City Council - Public Safety Committee

Public Safety Committee Minutes Date 03/23/23 Members present: Owen Zaret, Dave Meunier, Salem Derby Members absent: None Also in Attendance: Police Chief Alberti, City planner Jeff Bagg Meeting called to order by Councilor Zaret at 6:30 pm 1. Public Speak Time: A resident who resides in close proximity to the intersection of south street and main street voiced concerns regarding there being no traffic light. He described how being hit by a vehicle changed his life. He spoke of how he was just getting some nips and wine from old colony package store for Christmas in 2021 and was crossing south street when it happened. 2. Approval of the meeting minutes: -Councilor Derby made a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting December 6th, Councilor Meunier seconded. Discussion regarding concerned residents near the new path on East street, parking being a large issue. Possible future changes to the road way involving no parking zones, or an expanded parking area. Abutters of the area are also concerned with folks parking half way on the road and half way on their lawns. Issues with speeding, people walking through abutters lawns. City planner Jeff Bagg spoke of how its not unusual to have issues like this when a new spot like this is developed at first. Vehicles parked on roadway, approaching the curve in the road near the new path causing potential collisions is of major concern and ways to resolve this issue are being looked into. A motion to move this issue to the full council made by Councilor Derby and Seconded by Councilor Meunier. Approved 3-0. Police Chief Alberti presented his annual report, says that the Department is currently fully staffed, but come July there will be vacancies and they will be difficult to fill due to recent legislation. He states that there has been an increase in call volume since 2020 of approxamatly 4000 calls, they are implementing a new training sergeant. The body cameras were a great addition and are working well. With the large increase in parking tickets issued an increase may be needed sincer it has been years since we increased our citation amount. No future meeting date decided at this time Councilor Meunier made motion to adjourn, Councilor Derby seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:25pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilman David Meunier Clerk to the Public Safety Committee