Salem Town Council Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Salem Town Council met on May 18, 2026, to consider the appointment of three members to the new Finance Committee, accept findings from an ethics committee investigation, authorize funding for the Route 11/Irma Road intersection improvement project, receive an informational presentation on the 2026 Open Space Master Plan, and approve an update to the CIP bylaws. The meeting also included employee recognition, the town manager’s report, and scheduling of upcoming meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council voted 7–0–1 (eight in favor, one abstention) to approve the May 4, 2026 public session minutes. (Correction: originally 8–0–1, then revised to 7–0–2 after acknowledging a non‑voting mover.)
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7–0) for May 18, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

There were no public comments or testimony recorded during the meeting.

Employee Recognition

• Ben Syk, heavy equipment operator with the Department of Municipal Services, was recognized as Employee of the Month. Municipal Services Director Wayne Emerald praised his positive attitude and work ethic.

Finance Committee Interviews and Appointments

Five candidates were interviewed for three open seats on the Finance Committee (terms ending June 2027, 2028, and 2029):

• Camelia Buzerden (190 Lancaster Farm Street) – economics and political science instructor at UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College.
• Timothy Norton (41 Cole Street) – senior finance business partner at National Grid.
• Clayton Seabridge (9 Olive Ave) – CPA, senior financial accountant at Mass General Brigham.
• Kevin Wallace (31 Blake Road) – retired with 30+ years at State Street/U.S. Bank in corporate trust, audit, and risk.
• Alexi Popoff (6 Shem Way) – investor with 15 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy, and investment banking.

Council members expressed that all candidates were highly qualified. After discussion, the council voted:

• Kevin Wallace appointed to a three‑year term (ending June 2029) – unanimous 9–0.
• Alexi Popoff appointed to a two‑year term – 8–1.
• Camelia Buzerden appointed to a one‑year term – 6–3.

Ethics Committee Findings

Council member Hatch recused himself from the discussion. The ethics committee’s findings regarding a complaint (dated 2026, no. 01) were read into the record. The committee found:

• No violation of conflict of interest (Section 6.3.2).
• An unintentional violation of duty to disclose (Section 6.3.4) because the respondent failed to publicly announce paid performance at “Field of Dreams.”
• No violation of use of influence (Section 6.3.7).

Recommendation: the respondent must publicly announce any business relationships with parties before the budget committee in the future and participate in annual ethics training. The council voted 8–1 to accept the findings.

Municipal Services – Route 11/Irma Road Intersection Improvement Project

Part 1 – Public Hearing and Grant Acceptance: The state grant from the NH Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program of $4,023,214.96 (90% state share) was accepted with gratitude. The motion passed 9–0. The state’s portion is $3,620,893.46.

Part 2 – Town’s 10% Match: The council authorized the expenditure of $402,321.50 (the town’s 10% share) using $71,923.60 from the roadway improvements capital reserve fund, $48,762.90 from zone three traffic impact fees, and $281,635 via taxation (already approved in the 2026 operating budget). The motion passed.

Community Development – Open Space Master Plan (Informational)

Jen Rowden of the Rockingham Planning Commission presented the 2026 Open Space Master Plan, adopted by the Conservation Commission on May 6, 2026. The plan includes a natural resources inventory, prioritization mapping, and recommendations for land protection. Salem currently has nearly 2,000 acres of open space and a conservation fund balance of just under $2 million (as of end of 2025). The council took no action.

Community Development – CIP Bylaw Update

An amended version of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) bylaws, recommended by the CIP committee on April 21, 2026, was approved unanimously (9–0).

Town Manager’s Report

• Water Restrictions: Mandatory restrictions effective May 15, 2026; details on the town website.
• Master Plan Award: Received a statewide planning award for implementation framework.
• MIVA Bus Service: 3,200 users in the first 24 days (starting April 6); feedback requests more frequent service.
• Memorial Day: Ceremonies at Pine Grove (10:30 AM) and Salem Common (11 AM) on Monday, May 26.
• Police Promotions: Seven officers promoted up to deputy chief.
• National Public Works Week: Residents encouraged to thank DPW staff.
• Engineering Award: Excellence award for remediation of 8,300 tons of impacted soil/sludge at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Town‑Wide Yard Sale: June 13; registration deadline May 28.
• Planning Board Activity Map: Now online, showing current and past applications with meeting materials.

Key Outcomes

• Finance Committee Appointments: Kevin Wallace (3‑year), Alexi Popoff (2‑year), Camelia Buzerden (1‑year).
• Ethics Findings: Accepted (8–1); respondent required to disclose future business relationships and attend annual ethics training.
• Irma Road Grant: Accepted (9–0); town match authorized.
• CIP Bylaws: Approved (9–0).
• Upcoming Meetings: June 1, June 15, July 6, and July 3 (likely a date error; note: July 3 is a Friday, but the transcript states “July 3rd” – possibly July 20? The meeting schedule for July and August will have only one meeting each month.)

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM (no exact time given).