Salem Town Council Meeting Summary - November 17, 2025

The Salem Town Council convened on November 17, 2025, to address routine administrative matters, approve new appointments, and conduct a public hearing regarding ambulance service code amendments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing heated rhetoric from the Budget Committee concerning the FY26 budget, with the Chairman, Town Manager, and multiple Council members firmly defending the staff's integrity against accusations of deception. The Council also approved a discussion to be held in December regarding the vacant State House seat and moved to place a charter amendment to repeal the Municipal Budget Act on the ballot.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the sealing of two non-public sessions (91A32D and 91A32C) regarding potential defamation/inaccuracy in reputation.
• Approved minutes from the non-public sessions held on November 3, 2025 (sessions one, two, and three) and the public session.
• Approved the November 17, 2025, consent agenda unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Kimpton: Rose a third time to request an official discussion on reconsidering the Council's March 24th decision to leave the State House seat vacant. He cited a 17-to-1 constituent disapproval ratio, questioned the lack of public record regarding the decision to forego a special election, and requested a discussion on a contingency fund to defray special election costs given the $20,000 cost estimate mentioned by the Town Manager.
• Ms. Alyssa Cadillac: Expressed support for filling the vacant State House seat, arguing it is a disservice to deny residents the opportunity to elect representatives. She expressed appreciation for the upcoming Civics 101 program and the recent appointment to the Conservation Commission.

Discussion Items

• Chairman's Comments on Scouting: Noted that a recent food drive collected 4,675 pieces of canned goods/products.
• Chairman's Comments on Budget Committee: Strongly expressed disappointment and outrage regarding Budget Committee members' implication that town staff were lying, deceptive, or that the Council supports a "pay your taxes or leave town" mentality. Chairman stated these comments were unfounded and that the Board does not hold those feelings.
• Council Sweeney, Withrow, and Hatch on Budget Committee:
  • Council Sweeney echoed sentiments that the Budget Committee's attacks should be directed at the elected Council, not staff, and suggested the Budget Committee may be a relic of the past that should be repealed via charter amendment.
  • Council Withrow supported the idea of a charter amendment to repeal the Municipal Budget Act, arguing the Board is currently too "overshadowed" and that the Committee was intended to be advisory.
  • Council Hatch cautioned that while the Council can vote to put the repeal on the ballot, it is ultimately the voters who decide the outcome.
• Town Manager's Report & Defense: Town Manager Joe Devine addressed the Budget Committee's accusations, stating staff has been transparent. He clarified that the FY26 operating budget came in 0.39% below the tax rate goal (excluding warrant articles) and that staff followed the voters' directive to include the debt service for the police bond as forecasted. He stated he does not feel misled but was hurt by accusations of deceit regarding the $5.90 tax rate which excluded future warrant articles.
• Council Bettencourt on Budget Committee: Supported the Town Manager, expressing surprise at the Budget Committee's comments given the high quality of the delivered budgets. He argued that cutting $2 million based on speculative future warrant articles is unhelpful and that the issue could have been avoided if the Committee had attended joint budget hearings.
• Conservation Commission Appointment: Council moved to appoint Claudia DeFruyer to the Conservation Commission to fill the remainder of Linda Harvey's term (expiring April 2026), citing her knowledge of town policy.
• Resolution 2025-36 (Unmerger of Lots): Recognized Resolution 2025-36 as the first reading for East Windfield Realty's request to unmerge lots at 180 Main Street. A public hearing and second reading were scheduled for December 1, 2025.
• Winter Operations Update: Deputy Director Jeff Benson presented the winter plan, noting a surplus of $86,000 in contract services and $63,000 for winter weather operations. The plan involves 75 pieces of equipment, 66 personnel, 36 plow routes, and 35 miles of sidewalk maintenance, with specific plans for school zones and emergency services priority.
• Ambulance Service Code Amendment (Resolution 2025-37): Conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2025-37 to amend Chapter 185 of the Salem Municipal Code regarding ambulance services to reflect New Hampshire RSA 420-J updates. The motion to waive the second reading was passed.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Repeal Budget Act: Passed a motion (8-1, in opposition Council Bettencourt) to schedule a public hearing for December 1st, 2025, on a charter amendment to repeal the Municipal Budget Act.
• Vacant State House Seat: Council agreed to hold a discussion on December 1st regarding the vacant State House seat (Resolution 2025-36 discussion item). Town Manager noted a special election cost of approximately $20,200 and confirmed that a primary election would be necessary, increasing costs.
• Conservation Commission: Appointed Claudia DeFruyer as a regular member of the Conservation Commission (Unanimous).
• Lot Unmerger: Approved first reading for the unmerger of lots at 180 Main Street and set public hearing for December 1st (Unanimous).
• Ambulance Fees: Adopted Resolution 2025-37 and waived second reading to update ambulance billing procedures (Unanimous).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned unanimously (Council Bettencourt absent).

Employee of the Month

• Recognized Greg Minen (Cemetery Foreman) for his compassion, dedication, and leadership during the month of November.
• Town Manager and Municipal Services Director Wayne Amaral provided testimonials highlighting Minen's impact on the community and staff.

Upcoming Events

• Civics 101: December 9th, 6-8 PM at Ingram Senior Center.
• Salem Holiday Parade: November 30th, 1 PM (Theme: 275th Anniversary).
• Captain's Pond Watershed Hearing: December 2nd, 4-5 PM at Nightingale Room.
• Tree Lighting: December 2nd, 6 PM at Veterans Plaza.
• Winterfest: December 11th, 5:30-7:30 PM at Senior Center.
• Trash Committee Meeting: December 15th, 4 PM at Nightingale Room.