Salem Town Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

The Salem Town Council met on September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM (presumed start) to address a wide range of business including approvals of minutes, consent agenda, public hearings on zoning amendments and lot unmerger, a first reading for a proposed Salem Development Corporation, consideration of the 2026 fee schedule (tabled), acceptance of a donation, and presentations on the Recreation Master Plan and Capital Improvements Plan. The meeting also included recognitions, swearing-in of new firefighters, and confirmation of a new chief assessor.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council voted unanimously to seal the September 8, 2025 non-public session minutes and approved the September 8, 2025 public session minutes (7-2, with two abstentions due to absence).
• Hose House Historic District Vote: Chairman noted a late agenda item regarding the hose house and historic district; a motion was made and seconded to approve contractor work on flooring and windows. The vote was unanimous.
• Consent Agenda: A motion to approve the September 22, 2025 consent agenda was seconded and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Docks Tax (Item not on agenda): Rick Villeu (23 Shore Drive) expressed frustration over a 50% recreation tax increase and a proposed dock tax, asking "when is enough enough?"
• Docks Tax: Harry Nelson (5 Cove Road Extension) opposed a separate dock tax, calling it cumbersome and hard to administer, arguing it should be part of property value. He stated he was "against a separate tax for the dock."
• Unmerger of Lots (14 Summer Street): Robert Malik and Rita Chase (13 Summer Street) voiced safety concerns about traffic, garbage, parking, and the narrow street, opposing the creation of a new address. Council clarified the vote only concerned unmerging lots, not building.
• Zoning Amendments (Short-Term Rentals): Lori Ball (22 Arlington Pond Court) and Damon Norcross (8 Sorneson Road) spoke in favor of redefining residential uses to exclude short-term rentals, citing safety issues, noise, and neighborhood disruption. Both urged the council to pass the ordinance.

Discussion Items

• Employee of the Month Recognitions: Fire Chief Craig Lemaire presented August Employee of the Month to dispatcher Lauren Cody for her professionalism and dedication. Police Chief Joel Dolan presented September Employee of the Month to Lieutenant Bob Jeaness for leadership in Special Services Division and recruitment efforts.
• Swearing-In of New Firefighters: Four new firefighters were sworn in: Travis Bouncey, William Willett, Tyler Burgoyne, and Noah Southern. The chief noted these hires bring the department to full staff.
• Confirmation of Chief Assessor: John Duhamel was introduced as the new chief assessor, with over 20 years experience. Councilor Bettencourt emphasized the need for clear communication with residents. The council voted unanimously to confirm.
• Resolution 2025-28 – Unmerger Lots (14 Summer Street): Attorney Bernard Campbell presented the request, stating the lots were never treated as one parcel. Councilor Hatch explained state law requires approval if no evidence of merger exists. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
• Resolution 2025-29 – Zoning Amendments: Planning Director Jacob Lafontaine presented four amendments: revising residential definitions to exclude transient uses (short-term rentals), updating ADU ordinance, reducing parking requirements to one space per unit, and requiring performance guarantees for wetland mitigation. All were recommended by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. Councilor Bettencourt noted this levels the playing field. The council voted unanimously to adopt.
• Resolution 2025-30 – Fee Schedule (First Read): Finance Director Nicole McGee presented proposed changes including a new $200 off-hours water turn-on fee, increased hauler fees, and a $1,000 food service fee (Class G) for one business. Councilors expressed concerns about arbitrary numbers and lack of cost-based justification. Councilor Bettencourt moved to table the item, seconded by Councilor Bryant. The motion passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-31 – Salem Development Corporation (First Read): Councilor Sweeney proposed a nonprofit development corporation to access tax-exempt bond financing for public goods, with no town liability. Discussion included board size, criteria for projects, and potential for economic development. Councilor Wright noted IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Councilor Bettencourt supported the first read but requested research on similar communities. The council voted unanimously to schedule a second reading on October 6, 2025.
• Resolution 2025-32 – Morse Field Use and Occupancy Agreement: Assistant Town Manager Colleen Mayor presented a formal agreement with NHDOT for continued use of Morse Field. The council voted unanimously to adopt and waive second reading.
• Acceptance of Donation: The council accepted a bench valued at $1,400 from the Picket Masonic Lodge #85, authorizing the town manager to determine placement. Vote: 8-0.
• Recreation Master Plan Phase 1 Presentation: Community Development Director Crait Brewbaker presented the plan, which included a public survey (250+ responses), site analyses for Millville Rec Area, 73 Lawrence Road, and Little Saugus Field. Key findings: 72% consider parks very important; top wish list items include restrooms, splash pad, and water access. Council discussed needs for youth football, dog parks, and connectivity. Councilor Hatch supported multi-purpose fields at Millville; Councilor Pelletia emphasized preserving the Millville Lake beach area. The plan was accepted by unanimous vote.
• Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) 2026-2031 Report: Brewbaker presented the CIP committee recommendations, including a $172,000 design phase for Lawrence Road Fire Station (ranked #1), $3.6 million road program, and other projects. The committee recommended a tax impact of $8.7 million, within the floor-ceiling range. Councilor Bettencourt asked for clearer funding source breakdowns. The report was accepted unanimously.
• CIP Process Improvement Recommendations and Bylaw Changes: The committee proposed four process improvements (internal prioritization, master planning ties, committee presentations, six-year outlook) and bylaw changes to add a seventh member and clarify appointment procedures. After discussion, the council approved the process improvements unanimously. The bylaw changes were also approved unanimously, with a note to correct language on non-debatable motions to conform to Robert's Rules.
• Town Manager Report: Joe Devine addressed the docks tax issue, stating that permanent docks are taxable under state law, but the process for notification was flawed. The town will send abatement applications to affected dock owners. He also presented the FY2026 budget calendar, employee appreciation barbecue (Sept 25), fire ban proclamation, and reflected on his first year as permanent town manager, highlighting accomplishments including $24 million in bonds, $6 million in grants, and a triple-A bond rating.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Unanimous approval of minutes, consent agenda, hose house vote, employee recognition, firefighter swearing-in, assessor confirmation, resolutions 2025-28, 2025-29, 2025-32, donation acceptance, recreation master plan acceptance, CIP report acceptance, and CIP process improvements.
  • Resolution 2025-30 (fee schedule) was tabled unanimously.
  • Resolution 2025-31 (Salem Development Corporation) approved for second reading on October 6, 2025 (unanimous).
• Directives: Town manager to provide legal notice and abatement process for dock owners; CIP committee to revise bylaw language on non-debatable motions; research on development corporations in similar communities.
• Next Steps: Budget workshops Oct 1, 8, 15; public hearing on operating budget Nov 12; charter amendments Nov 17; deliberative session Jan 31, 2026; election March 10, 2026.