Salem Town Council Meeting – March 2, 2026

The Salem Town Council held its regular meeting on March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM (approximate start) concluding at 7:43 PM. Key actions included approving multiple prior meeting minutes, adopting the consent agenda, recognizing Creighton Brubaker as Employee of the Year, giving first reading to a board attendance policy, accepting a $550 LCIP grant, and receiving extensive transportation updates from the Economic Development Committee regarding CART and the new MEVA pilot service. The town manager also provided updates on charitable gaming fees, the upcoming town election, and a resident survey.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the March 2, 2026 consent agenda unanimously.

Employee of the Year Recognition

• Councilor Bryant led a formal recognition of Creighton Brubaker, Community Development Program Manager, as the Town Council's Employee of the Year. Brubaker was praised for his extensive liaison work with numerous boards, contributions to planning efforts (Depot Village Plan, Recreation Master Plan, Open Space Plan), and improvements to town communications and transparency. He received a plaque which will be displayed in Town Hall.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: The council voted to seal several non-public sessions and approve minutes from February 2, 9, and 25, 2026. All minutes passed unanimously except for one non-public session (February 25, 2026, non-public #1) which passed 6-2 (with Chair and one other abstaining). The February 9, 2026 public session minutes were also unanimously approved.
• First Reading – Attendance Policy for Boards, Committees, and Commissions (Resolution 2026-07): Assistant Town Manager Colleen Mayo presented a draft policy setting attendance expectations for appointed boards (excluding Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Budget Committee, which have their own rules). Key provisions: members absent for three consecutive meetings or more than 50% of meetings in a calendar year (without extenuating circumstances or prior chair approval) may be recommended for removal by the committee chair. Councilor Betancourt complimented the policy for balancing volunteer service with accountability. A motion to accept the first reading and schedule a second reading for March 16, 2026 passed unanimously.
• Acceptance of $550 LCIP Grant: Community Development Program Manager Creighton Brubaker presented a $550 annual grant from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCIP) for land acquisition in the town forest. The council unanimously authorized acceptance of the donation to the conservation fund.
• Transportation Updates (CART and MEVA Pilot): Creighton Brubaker and Economic Development Committee (EDC) representative Bianca Carlson provided an overview of current public transportation services and a new pilot program.
  • CART (Greater Derry-Salem Cart Service): Provides the Salem Shopper Shuttle (free for residents, Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings) and on-demand bus service ($2/trip) to five towns. Salem pays approximately $48,000–$49,000 annually in dues, which have been largely level-funded since 2012 due to federal matching. Ridership: FY24: 3,700; FY25: 3,400; FY26 projected: ~4,000. CART is funded 50-50 federal/local for operations and 80-20 for capital.
  • MEVA (Merrimack Valley Transit) Pilot: A one-year pilot program funded entirely by a Massachusetts Department of Transportation connectivity grant (no Salem taxpayer dollars). MEVA will extend service from Methuen to Tuscan Village in Salem, with stops at Mass General Brigham-Tuscan and another Tuscan stop where riders can connect to MTA (Manchester Transit Authority) buses. The target start date is April 2026. The service will run seven days a week on a fixed route, allowing connections to the Lawrence MBTA T-stop. Noah Berger, MEVA Administrator, confirmed that MEVA does not intend to seek local funding; the pilot relies on state/federal sources and business community support. EDC Chair Bianca Carlson noted that the pilot aligns with the newly adopted Master Plan's transportation goals and will be evaluated after one year.
  • Councilors discussed the sustainability of the pilot, with assurances that no future funding commitment exists. Councilor Whithrow asked about CART dues potentially being reduced by federal funding; Town Manager Devine and Councilor Sweeney explained that current dues are already discounted because of federal funds, and service changes may be needed if costs rise. Councilor Hatch recalled that CART dues were historically population-based. Councilor Pelletier and others expressed support for the MEVA pilot, noting past bus services in Salem.
• Economic Development Committee Achievements: Bianca Carlson summarized the EDC's work over the past year, including a transportation survey (November–December 2025) that received responses highlighting congestion, limited transit options, and desire for expanded public transit, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and an in-town shuttle. The EDC also expanded economic revitalization zones and held an informational session with the NHBEA.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Multiple prior meeting minutes (public and non-public) were approved; one non-public session passed 6-2 (February 25, 2026, non-public #1).
• Attendance Policy (Resolution 2026-07): First reading accepted; second reading scheduled for March 16, 2026.
• LCIP Grant: Accepted unanimously.
• Transportation Pilot: The MEVA pilot program will launch April 2026; no town funds committed.
• Town Election: Announced for March 10, 2026, 7 AM – 7 PM at four polling locations (Woodbury Middle School, North Salem, Fifth School, Barron School). Polling location changes; QR codes and signage at the old Community Center site. Returns will be tallied at Town Hall.
• Town Manager Report:
  • Charitable gaming host community fees: $45,980 received for 2026, bringing two-year total to nearly $90,000. Staff will bring recommendations on how to allocate these funds with community benefit.
  • 2026 Resident Survey: 316 responses received; congestion and infrastructure improvements were top concerns (after taxes). Presentation to council expected in late March or early April.
  • Summer employment and camp registration are open through the Recreation Department.
• Next Meetings: March 16, 2026; April 6, 2026; April 20, 2026.
• Adjournment: Met at approximately 7:00 PM and adjourned at 7:43 PM by unanimous vote.