sentences – Ordinance passed 7‑3, removing most mandatory minimums from city code. - Socioeconomic impact license – Ordinance passed 8‑2, creating a new permit category. - Refinancing of certificates of participation – Approved unanimously. - Public comment extension – Council voted 9‑1 (Gardner opposed) to extend the public comment period past the one‑hour limit to accommodate all speakers. No further business was heard, and the meeting adjourned.

This was the first meeting of the Fitchburg Landmarks Commission in approximately four years. The meeting included the approval of a certificate of appropriateness for exterior modifications to a historic Queen Anne farmhouse, discussion of renaming the property from the Rudin property to the Bitney property, and future planning for historic preservation efforts in the city. Consent Calendar - The minutes from October 26, 2022, were unanimously approved. Chair Michael Coolard noted that the previous meeting was primarily a "meet and greet" with the new city planner, Deanna Schmidt, and no action was taken. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness for 5329 Lacey Road (Rudin/Bitney Property): - Owners Kevin and Julie Stefanchek presented a request for exterior modifications to their historic Queen Anne farmhouse, built circa 1887. - Proposed changes include: replacement of all windows and exterior trim, removal of one window on the east elevation for a kitchen renovation, and a new paint color palette. - The owners explained extensive water damage discovered during interior renovations, including rotted sills and trim, and infestations of carpenter ants. They argued that the window removal is not precedent-setting due to previous 1990s modifications and that it will not affect primary street-facing elevations. - Commissioners expressed support for the window replacement, noting that the new windows (Elevate brand, fiberglass exterior with wood interior) would be more historically appropriate than the existing mixed windows and storm windows. - Kevin Stefanchek described his plan to custom-mill wood trim to match existing profiles, using cedar for durability, and to hand-match the siding by ripping down wider boards to the correct exposure. - Paint Colors: - The owners requested a four-color palette (whites, gray, and green) inspired by French country styles and found within a historic palette. They plan to retain the existing pattern of color accents on architectural details like corbels and posts, replacing current yellows and oranges. - Commissioners noted that the current colorful scheme was previously approved by the commission, and that paint is reversible. Some expressed preference for greater contrast and definition between architectural features. - Window Removal: - Most commissioners agreed the removal is appropriate because the window is not original, is on a rear/side elevation, and is not visible from the public right-of-way. Commissioner Amy Steiger requested extensive documentation (photos, measurements) be retained for future reference. - The owners confirmed they will preserve any removed historic elements and will stagger replaced siding to blend with existing. - Renaming the Property: - Chair Michael Coolard raised the issue of renaming the property from the "Rudin property" to the "Bitney property," reflecting the family believed to have built the house. - He noted that former owners Joe and Karen Rudin had indicated support for the change, saying they did not commission the home's construction. - Commissioners discussed the historic survey report from 2019, which states the house is "believed to have been built for the Bitneys circa 1887." The Bitneys were a farming family, and Alfred Bitney was a Civil War veteran. - City planner Deanna Schmidt advised that a formal name change would require a new resolution approved by the commission and the Common Council. Commissioners directed staff to proceed with recommending the "Bitney property" name. - Wisconsin Historical Society Annual Conference: - Chair Coolard proposed that the commission consider attending or participating in the Wisconsin Historical Society's annual local history and historic preservation conference, noting that attending such conferences in the past led to valuable initiatives like the city's historic property survey. - Commissioner Michael Stevens, a retired State Historic Preservation Officer, recommended the commission also join the Wisconsin Association of Local Historic Preservation Commissions (annual membership $30-45) to receive newsletters and training opportunities. - Alder Logan Reichsteed noted that the 2027 proposed budget includes $540 for four Landmarks Commission meetings. He offered to explore using existing funds or introducing a budget amendment for conference-related expenses. - Historic Property Signage and Public Awareness: - The commission revisited a pre-COVID discussion about installing signage at bike trails or other public locations to highlight Fitchburg's historic properties, which are scattered rather than in a single district. - Commissioner Eric Ernest suggested potential locations like the former train depot foundations visible from bike trails. - Alder Reichsteed proposed that the city could create social media posts or videos about historic properties as a low-cost awareness tool. - The commission discussed an interactive map on the Fitchburg Historical Society website as a potential template for physical signage, possibly placed at properties like the McCoy farmhouse. - Comprehensive Plan: - City planner Deanna Schmidt informed the commission that the city is beginning its comprehensive plan update, with a working group meeting on October 20 and a public open house on October 21 at Hostahochi (the new hub park on Traceway Drive). She encouraged commission involvement, noting that cultural and historic resources are typically part of such plans. Key Outcomes - Approved: A certificate of appropriateness was unanimously approved for the Stefancheks' proposed modifications at 5329 Lacey Road, including window replacement, trim replacement, window removal on the east elevation, and new paint colors, subject to documentation of the removed window. - Directed: Staff and the alder representative will begin the process to formally rename the property from the "Rudin property" to the "Bitney property" via a new resolution for the commission and Common Council. - Decision Made: Staff will explore options for using the $540 budgeted for commission meetings (or other funds) to facilitate membership in the Wisconsin Association of Local Historic Preservation Commissions and potential attendance at the state historical society conference. - No Action Taken: Discussion of historic property signage was tabled pending further exploration of locations and funding, but the city's social media outreach approach will be further developed. - Next Steps: The commission will stay involved in the comprehensive plan update process and will consider updated information on the Rudin/Bitney property's legal description (now just under one acre, down from 14.42 acres) in the renaming resolution.

Date: September 28, 2026 Time: Convened at 9:24 AM (slight delay) Chair: Alderman Cohn Members Present: Alderman Oldenberg, Alderman Orion, Alderwoman Schweitzer, Alderwoman Cox and Twee, Chair Cohn (quorum of three present) The Transportation and Commerce Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen met to approve prior meeting minutes and to consider Board Bill 51, which authorizes the issuance of up to $500 million in airport revenue bonds and amends the bond indenture. No public testimony was heard. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 24, 2026): Moved by Alderwoman from the 1st, seconded by Alderwoman from the 8th. Approved unanimously (3 ayes). Discussion Items - Board Bill 51 – Airport Revenue Bonds and Indenture Amendment: Presented by Mr. Garavaglia (Comptroller’s Office), with presentations from David Stenfil (Siebert Williams Shank, financial advisor) and Charles Salisbury (Salisbury & Associates, co-bond counsel). The bill authorizes up to $500 million in airport revenue bonds and the execution of the Third Amendment to the Restated Trust Indenture. Key elements included: - Project funding: Approximately $375 million for airfield ($91M), Terminal One & Two infrastructure ($240M), and parking/roads ($33–34M). Projects are part of the ongoing consolidated terminal plan (CTP) and the third airline approval process (85% to be financed after this issuance). - Indenture modernization: Three major changes—(1) replacing the Debt Service Stabilization Fund with a Rolling Coverage Account; (2) changing from an individual series-based Debt Service Reserve Fund to a Common Debt Service Reserve Fund, allowing flexibility to have no reserve fund; (3) clarifying technical amendments to increase flexibility (e.g., issuing variable rate debt, shorter structures). - Bond sizing and timing: Estimated $434 million (likely $450–460 million at pricing). Pricing scheduled for October 14–21, 2026, closing November 4, 2026. Proceeds will fund new projects ($300M), reimburse the PNC line of credit ($75M), fund capitalized interest and reserve fund. - Committee members asked questions about specific project details (energy efficiency, drainage, climate control) and indenture provisions. Mr. Salisbury explained that the new indenture is modeled on modern indentures (e.g., Atlanta) and that eliminating the reserve fund requirement is consistent with trends among large airports. Alderwoman Schweitzer expressed interest in efficiency and future-proofing; Alderwoman Cox and Twee sought clarification on the supplemental indenture for the 2026 bonds versus the amended and restated indenture for future bonds. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Committee Substitute: Moved by Alderwoman from the 8th, seconded by Alderwoman from the 1st. Approved unanimously (3 ayes). - Passage of Board Bill 51 (Committee Substitute): Moved by Alderwoman from the 8th, seconded by Alderwoman from the 1st. Passed with a due pass recommendation (3 ayes). - Next Steps: Comptroller's Office pledged to provide detailed project cost and efficiency reports to the committee. Pending bills regarding the airport director’s salary are with the Civil Service Commission, with a hearing expected after their October meeting.

The Bloomington City Council met on September 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM, with Acting Mayor Lona Dalessandro presiding due to the absence of Councilmember Loman and Mayor Tim Bussey. The meeting covered proclamations, new employee introductions, consent business, four public hearings, an informational presentation on a geothermal pilot, and council policy updates. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted. Consent Calendar - Agenda approval: Motion by Councilmember Carter, second by Councilmember Robertson. Approved 5-0. - Consent business (items 3.2–3.13): Approved 5-0 without discussion. - Donations (item 3.1): Councilmember Carter held this item to acknowledge community partners. Donations included: American Legion Post 550 (five dog tags for memorial), anonymous donations to BPD (office supplies, snacks, youth leadership lunch, wellness program), Bloomington Community Foundation ($10,000 for wellness summit), and additional donations for public health (Narcan, baby blankets, newborn bundles). Councilmember Carter thanked donors and moved to approve; second by Councilmember Robertson. Approved 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: Martha Mendiola Rios and Juan Cerezo Cortez (30-year Bloomington residents) accepted the proclamation, expressing gratitude for the city’s recognition of Hispanic/Latino culture and for making Bloomington a safe, welcoming home. - Listening Session (recap): Acting Mayor Dalessandro summarized four speakers from the evening’s listening session: - Brian Emerson and Elizabeth Carbone: Expressed concerns about construction of the Community Health and Wellness Center. - Sally Ness: Spoke again about the Smith Park Shared Agreement. - Matthew Hallett: Advocated for policies to support food growing, reducing sod, and sustainable residential practices. - Deb Harper: Raised concerns about the notice of corrections process for residential code violations. Discussion Items - Proclamation – Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month: The council observed September 15 – October 15, 2026 as Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Acting Mayor Dalessandro read the proclamation highlighting that 11.2% of Bloomington residents identify as Hispanic/Latino, and the contributions of the community and the city’s employee resource group OLA. - New Employee Introductions: - Scott Frost – Civil Engineer, Utilities Division (public works). Grew up in Bloomington, graduate of Jefferson High School, brings experience from Met Council, White Bear Township, and St. Paul Regional Water. - Dr. Jen Fuller – Sustainability Coordinator. Holds a PhD in environmental social science from Arizona State University, 20 years’ experience in environmental education and policy, will lead the city’s climate action plan implementation. - Public Hearing 4.1 – Street Name Change: City Engineer Julie Long presented renaming a portion of Hopkins Road (northwesterly of 10526 Hopkins Road and 600 Mission Road) to Mission Road to resolve confusion at a Y intersection. Two parcels would be re-addressed from Hopkins to Mission; the city proposed a $1,000 stipend per home to offset costs. After public hearing (no speakers), council discussed an effective date after the November 3, 2026 election. Councilmember Nelson asked about voter registration implications – staff to notify affected residents. Adopted 5-0, effective November 4, 2026. - Public Hearing 4.2 – Zoning Amendment for Sports Training Facilities: Kareem Sherrard (staff) presented a privately initiated code amendment to allow sports training facilities (e.g., dance studio) in the FD2 freeway development district. The applicant (Just for Kicks, represented by Perry Platicia) would occupy 8,790 sq ft at 1321 American Boulevard, operating off-peak with 60 kids peak times. No public opposition. Amended Chapter 21 of city code. Adopted 5-0, summary publication 5-0. - Public Hearing 4.3 – Miscellaneous Issues Cleanup Items: Emily Hestbeck presented 16 cleanup items correcting errors and improving consistency (e.g., corner lot definitions, missing middle housing occupancy standards, hotel airport parking). Planning commission unanimously recommended approval. Councilmember Carter asked about goat/sheep grazing (Ordinance B) – clarified that the permit requires a minimum one-acre parcel. Adopted 5-0, summary publication 5-0. - Public Hearing 4.4 – Miscellaneous Issues Minor Policy Updates: Hestbeck presented five minor policy updates: - Odor mitigation for cannabis businesses within 150 ft of residential properties. - Separate use for car detailing (permitted in B2, I1, I2, I3 districts) distinct from car washes. - Clarifying tree preservation standards for missing middle housing. - Restoring trailer parking standards to allow trailers on grass in rear yards with 5-ft setback. - Clarifying rezoning application requirements. No public testimony. Adopted 5-0, summary publication 5-0. - Informational Presentation – CenterPoint Energy Networked Geothermal Pilot: CenterPoint (Kat Knutson, Emma Ingebretsen) presented a pilot under the Natural Gas Innovation Act. Bloomington is one of three finalist sites. Potential buildings: Civic Plaza, Public Works, single-family homes (opt-in). Construction timeline: final site selection early 2027, construction late 2027/early 2028. Community open house Saturday, September 28? (October 3?) from 10-12 at the Center for the Arts. Council asked about construction impact (coordination with Community Health Center construction) and possible developer programs. No action taken. Key Outcomes - Street name change adopted (Ordinance): 5-0, effective November 4, 2026. - Zoning amendment (sports training facilities in FD2) adopted: 5-0; summary publication approved 5-0. - Cleanup items (ordinances A–J, L–Q) adopted: 5-0; summary publication 5-0. - Minor policy updates (ordinances R–V) adopted: 5-0; summary publication 5-0. - Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM.

This is a summary of the Legislation and Rules Committee meeting held on September 28, 2026. The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting, reviewed no board bills or resolutions, and engrossed two bills: Board Bill 34 (amended in committee) and Board Bill 13 (committee substitute as amended in committee). The meeting was attended by Chair Velasquez, Vice Chair Devotee, and Aldermen Cohn, Narayan, Keys, and Sonier. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 10, 2026): The minutes from the September 10, 2026 meeting were approved. The roll call showed two present and three ayes, sustaining the motion. Discussion Items - Engrossment of Board Bill 34 (amended in committee): The clerk verified that all dates, figures, cross-references, citations, past amendments, rejected amendments, section numbering, exhibits, and formatting were correct. The committee had no questions. A motion to engross passed with five ayes (Alderwoman Keys present but not voting? The roll call recorded five ayes from Cohn, Narayan, Sonier, Devotee, and Velasquez; Alderwoman Keys was called but her vote was not noted in the final tally). - Engrossment of Board Bill 13 (committee substitute as amended in committee): Similarly, the clerk confirmed all checks. No committee questions. A motion to engross passed on a previous roll call (no objections). Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from September 10, 2026. - Engrossed Board Bill 34 as amended in committee. (Vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present but not recorded?) - Engrossed Board Bill 13 committee substitute as amended in committee. (Passed without objection.) - No written testimony or announcements. The meeting adjourned.

The Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission met on September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The main agenda item was a public hearing and vote on a zone change request for Octavia's Addition. The commission also approved the minutes from the August 24th meeting with corrections. The meeting concluded with no further business. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the August 24th, 2026 meeting with two corrections: on page 5, paragraph 4, "Commissioner Lang" was corrected to "Commissioner Hammond" regarding an inquiry about a half-mile measurement; on page 21, paragraph 1, "Commissioner Lang" was corrected to "Commissioner Hammond" regarding a comment about "kicking the can down the road." The motion to approve with corrections passed unanimously (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments or testimony during the public hearing for the zone change. Discussion Items - Zone Change and Minor Plat for Octavia's Addition: Staff Planner Jordan introduced the item, noting that the commission would only consider the zone change (from Agricultural to R7 Residential) that evening. The minor plat would be finalized before the city commission meeting. Dave (staff) presented the request: the property is located at 5406 Highland Place North within the Mandan ETZ, currently agricultural, and proposed to be rezoned to R7 (single-family residential) on a 6.96-acre lot. Adjacent properties to the north, east, and south are agricultural; the west is already R7. The future land use map designates this area as medium-density residential and indicates a future roadway alignment running east-west through the property. Staff noted that they would work with the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) to address the roadway alignment issue. Commissioner Huber requested that staff explain R7 zoning: Dave responded that R7 is standard single-family residential, commonly used for new construction in Mandan. No other questions were raised. Key Outcomes - Zone Change Recommendation: The commission voted unanimously (9-0) to recommend approval of the zone change from Agricultural to R7 for Octavia's Addition. The minor plat will be addressed separately before the city commission. The meeting was adjourned without further business.

The Great Barrington Select Board met on September 28, 2026, to discuss a regional EMS study, an update from the Housatonic Improvement Committee, several licensing matters, and a show cause hearing for All Star Salvage. The meeting also included votes on a fence special permit, a transit nondiscrimination policy, a new liquor license, and a town meeting warrant article. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes of the September 2, 2026, regular meeting (one member abstained due to absence). Public Comments & Testimony - Michelle Loubert (Division Street) testified about noise from All Star Salvage, describing constant crushing sounds and backup beepers that have made her backyard unusable. She submitted a recording and recounted a history of complaints and a MassDEP consent order related to a 2022 fire and contamination concerns. - Elizabeth Berliner (Division Street) expressed concerns about large trucks rounding the corner near her home and potential groundwater contamination from the salvage yard. - Valerie Loker (North Plain Road, Housatonic) described traffic hazards from tractor trailers hauling crushed cars, stating the business has exploded beyond a 'mom and pop' operation and that the road infrastructure cannot support the volume. - Mary Formel-Vladiger (neighbor) said she has lived next door for years and does not find the noise excessive, noting the land has been in use for 50 years. - A dispatcher for All Star Salvage said the noise from clanging rims has decreased, and the business uses only one four-car hauler, not multiple large carriers. - Nada Jacobs (Park Street, library trustee) criticized how questions were presented to the library trustees at a prior joint meeting and clarified that her earlier comment about 'we have to catch up' referred to the town as a whole, not just the trustees. - Michelle Loubert (again) noted the Housatonic water tower is privately owned and that the Housatonic Improvement Committee should be aware of issues like All Star Salvage. She also raised concerns about the timing of public comment before votes. - Jim Bailey (Housatonic) argued the town cannot afford the library renovation, criticized lack of transparency, and called for a fair public comment process. He mentioned paying $25 for a public records request to obtain information he believes should be freely available. - A resident criticized the rising volume of public records requests as a symptom of poor transparency, warned of escalating taxes from multiple essential service projects, and urged either restrained spending or honest communication about future tax increases. Discussion Items - EMS Regionalization Study (Collins Center): Becca Meekins and Heather Barberry presented three models for emergency medical services in the Southern Berkshire region: (1) expansion of the current nonprofit Southern Berkshire Ambulance to all eight towns with increased staffing and a satellite station in New Marlborough; (2) creation of an EMS district with independent taxing authority requiring special legislation; (3) municipal integration with Great Barrington absorbing EMS into the fire department. Detailed financial projections based on Equalized Valuation and call volume were provided. Board members asked clarifying questions about assessment structures, capital planning, staffing models, and the inclusion or exclusion of interfacility transfers. The group aims to find consensus among town representatives in the coming month. No decision was made. - Housatonic Improvement Committee (HIC) Update: Sarah Barner and Betsy reported on the committee‘s 2026 goals, including visioning sessions held in August 2025, community events (e.g., Long Table Dinner, Harvest Festival, Virtual Bus) and a capital improvements pipeline for Housatonic. They requested $10,000 in annual operating support from the town budget, noting committee members donated over $35,000 in labor. The committee also advocated for a community-led visioning process for the Commons Park and early preservation planning for the water tower. Board members thanked them for their work. - Old Maids Park Preliminary Engineering: Chris (town planner) updated the board on the MVP community planning project for Old Maids Park. A $50,000 CPA grant approved at May Town Meeting will fund a survey, concept plans, and additional public meetings. The engineering phase focuses on land-side improvements and will coordinate with Mass Wildlife’s separate dam removal. Board discussed that the survey data will not go stale and can inform future improvements. No vote was needed, but the board signaled endorsement of the direction. - Show Cause Hearing – All Star Salvage: This was the most extensive discussion. Town staff (Liz, Chief Carlotta, Building Commissioner, Town Planner) presented alleged violations of the noise bylaw, operation outside licensed hours, and potential building code and zoning non-compliance. Noise readings by police (36–56 dBA at unknown distances) did not exceed the 86 dBA threshold at 50 feet. Licensee’s attorney Sean McCormick presented an acoustical study by Cross Spectrum Acoustics showing only two exceedances (a dump truck gate and loading aluminum) that they have committed to remediate. He argued the business has operated for decades, that a 1994 special permit (of which only a recording notice was found) superseded the 1984 permit, and that the current use is lawful. He resisted claims the business changed substantially. Public comment was strongly against the operation, citing noise, traffic, and environmental concerns. The board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM to allow the building inspector to present, for review of new documents (including a possible 1994 permit), and for further staff investigation. - Review of Special Town Meeting Warrant Article: The board approved placing Article 6 on the warrant, which would eliminate the zoning bylaw’s 45-room limit for hotels and motels, while keeping all other requirements (special permit, parking, etc.). A two-thirds vote is required. Public hearing before the Planning Board is scheduled for October 15. Key Outcomes - Motion passed (positive recommendation to Planning Board): 6-foot lattice fence at 267 Long Pond Road (special permit). - Motion passed: Adoption of the updated three-year Title VI and ADA policies for the South County Connector transit program. - Motion passed: Approval of new annual on-premises beer and wine license and common victualler license for Siam Square (C Town Thai Cuisine LLC) at 290 Main Street. - Motion passed: Continuation of the show cause hearing for All Star Salvage to October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM, to gather additional information and hear from the building inspector. - Motion passed: Approval of the hotel room limit removal article for the October 19, 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 PM.

The Planning and Zoning Subcommittee met on September 28, 2026, to discuss the reduction of the Central Business (CB) district, a proposed Waverly Street overlay district, the upcoming Edmonds Road zoning presentation, and ballot Question 7. Councilor Adibiani recused himself from the Waverly Street discussion due to property ownership. The subcommittee approved minutes from June 4 and June 10. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of June 4 and June 10, 2026, without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Gail (unmuted) commented that cities and towns can put restrictions on ADUs, and Framingham already has such restrictions, but enforcement is key. Discussion Items - CB District Reduction: Councilor Adibiani presented an updated map to reduce the CB district, noting the district currently allows about 7,000 units, while the MBTA zoning requires roughly 3,600–3,800 units. He warned that reductions must stay above the required minimum. The item was brought back for reconsideration after being dropped due to MBTA zoning. - Waverly Street Overlay District: Councilor Adibiani introduced a draft zoning amendment to create an overlay district along Waverly Street from the Natick line to the Ashland line. The overlay would limit building heights to 40 feet (commercial) and 35 feet (residential) while increasing floor area ratio (FAR) to 1.7 to allow denser development. It would permit mixed-use, multifamily, and some commercial uses by right; prohibit junkyards, auto dealers, and gasoline stations; and aim to revitalize the corridor. Councilor Bryant commented that height is a key issue in her district. Councilor Lee and Bruno noted the corridor needs improvement but supported the start. - Edmonds Road Update: Councilor Adibiani reminded that next Monday (October 5, 2026) at 6 p.m. virtual, J.Co and attorney Jeff Roloff will present revised zoning for Edmonds Road. - Ballot Question 7 Discussion: Councilor Adibiani expressed strong opposition to Question 7, stating it would eliminate local control and reduce all development to site plan review, allowing up to 4 units per 5,000 sq ft lot. Councilor Long noted that Question 7 would effectively end local zoning, and that other state bills (e.g., 'in God's backyard') allow up to 50 units per acre on church-owned land if 25% are affordable. Councilor Bryant argued the state is ignoring local input and that housing must be thoughtfully planned, not forced. Councilor Lee and Bruno emphasized the state's housing push and the need for proactive planning. Councilor Adibiani warned of further state action if Question 7 fails. - ADU Enforcement: There was discussion about whether ADUs can be condominiumized and sold separately. Councilor Adibiani disclosed his property interests on Waverly Street (three parcels) and recused himself during the Waverly Street overlay discussion. He later returned. Key Outcomes - The subcommittee heard updates on the CB district reduction and Waverly Street overlay; no votes were taken on these items. - Councilor Adibiani recused himself from the Waverly Street discussion due to a conflict of interest (family owns three parcels on Waverly Street). - The subcommittee will meet next Monday for the Edmonds Road presentation. - Councilors expressed unanimous opposition to ballot Question 7, urging a 'no' vote. - The meeting was adjourned by motion.

This was the first town council meeting held in the newly opened police department building. The council approved a consent agenda, adopted several zoning amendments, and addressed public concerns on a lot unmerger and the town's water restrictions. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 14, 2026: Approved 9-0. - Consent Agenda (September 28, 2026): Adopted 9-0, including acceptance of a $2,156.20 donation from the Friends of Salem Recreation for ADA ramp and gutters at Hedgehog Park. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan McLaughlin spoke against the proposed multifamily housing zoning amendment, arguing it would strain water infrastructure (citing drought and mandatory restrictions), increase traffic, raise taxes, and create additional public safety costs. She urged the council to vote against it, noting Salem is already a housing champion for New Hampshire. Discussion Items - Fire Department Swearing-In: Fire Chief Lamier introduced Fire Administration Coordinator Skylar Moore (Badge 284), a Navy veteran, and swore in Firefighter Nicola Atiella (Badge 283), a Salem resident and former registered nurse. Both welcomed by council. - Commercial Tax Credit Program Amendments (Resolution 2026-14): Staff proposed refinements to focus on redevelopment of existing commercial properties, including a 50% exemption on increased assessment in year one, declining to 20% in year four. Council discussed how to promote the program, the need for property owner awareness, and a concern that properties requiring a variance are disqualified. The amendment passed 9-0. - Lot Unmerger at 5 Ferry Street (Resolution 2026-16): Attorney Campbell represented NCC Real Estate Development, LLC, requesting to unmerge lots that were involuntarily merged by the town. Several abutting property owners raised concerns about lack of notification, unknown plans, and potential impact on existing septic easements. Council members noted state law (RSA 674:39-AA) ties their hands, and the resolution passed 9-0. - Town-Wide Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-17): Finance Director McGee presented the schedule, effective January 1, 2027, including updated mattress and box spring fees. Council discussed the $15 VIN verification fee and whether transfer station fees cover costs. The resolution passed 9-0. - Zoning Amendment – Permitted Use Table (Resolution 2026-18): Cleanup to consolidate educational and religious uses and allow personal services in the Business Office District. Approved 9-0. - Zoning Amendment – Multifamily Mixed-Use Development (Resolution 2026-19): Required by state law (HB 631, 1010, 1588), allowing multifamily housing in commercial zones with conditions. Council amended the motion to require that at least 33% of ground floor space be active retail or office (not just lobby or amenities), passed 6-3. (Opposed: Hatch, Stacey? Actually, three opposed.) - Zoning Amendment – Kennels (Resolution 2026-20): Established a 750-foot buffer between kennels and residential districts. A kennel defined as more than five dogs. Approved 9-0. - Water Restriction Update: Municipal Services Director Wayne Emerald reported that proactive restrictions kept Candy Lake at 215.99 feet as of September 18, predicting 215.88 by mid-October. He recommended continuing restrictions. Tanya Donnelly, President of the Candy Lake Protective Association, requested earlier switching to Arlington Pond to help the lake recharge. Utilities Manager Fred Wallace explained technical constraints prevent switching before mid-October at the earliest. - Town Manager’s Report: Devine highlighted a transparency survey (Salem scored 9.3/10, second in state), a finalist award for energy leadership, police station opening, election and voter registration deadlines, new ZBA notification signs with QR codes, community events, department statistics, staffing updates, capital projects (Mall Road overpass, Irma Road, etc.), budget calendar starting October 1, and a plan to spend a week in each department to listen to staff. Key Outcomes - Commercial Tax Credit Amendments: Adopted 9-0. - Lot Unmerger at 5 Ferry Street: Approved 9-0. - Town-Wide Fee Schedule (2027): Adopted 9-0, effective January 1, 2027. - Permitted Use Table Zoning Amendment: Adopted 9-0. - Multifamily Mixed-Use Zoning Amendment: Adopted 6-3, with amendment to require retail or office use on ground floor. - Kennel Buffer Zoning Amendment: Adopted 9-0. - Water Restrictions: No change; current restrictions remain in place. Staff will evaluate switching to Arlington Pond when feasible.