Salem

City Council

The Committee on Community and Economic Development will meet to discuss a resolution regarding rent stabilization. This meeting is co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.

• Rent Stabilization Resolution

School Committee

The Salem School Committee will hold a special meeting to interview Thomas Welch, a finalist for the district superintendent position. The session will focus solely on this personnel interview before adjourning. No policy votes, budget approvals, or public hearings are scheduled.

• Interview of superintendent finalist Thomas Welch
• Special meeting at 29 Highland Ave., Rm. 227

School Committee

The Salem School Committee is holding a special meeting to conduct a final interview for the position of Superintendent. The session focuses exclusively on evaluating candidate Jorge Allen.

• Interview of Superintendent finalist Jorge Allen

Housing Authority Board

The Salem Housing Authority Board will hold a public hearing and vote on the Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan. They will also discuss routine reports, including finances, vacancies, and an elevator project.

• Public hearing on Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan
• Board vote on State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan
• Final payment of $18,870 for elevator upgrade at 27 Charter Street
• Approval of write-offs through June 30, 2026 per Public Housing Notice 2017-17
• Discussion of Federal Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for FY 2026

Salem Redevelopment Authority

The Salem Redevelopment Authority will discuss an update on the redevelopment of the historic courthouses and the Crescent Lot. They will also consider appointing Joe Badowski to the Design Review Board and review a small project for window replacement at 6 Front Street. Approval of prior meeting minutes and financial reports are also on the agenda.

• Appointment of Joe Badowski to DRB for term vacated by Kate Martin, expires Oct 9, 2027
• Small project review for replacement of 34 windows at 6 Front Street
• Update on redevelopment of historic courthouses and the Crescent Lot
• Review of SRA financials
• Approval of June 10, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council Committee on Government Services will meet jointly with the Committee of the Whole to discuss applications submitted to the Community Preservation Committee. Items may include proposed projects using funds from the Community Preservation Act.

• Community Preservation Committee Applications

Planning Board

The board will consider multiple large-scale developments, including adaptive reuse for housing and new construction. Key items include a multi-phase residential project at Harrison Road and an affordable housing/shelter proposal near Margin Street.

• Forest River Residences: Adaptive reuse of three Salem State buildings for 145 dwelling units at 8 Harrison Road
• North Shore Community Development Corp: Site plan and landscape amendments for Lafayette Street and Derby Street properties
• Affordable Housing/Shelter: Demolition and adaptive reuse for 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter near Margin Street
• Pickering Wharf Complex: Proposed demolition of upper floors to add 18 new dwelling units at 57 Wharf Street
• Decision extension request for 252 Bridge Street through July 17, 2026

School Committee

The Salem School Committee will hold a special meeting to interview Andrew Bott, the finalist for superintendent of Salem Public Schools. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Interview of superintendent finalist Andrew Bott

Housing Authority Board

The Salem Historical Commission will discuss and potentially vote on certificates of appropriateness and demolition delay waivers for four properties. Items include an electrical disconnect at 2 River Street, a demolition delay waiver for a roof at 15 Willow Avenue, an entrance modification at 21 North Street, and another demolition delay waiver for a roof at 26 Linden Street. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.

• 2 River Street – Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior electrical disconnect
• 15 Willow Avenue – Waiver of Demolition Delay to demolish >50% of roof on house >50 years old
• 21 North Street – Certificate of Appropriateness to modify entrance
• 26 Linden Street – Waiver of Demolition Delay to demolish >50% of roof on house >50 years old

City Council

The Salem City Council Committee of the Whole will meet to review findings from the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Study. Officials will discuss planning recommendations for this key thoroughfare. No binding votes or policy changes are scheduled for this session.

• Review of the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Study

City Council

The City Council Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the findings and recommendations of the City Seal Task Force Report. No votes or formal actions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.

• Discussion of #588 City Seal Task Force Report

City Council

The City Council Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, will meet on August 6, 2026, to discuss an ordinance amendment that would regulate or ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The meeting is open to the public both in-person and via Zoom.

• Ordinance Amendment relative to Gas Powered Leaf Blowers

City Council

The Salem City Council Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the City Seal Task Force Report. This is the sole agenda item for the meeting.

• Discussion of City Seal Task Force Report (#588)

Salem Harbor Port Authority

The Salem Harbor Port Authority meeting scheduled for July 2, 2026 has been canceled due to a holiday and will not be rescheduled. The next regular meeting is August 6, 2026.

Historical Commission

The Salem Historical Commission will vote on a waiver of demolition delay for a garage over 50 years old at 225 Loring Avenue, and decide on certificates of appropriateness for numerous properties including new heat pump installation at 415 Essex Street, a 2-story addition at 21 Warren Street, and solar panels at 1A Cambridge Street. Many items are continuations from previous meetings. The meeting also includes a letter of support for a MAAB variance request for St. Peter's Church.

• Demolition delay waiver for garage at 225 Loring Avenue (older than 50 years)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for heat pump installation at 415 Essex Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior modifications and 2-story addition at 21 Warren Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for solar panel installation at 1A Cambridge Street
• Request for letter of support for MAAB variance at St. Peter's Church, 24 St. Peter Street

Conservation Commission

The special meeting scheduled for July 1, 2026, has been cancelled. The commission will next meet on its regular schedule on July 21, 2026.

Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee

The Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee will review the city's Bike Master Plan and prioritize street improvements. The group will also discuss updates to the bikeshare program and coordinate upcoming community cycling events.

• Discussion of Bike Master Plan
• Complete Streets Prioritization Plan review
• Bikeshare program updates
• Planning for Spokes & Stripes July 4th Bike Parade and Heritage Days Parade
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair

Planning Board

The Salem Planning Board will hold continuances of public hearings for three major development projects: the 145-unit adaptive reuse of former Salem State buildings (Forest River Residences), a 48-unit veteran housing project at 50 Washington Street, and amendments to a culvert condition for the Lafayette/Derry health center project. The board will also vote to appoint a member to the Community Preservation Committee.

• Continued hearing for 145-unit adaptive reuse of Salem State South Campus buildings (8 & 9 Harrison Rd., 262 & 266 Loring Ave.)
• Continued hearing for 48 studio apartments for veterans at 50 Washington Street (Tabernacle Congregational Church property)
• Continued hearing for amendments to culvert conditions (conditions 14g & 14h) for North Shore Community Development/Health Center project at Lafayette/Derby/Peabody Streets
• Vote to appoint a Planning Board member to the Community Preservation Committee
• Review and approval of draft minutes from June 4, 2026

The Planning Board approved a special permit and site plan review for Beacon Communities to convert 50 Washington Street's Tabernacle Congregational Church into 48 studio apartments for veterans. The board also approved a letter to MassDOT supporting the Forest River Residences stormwater plan (8-0) and continued that public hearing to July 9. Additionally, they granted a continuance for the Lafayette Street culvert amendment and appointed Tom Furey to the Community Preservation Committee.

• Approved 48-veteran apartment project at 50 Washington St (8-0)
• Approved letter to MassDOT for Forest River stormwater plan (8-0)
• Continued Forest River Residences hearing to July 9 (8-0)
• Continued Lafayette Street culvert amendment to July 9 (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Appointed Tom Furey to Community Preservation Committee (8-0)
• Approved June 4, 2026 draft minutes (8-0)

City Council

The council will consider several mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions. Additionally, they will review fund transfers and appropriations related to purchasing and copier supplies.

• Appointment of Brittany Dove as Assistant City Treasurer
• Appointment of Krystle Brown to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Appointment of Dr. Javier Garcia-Perez to the Race Equity Commission
• Re-appointment of Kirt Rieder to the Planning Board
• Re-appointment of Peter Habib to the Zoning Board of Appeals

The Council approved a $8,926.62 and a $6,500 transfer for copier supplies, and authorized the Mayor to sign a Project Scope and Budget Agreement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the high school project (11-0). A resolution supporting state rent stabilization legislation was referred to the Committee on Community and Economic Development co-posted with the Committee of the Whole. Appointments to the Race Equity Commission and Planning/Zoning Board were held until next meeting.

• Confirmed Krystle Brown to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (11-0)
• Approved $8,926.62 transfer for copier supplies
• Approved $6,500 appropriation from Free Cash for copier supplies
• Authorized Mayor to enter High School Project Scope and Budget Agreement with MSBA (11-0)
• Referred rent stabilization resolution to joint committee
• Adopted order for Committee of the Whole to discuss Council Rules and Orders
• Adopted order for Committee of the Whole to discuss Standing Committees
• Held appointments to Race Equity Commission and Planning/ZBA until next meeting

City Council

The City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs will meet to discuss the granting of certain licenses for seaworms. This single-item meeting will be held in person with remote access available. No other agenda items are listed.

• Discussion of granting certain licenses for seaworms

City Council

The City Council Committee on Administration and Finance, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, will meet to discuss the proposed Five Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027-2031. This meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Discussion of Proposed Five Year CIP 2027-2031

The Committee on Administration and Finance, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, voted to recommend approval of the proposed 2027-2031 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The motion carried 5-0, with no discussion or amendments. The vote had been postponed from June 10, 2026.

• Recommended approval of 2027-2031 Five-Year CIP (5-0)

Transportation Commission

The Transportation Commission and Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee will hold a special joint meeting to discuss an updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. The plan is no longer required by MassDOT but is still encouraged. Public comments will be taken at the start of the meeting.

• Discussion of updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan
• Public comment period (15 min, 3 min per person)
• Director's update on transportation matters

Sustainability, Energy, & Resiliency Committee

The Sustainability, Energy, and Resiliency Committee will review updates from the City Council and Sustainability Department. The group will discuss a meeting with Senator Lovely regarding cuts to Mass Save and refine the committee's mission statement and social media strategy.

• Discussion of Mass Save funding cuts
• Review of SERC mission statement
• Planning for SERC subcommittees
• Social media and city webpage strategy

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board will review five sign applications in the Urban Renewal Area and one interpretive signage project at 266 Canal Street. They will also approve minutes from May 20, 2026, and receive staff updates.

• 100 Washington Street: Black Cat sign
• 11 Church Street: Sinistry sign
• 259 Essex Street: Warren Museum sign
• 24 Congress Street: Mexizol sign
• 60 Washington Street: Odd Meter Coffee & Kitchen sign

The Design Review Board unanimously approved sign proposals for Black Cat, Sinistry, Warren Museum, Mexizol, and Odd Meter Coffee & Kitchen, with conditions for surety bonds and blade sign requirements. The board also reviewed interpretive signage for 266 Canal Street, forwarding comments to the Planning Board, and approved minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved 100 Washington Street sign (Black Cat) with height waiver (5-0)
• Approved 11 Church Street sign (Sinistry) as submitted (5-0)
• Approved 259 Essex Street sign (Warren Museum) with conditions on surety bond and blade sign requirements (5-0)
• Approved 24 Congress Street sign (Mexizol) with surety bond condition (5-0)
• Approved 60 Washington Street sign (Odd Meter Coffee & Kitchen) with condition to paint background to match (5-0)
• Acknowledged review of interpretive signage at 266 Canal Street with comment on accessibility (5-0)
• Approved May 20, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Noted public comment on ADA compliance for outdoor dining

Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee

The Salem Transportation Commission and Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee will hold a special joint meeting to discuss an updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. The plan was previously required for MassDOT grants but is now encouraged. The meeting includes public comments and other routine business.

• Discussion of updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan

School Committee

The School Committee will review interview questions and schedules for the upcoming superintendent search. The body will also vote on ratifying the contract for the Executive Director of Special Education and approve several FY26 payment warrants.

• Ratification of Executive Director of Special Education contract
• Approval of FY26 warrants: $1,262,138.21 (6/4/26) and $735,035.13 (6/11/26)
• Discussion of superintendent interview questions and upcoming interviews
• Approval of Salem High School JROTC field trip to Buzzards Bay, MA
• Technology and Finance and Operations reports

School Committee

The committee will receive an update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) High School project. The primary focus is a presentation on restroom layouts, incorporating student and staff feedback and new Massachusetts plumbing codes regarding gender-neutral and inclusive facilities.

• MSBA High School Building Project update
• Review of student survey data showing 39% preference for individual restrooms
• Discussion of Massachusetts Plumbing Code updates (Dec 2023) regarding multi-stall gender-neutral restrooms
• Review of proposed restroom locations across four floors of the new high school

Salem High School Building Committee

The Salem High School Building Committee will review the project milestone schedule, discuss updates on the design process, and hear from the Finance Working Group. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comment.

• Review of milestone schedule
• Design process update
• Finance Working Group update
• Approval of April 27 meeting minutes

Licensing Board

The Salem Licensing Board will discuss and vote on granting liquor-licensed establishments extended hours until 2 AM through July 31, 2026. The board will also consider a request to transfer an all-alcohol license at 26 Congress Street to El Segundo LLC doing business as Mexicol Ricon de Mexico.

• Transfer of Annual All Alcohol License at 26 Congress St to El Segundo LLC d/b/a Mexicol Ricon de Mexico
• Vote on extending liquor license hours to 2 AM for all licensed establishments until July 31, 2026

Board of Public Library Trustees

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate for the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees. The board will approve April minutes, review library usage and finances, and receive a building update. No public hearings, contracts, or policy changes are scheduled.

• Approval of April 23, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of library usage statistics
• Financial report review
• Building maintenance update

The Board approved using the regular checking account to purchase 200 fountain bags. Trustees also reviewed library circulation reports and the status of the brownstone stair restoration project. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved purchase of 200 fountain bags for $2,850 using regular checking account (Unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes from April 23, 2026 (Unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on seven petitions, including a variance to add two dwelling units at 278 Lafayette Street and a special permit to convert a nonconforming medical office to a retail/gourmet shop at 11 Vinnin Street. Other items involve an accessory dwelling unit, additions to nonconforming structures, and a shed. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• 11 Vinnin St: Special permit to change from nonconforming medical office to retail/gourmet shop with on-site baking.
• 17 Lincoln Rd: Finding for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a 13.3-foot front setback.
• 278 Lafayette St: Variance to add two dwelling units, reducing lot area per unit from 3,683 to 2,762 sq ft.
• 6 Lawrence St: Special permit for two-story front and rear porches on a nonconforming three-family house.
• 61 Memorial Dr: Variance to construct a two-story, 256 sq ft shed as an accessory structure.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved three petitions: a change of use for a retail gourmet shop, the addition of an accessory dwelling unit for elderly care, and a variance to add two dwelling units to an existing property.

• Approved Special Permit for Turnstone II, LLC to convert 11 Vinnin Street from medical office to retail gourmet shop (5-0)
• Approved petition for Kayla Dorst to add a 25x22-foot ADU at 17 Lincoln Road (5-0)
• Approved Variance for Robert J. Willwerth, III to add two dwelling units at 278 Lafayette Street, reducing required lot area per unit (5-0)

Housing Authority Board

The Salem Housing Authority Board will hold a special meeting to address governance updates, approve new hires, and review monthly operational reports. Key actions include amending the authority's by-laws, adopting an internal control policy, and voting to end a contract with Conditioning Leaders following a public meetings law complaint. The board will also approve security measures for paper check signatures and receive financial statements through May 2026.

• Vote to terminate contract with Conditioning Leaders (follow-up to Open Meeting Law complaint)
• Amend Salem Housing Authority By-Laws
• Approve draft Internal Control Policy
• Hire part-time receptionist and Tier 1 repair person
• Approve paper check signature stamp security agreement

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review a structural assessment study for the Winter Island Coast Guard Barracks and Hangar. The board will also decide on several certificates of appropriateness for home renovations and requests to waive demolition delays for old garages.

• Structural Assessment Study for Winter Island Coast Guard Barracks and Hangar
• Demolition delay waiver requests for garages at 11 Summer Street and 225 Loring Avenue
• Certificate of Appropriateness for heat pump installation at 415 Essex Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for EV charger installation at 41 Chestnut Street
• Window replacement requests at 1 Broad Street and 275 Lafayette Street

Council on Aging Board

The Salem Council on Aging & Senior Services Board will discuss senior housing plans, Senior Day 2026, and Salem 400+ activities. Facilities Director Michael Crounse will present to the board. The Friends of the COA will provide a report, and the board will also review snow shoveling services.

• Approval of May 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Guest presentation by Facilities Director Michael Crounse
• Discussion on senior housing
• Planning for Senior Day 2026 and Salem 400+ activities
• Friends of the COA report

School Committee

The Building and Grounds Subcommittee will meet to discuss updates on the high school building project, trees and playgrounds, school moves, summer projects, and traffic patterns at Saltonstall/Sarah Parker Remond School and Salem High School. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Update on High School Building project
• Update on Trees and Playgrounds
• Update on the School Moves
• Summer Projects
• Traffic at Saltonstall/Sarah Parker Remond School and Salem High School

Public Art Commission

The commission is continuing its preliminary budget planning for fiscal year 2027. They will also discuss the upcoming 'Artists’ Row' call for creatives for the 2027/2028 period.

• FY 2027 Preliminary Budget Planning
• Artists’ Row 2027/2028 Call for Creatives
• Approval of May 19, 2026 meeting minutes

Park & Recreation Commission

The Salem Park and Recreation Commission will review and vote on the concept design and cost estimate for the High Street Park renovation. Commissioners will also process amplification permit requests for numerous summer and fall community events across city parks and Salem Common. The agenda includes a report on daily parking pass fees for Winter Island.

• Vote on High Street Park Renovation Project concept design and cost estimate
• Amplification permit requests for events at Salem Common, Willows Park, and Pioneer Village
• Report on Winter Island daily parking pass fees
• Summer and fall 2026 event amplification requests for parks and public spaces

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on a new ferry terminal building at 10 Blaney Street and roadway improvements on Salem Street. They will also continue hearings on a multi-family development at Loring Avenue and seawall improvements on Bay View Avenue.

• Public hearing for new ferry terminal at 10 Blaney Street (removal of existing building, new construction outside flood zone)
• Public hearing for Salem Street roadway improvements between Chase Street and Lafayette Street (pedestrian and stormwater work)
• Continuance of hearing for AvalonBay multi-family development at 262C Loring Ave & 8 Harrison Rd (demolition and new construction)
• Continuance of hearing for Bay View Ave seawall improvements (sidewalk replacement, revetment stones, rip-rap)

Commission on Disabilities

The Salem Commission on Disabilities will discuss ADA compliance at Dickson Chapel with the Spencer Preservation Group, consider a variance request from St. Peter's Church, and review updates on outdoor dining and curb cuts. The commission will also approve past meeting minutes and discuss a Disability Pride Flag raising event.

• Dickson Chapel ADA discussion with Spencer Preservation Group
• Variance request from St. Peter's Church (Fr. Nathan Ives)
• Elevators at 27 Charter Street discussion (if applicable)
• Curb cut discussion with Larry Broisman
• Reappointment of commissioners Black, Christie, Lobsitz (terms to 2029)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will review several one-day liquor license requests for community events and festivals. The board will also vote on whether to allow licensed establishments to extend their operating hours until 2 a.m. through July 31, 2026.

• Vote on extending liquor license hours to 2 a.m. until July 31, 2026
• One-day liquor license for Food Truck Festivals of America at Salem Maritime National Historic Site (5,000 people)
• One-day liquor license for Salem YMCA 8K Road Race at 283R Derby St.
• Entertainment license for Salem Haunted Magic Show at 50 Washington St.
• New store fortune telling license for The Witch’s Gate at One Derby Sq.

City Council

The Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs Committee voted 3-0 to send ordinances increasing trash, water, and sewer fees to the full City Council with positive recommendations. Trash fees rise ~4%, water fees rise 9%, and sewer fees rise ~5% for residential and commercial customers. A typo in the water fee ordinance was corrected before approval.

• Approved trash fee ordinance increase (3-0)
• Approved water fee ordinance with amendment to correct rate typo (3-0)
• Approved sewer fee ordinance increase (3-0)
• All three ordinances sent to full council with positive recommendation

City Council

The City Council voted 7-3 to cancel the August regular meeting and combine July and August meetings into one on July 9, 2026. Other actions included approving a National Grid pole relocation without streetlights (unanimous), confirming Victor Hernandez to the Beautification Committee (10-0-1), and adopting several appropriations: $75,000 for emergency water main repair, $22,000 for Salem's 400th anniversary events, $6,000 for dental insurance, and $1,770 for a retirement buyback. Appointments for Assistant City Treasurer, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, and Salem Cultural Council were held or received and filed.

• Combined July and August regular meetings into July 9 meeting (7-3-1)
• Approved National Grid pole installation on Beach Ave and relocation on Sutton Ave with condition of no street lights (unanimous)
• Confirmed Victor Hernandez to Beautification Committee (10-0-1)
• Appropriated $75,000 for emergency water main repair in Danvers River (adopted)
• Appropriated $11,000 from Witch House receipts to General Fund for 400th Anniversary (adopted)
• Appropriated $11,000 from Free Cash to Salem's 400th Revolving Fund (adopted)
• Appropriated $6,000 from Workers' Compensation to Dental Insurance (adopted)
• Appropriated $1,770 for DPS employee retirement buyback (adopted)

Board of Trust Fund Commissioners

The Board of Trust Fund Commissioners unanimously approved $136,100 in FY27 Large Grants to 14 local organizations, including The Salem Pantry, LEAP, the YMCA, and others. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the May 14 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $136,100 in FY27 Large Grants to 14 organizations (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 14, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Salem Redevelopment Authority

The Salem Redevelopment Authority approved the final design for landscaping at the El Centro project (73, 75 Lafayette Street and 9 Peabody Street), subject to further review if significant changes occur after Planning Board review. The board also approved an amendment to demolition conditions to allow construction to start sooner, and approved Not Ya Mama's Vegan Café's outdoor dining extension at East India Square.

• Approved outdoor dining extension for Not Ya Mama's Vegan Café (4-0)
• Approved final design for El Centro landscaping with condition to return for significant changes (3-0)
• Approved amended demolition condition for 73 Lafayette Street to allow earlier start (3-0)
• Approved May 13, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Housing Authority Board

City Council

The joint committee voted to recommend the Salem Public Schools FY27 operating budget of $81,755,368, with $64M in personnel costs. The committee also unanimously recommended the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan and related bond orders, including $1M from Free Cash for CIP appropriations. Concern was expressed over Chapter 70 funding not keeping pace with inflation. Councilors Flynn and King recused themselves from the school budget vote.

• Recommended SPS FY27 operating budget $81,755,368 (unanimous)
• Recommended FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Recommended FY27 General Fund Capital Bond Order (unanimous)
• Recommended FY27 Water/Sewer Funds Capital Bond Order (unanimous)
• Recommended Retained Earnings CIP Appropriations (unanimous)
• Recommended Free Cash CIP Appropriations: $1,000,000 (unanimous)
• Recommended STR Housing & Infrastructure Fund CIP Appropriation (unanimous)
• Recommended Annual Revolving Funds Approval (unanimous)

School Committee

City Council

The City Council Committee on Administration and Finance, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, unanimously recommended the FY27 operating budgets and capital improvement plans for the Collector, Assessor, Purchasing, Treasurer, and Finance departments. Total recommended budgets range from $235,241 (Purchasing) to over $12 million in state assessments and debt service items. The meeting also discussed tax collection improvements, assessment methods, and ARPA fund deadlines.

• Unanimously recommended Collector FY27 budget: $315,182
• Unanimously recommended Assessor FY27 budget: $496,105
• Unanimously recommended Purchasing FY27 budget: $235,241 (plus $44,181 fixed costs)
• Unanimously recommended Treasurer FY27 budget: $448,883 (plus debt, assessments, and enterprise funds)
• Unanimously recommended Finance FY27 budget: $543,394
• Approved $400,000 stabilization fund transfer
• Committee agreed to improve budget book readability and accuracy

Cemetery Commission

Board of Health

The Board discussed a proposed regulation to ban the sale of Kratom in all forms. No final vote was taken; the Board decided to hold a public hearing on July 14, 2026, after finalizing the regulation language.

• Approved minutes of May 12, 2026 (5-0)
• Discussed proposed Kratom ban regulation, scheduled public hearing for July 14, 2026

Beautification Committee

Tree Commission

School Committee

The Salem School Committee approved the agenda, consent agenda (including field trip and warrants), and a five-minute recess unanimously. No substantive policy or hiring decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports, public comment, and a presentation on teaching pathways.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda: minutes, field trip to Orlando, FY26 warrants (unanimous)
• Approved five-minute recess (unanimous)

City Council

The Administration and Finance Committee unanimously recommended FY27 operating budgets and capital plans for the Council on Aging, Recreation and Community Services departments, including Golf Course ($758,807), Witch House ($381,524), Pioneer Village ($32,080), Charter Street ($218,407), Winter Island ($343,820), and Parks & Recreation Administration ($1,356,880). The committee also discussed a proposed move of Pioneer Village to Camp Naumkeag and noted concerns about the upcoming end of the Salem Skipper ride-share program.

• Unanimously recommended FY27 Golf Course budget $758,807
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Witch House budget $381,524
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Pioneer Village budget $32,080
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Charter Street budget $218,407
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Council on Aging budget $592,206
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Winter Island budget $343,820
• Unanimously recommended FY27 Parks & Recreation Administration budget $1,356,880
• Recommended capital improvements including Forest River Park restroom renovation and splash pad rehabilitation