Salem Town Council Meeting - August 4, 2025

The Salem Town Council convened on August 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including approvals of minutes, consent agenda, public comments on traffic calming, a resolution for HVAC replacement, grant acceptance, donations, presentation of the Depot Village Master Plan, comprehensive zoning update, installation of lights at Veterans Field, a new town website chatbot, emergency management website, a lease agreement, and updates on the Irma Road intersection. The council also discussed new business items such as dock assessments, parking lot misuse, and transfer station permits.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the public session minutes from June 16, 2025, and July 7, 2025 (with a correction on page 8, line 23: "now" instead of "not"). Unanimous.
• Tabled the non-public session minutes from July 7, 2025 (numbers 1-5) for future discussion in non-public session. Unanimous.
• Approved the August 4, 2025, consent agenda. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Mullen (4 Park Avenue) expressed concern about the installation of stop signs on Granite Avenue (a four-way stop and a three-way stop 500 feet apart) without similar measures on parallel Park Avenue. He argued that this would divert traffic to Park Avenue, adversely affecting residents, and suggested trying a speed reduction to 25 mph before installing stop signs. Councilor Pelletier noted that the intent was to also put stop signs on Park Avenue, and Town Manager Devine agreed to an internal meeting to discuss alternatives.

Discussion Items

• HVAC Replacement at Water Treatment Plant (Resolution 2025-27): Wayne Amaral (Municipal Services) presented an emergency resolution to use $32,660 from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund to replace two HVAC units. He noted the units are failing and the building houses sensitive equipment. The cost is low because the units are already in stock. Councilor Betancourt praised the coordination. The resolution was adopted unanimously with a waiver of second reading.
• Lead Service Line Inventory Grant: Fred Wallace (Utility Director) reported a $60,000 grant from NH DES to identify 80 properties with unknown service line materials. The grant also covers further identification. Councilor Betancourt inquired about the total number of lines needing identification (potentially up to 2,000) and the timeline (2036). The grant was accepted unanimously.
• Donations: The council accepted multiple donations: $1,000 (Salem Police Benevolent Association) + $500 (Police Wellness Program) for employee barbecue; $1,000 (Greater Salem Rotary Club) for summer youth program; $200 (Service Credit Union) for National Night Out; $400 (Greater Salem Contractors Association) for food gift cards; $2,000 (Edward Hawkins) to Conservation Commission; $200 (anonymous) in gift cards to Fire Department; $1,000 (Salem Area Women's Club) for plantings at Town Hall. All approved unanimously.
• Depot Village Master Plan Update: Gordon Leedy (T.Y. Lin) presented a conceptual master plan for the Depot Village area, focusing on parcels near the rail trail and former Chinastar lot. Key features: preserving Veterans Plaza, creating a hub with restrooms, playground, picnic areas, gazebo, fountain, and a potential leasable building for bike shop/cafe. The plan envisions 25 parking spaces, a fence consistent with the district, and native landscaping. Estimated cost: $3.5-5 million, with nine possible phases. Councilor Betancourt raised traffic safety concerns at the intersection; Leedy noted pedestrian signals and controlled access. Councilor Sweeney praised the gas station's aesthetics. Councilor Hatch noted that traffic studies are extensive and a pedestrian crossing light exists. The plan is intended for adoption and will go to the Planning Board next.
• Comprehensive Zoning Update: The Economic Development Committee (EDC) recommended a comprehensive zoning update, splitting the proposed Freedom and Prosperity District into a Gateway Development District and an Interstate Corridor District. The EDC voted unanimously to pursue a consultant-led comprehensive update with public input, funded by existing housing champion grants (over $1 million). The council voted unanimously to issue an RFQ to determine costs.
• Salem Youth Baseball Lights: Matthew Palmer requested approval to install four new light poles at Veterans Field, already approved by the Planning Board. The new lights are more efficient and reduce light spill. The council granted permission unanimously.
• Town Website Chatbot: The new chatbot was demonstrated. It crawls only the town website and provides conversational answers. Examples of good and bad responses were shown. The council approved the initiative; it will be iteratively improved.
• Emergency Management Website: Chief Lemair demonstrated the new emergency management webpage, featuring a live road closure map, links to Genesis mass notification system, cooling/warming shelters, and hazard mitigation plan. The council praised the resource.
• Lease Agreement with NH DHHS: The council approved a one-year lease for 428 square feet at the courthouse (35 Deramonte Drive) at $8,771.86 (2% increase), effective October 1, 2025. Councilor Betancourt noted the future of the courthouse is uncertain; the state has not provided a timeline. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• HVAC Replacement: Resolution 2025-27 adopted unanimously, authorizing $32,660 from Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund.
• Lead Service Line Grant: Accepted unanimously, $60,000 from NH DES.
• All Donations: Accepted unanimously.
• Depot Village Master Plan: Presentation received; plan to be forwarded to Planning Board for further input.
• Comprehensive Zoning Update: Council voted unanimously to issue an RFQ for a consultant-led update.
• Salem Youth Baseball Lights: Permission granted unanimously for four light poles at Veterans Field.
• Chatbot and Emergency Management Website: Approved and launched.
• Lease Agreement: Approved unanimously.
• Irma Road Intersection: Town Manager Devine reported that the state recommends a roundabout (construction target 2027). Interim measures discussed: raised median, left-turn prohibition, lane reduction. The council wants a signalized intersection; the state is pushing back. A meeting with DOT is scheduled for August 5 at noon. Councilor Bryant will represent the council.
• New Business: Councilor Sweeney raised concerns about dock assessments (new letters to waterfront property owners); Town Manager will investigate. The municipal parking lot misuse by a car dealership was addressed; the lessor was reminded of lease terms. Transfer station permits remain unchanged.
• Old Business: Dead trees on the leased lot near the depot need attention. The appeal process for buried utility lines (Liberty) continues with a hearing on Wednesday.
• Future Meetings: September 8 and September 22, 2025.