Salem Town Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Salem Town Council met on May 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM to discuss and vote on several items including property tax exemptions for elderly and disabled residents, a management agreement addendum for Field of Dreams, water restrictions due to drought conditions, and funding for roadway improvements. All votes were 7-0 unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes of January 31, 2026 (7-0).
• Approved the meeting minutes of April 20, 2026 public session (7-0).
• Approved the May 4, 2026 consent agenda (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Hargraves (representing Field of Dreams) commented on the addendum, stating that third-party events already carry insurance and that Field of Dreams spends more on upkeep than it receives from rentals. He expressed frustration over the town's request for $10,000 in taxpayer funding and offered to return it if needed.
• David LeCroix (442 North Main Street) questioned the timing and necessity of the addendum, arguing that the town should enforce the existing contract rather than change rules to match past behavior. He opposed the addendum, citing a lack of urgency.
• Tiny Donnelly (40 West Dustin Road, President of Canobie Lake Protective Association) urged the council to adopt mandatory water restrictions immediately and to maximize water purchases from the regional line to protect Canobie Lake levels.

Discussion Items

• Adjustment to Exemption Limits for Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Residents: Chief Assessor John Hamill presented a proposal to increase income and asset limits by 16% for income thresholds and 30% for exemption amounts to prevent residents from losing eligibility due to rising property values. The council discussed the need for annual adjustments and the impact of the upcoming revaluation.
• Field of Dreams Management Agreement Addendum: Assistant Town Manager Colleen Meyer introduced an addendum to allow third-party use of the park (e.g., charity runs, community events) with town approval, insurance requirements, and limits on large events (6 per year over 200 people). The council debated whether past violations of the contract should be addressed, with some members expressing trust concerns. The addendum runs through February 2027.
• Water Restrictions: Municipal Services Director Wayne Amaral requested voluntary watering restrictions (odd days, midnight–10 a.m.) due to drought conditions and low reservoir levels. After discussion with Utilities Director Fred Wallace, the council agreed that mandatory restrictions were more effective and moved to implement them from May 15, 2026.
• Roadway Improvement Capital Reserve Fund: A request to authorize $3 million from the capital reserve fund for the 2026 road program, including mill and overlay, crack sealing, rubber chip program, and a new PCI inventory. The council noted that full-depth construction would be skipped this year due to budget cuts.
• Winter Operations Report: Deputy Director Jeff Benson presented the 2025-2026 winter season summary, with 83 inches of snow (up from 55 inches the prior year), 39 primary plowing events, and a budget that will exceed the revised appropriation due to overtime and salt costs. The council praised the winter operations team.
• Annual Litter Cleanup Report: Jeff Benson reported that 3.65 tons of trash were collected from 53 miles of roads in early April, part of a nine-year total of 29.8 tons. Volunteers from local organizations and scout troops participated.
• Town Manager Report: Updates included scheduling the 2027 deliberative session for January 30, 2026; progress on financial software RFP; 2025 audit timeline; an ADU seminar on May 27; property revaluation notices in July/August; Memorial Day events on May 25; and recognition weeks for public service, police, firefighters, and municipal clerks.

Key Outcomes

• Exemption Limits: Approved unanimously an increase in income and asset limits for elderly, blind, and disabled exemptions. Single income limit raised from $41,000 to $47,560; married from $55,000 to $63,800; asset limit from $140,000 to $162,400. Elderly exemption amounts: 5–79 years from $180,000 to $234,000; 80+ from $245,000 to $318,000. Blind exemption from $130,000 to $169,000; disabled from $120,000 to $156,000.
• Field of Dreams Addendum: Approved unanimously to allow third-party use of the park with town oversight, insurance, and limits on large events. Town Manager authorized to sign.
• Mandatory Water Restrictions: Approved unanimously to implement mandatory lawn irrigation restrictions effective May 15, 2026, allowing watering only on odd-numbered days between midnight and 10 a.m. until drought conditions improve.
• Roadway Improvement Funding: Approved unanimously the disbursement of $3 million from the Roadway Improvements Capital Reserve Fund for the 2026 road program as presented.
• The Rock Memorial Relocation: Approved unanimously to authorize Merrill Excavation to move the memorial stone to a new location at the beach area as a community project at no cost to the town.