City Council

CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING A Regular Meeting of the City Council is being held remotely on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of transacting any and all business. Notice of this meeting was posted on January 26, 2021 at 8:43 A.M. This meeting is being taped and is live on S.A.T.V. All Councillors were present. Council President Madore presided. Councillor Turiel moved to dispense with the reading of the record of the previous meeting. It was so voted. President Madore requested that everyone please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting started Councillor Hapworth requested and received suspension of the rules to allow the Mayor to address the City Council to give an update on Covid-19 and vaccination schedules. As of January 23, 2021, the total cases in Salem is 3,660. In the last 14 days there have been 433 cases which is a decrease from the previous two weeks. This is good news overall, especially post-holiday, to see cases going down. We are still in the red but have been dropping percentage points within the last month. We still need to do the things that work, wear masks, wash hands, keep physical distancing. Hospitals are still busy. Less beds available now than in the summer. Covid has had an impact on unemployment rates. Massachusetts rate is higher than other states. There are 2,000 Salem residents unemployed. Still a lot of work to do. Some good news, weekly vaccinations. 1 in every 23 residents getting vaccinated. Salem has had 415 residents vaccinated, but that is only 4% of our population and you need 70% for herd immunity. Good news when more needles in people’s arms than cases. The Mayor expounded on the phases of vaccinations. Phase 1 was December to February; Phase 2 has sub phases this is expected to be from February to April and then phase 3 from April to June will be for the general public. We will be running a clinic at Salem State College South campus next week. As for upcoming appointments, we had to verify supply. Just verified close to 975 shots. Thanks to NSMC we can use their cold storage for the vaccines. This is for people 75 years or older and anybody in Phase 1 that hasn’t received there shot yet. You don’t have to go to SSU. There are other places in the North Shore such as the Double Tree Hilton. Hope to have 2,000 doses a day. Gillette 5,000 a day. We are working with local communities (Beverly, Swampscott, Marblehead, Danvers) to staff, and expect residents in all 5 communities to go to these place. Still working on final plans. Need to get 1 Million people in Phase 2 (1st phase) to get vaccinated before the next sub-phase of 65+. Local grocery and pharmacies are vaccinating people as well. Keep checking.  2 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Health Officials are doing a great job. Next 4 weeks supplies are tight. Recognize incredible staff at CLC, handled over 400 calls last week. Working on a mobile clinic for those who cannot get around. Councillor Dibble concerned opening clinic next week at SSU but can’t make appointments yet. Can you explain the process? The Mayor responded regarding scheduling an appointment, the number for the Council on Aging is to get help to go on-line. They cannot make an appointment for you. The 1-800# that the State is setting up will be able to register you. Also, Veterans should contact our Veteran’s Agent. Those in the VA health care and qualify can be vaccinated in Bedford. In terms of not being able to set up appointments now for next week, we had to verify available supply and also logistics need to be put in place. Once appointments open up those slots will go. Messages will go out. Our hope is to have a more regular schedule as we go forward, but the flow of vaccines starts at the federal level to the state and then to local level. #31 – (#11) – REAPPOINTMENT OF CONSTABLE CORRECTION OF TERM The Mayor’s re-appointment of Mark J. Snider 103 Boardman Ave., Melrose to serve as a Constable with a term to expire December 2, 2022 was received and filed. This was submitted for housekeeping purposes to correct term expiration date. #32 – APPOINTMENT OF TODD WALLER TO THE PLANNING BOARD Mayor’s appointment of Todd Waller, 26 Hardy Street, Salem to the Planning Board with a term to expire on May 24, 2023 was received after the deadline of Tuesday noon. Councillor Hapworth requested and received suspension of the rules to allow the matter to come before Council due to the late file (Rule Sec. 28A). The appointment was held until the next meeting under the rules. #33 – APPROP. OF $350,000.00 TO THE RETIREMENT STABILIZATION FUND The following Order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDERED: That the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) is hereby appropriated from General Fund Balance Reserved for Free Cash (1-3245) to the  3 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING following special revenue funds. This transfer is requested in accordance with the recommendation of Her Honor the Mayor. Fund Name/Description Amount Retirement Stabilization Fund 8311 $350,000.00 #34 – APPROP. OF $4,950.00 FOR REPAIR OF LIBRARY’S FIRE ALARM SYSTEM The following Order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDERED: That the sum of Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($4,950.00) is hereby appropriated within the “Capital Outlay” account (20002114-5846CB) to be expended for emergency repair of the Library’s fire alarm system by the Library Department in accordance with the recommendation of Her Honor the Mayor. #35 – APPROP. OF $4,145.08 FOR RETIREMENT BUYBACK – PARKING GARAGE EMPLOYEE The following Order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDERED: That the sum of Four Thousand One Hundred Forty Five Dollars and Eight Cents ($4,145.08) be approved within the “Retirement Stabilization Fund-Vacation/Sick Leave Buyback” account (83113-5146) to be expended for the FY 2021 contractual buyback(s) listed below in accordance with the recommendation of Her Honor the Mayor. Name Department Amount Robert O’Keefe Parking Garage $4,145.08 $ 4,145.08 #36 – DONATION FROM FOOTPRINT POWER TO FIRE DEPARTMENT The following Order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Councillors Turiel, Sargent, Riccardi, Prosniewski, Morsillo, McCarthy, Hapworth, Flynn, Dominguez, Dibble and Madore were all  4 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING recorded in the affirmative. Councillor Flynn was recorded as absent. Councillor Flynn recused himself for this matter. ORDERED: To accept the donation from Footprint Power in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) to upgrade the fire department software. These funds will be deposited into the City’s Fire Department’s Donations Fund 24131-4830 in accordance with the recommendation of Her Honor the Mayor. #37 – TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AMENDING HANDICAP PARKING – UPHAM STREET The following Ordinance introduced by Councillor Riccardi was adopted for first passage by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDINANCE: In the year Two Thousand and Twenty One An Ordinance to amend an Ordinance relative to Traffic Be it Ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Amending Chapter 42, Section 50B – “Handicapped Zones, Limited Time” is hereby amended by adding the following: Upham Street – One Handicapped Parking Space to be added in front of #1 Upham Street, for a distance of twenty (20) feet. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. #38 – TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AMENDING HANDICAP PARKING – REPEAL – FRIEND STREET The following Ordinance introduced by Councillor Riccardi was adopted for first passage by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDINANCE: In the year Two Thousand and Twenty One An Ordinance to amend an Ordinance relative to Traffic Be it Ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Amending Chapter 42, Section 50B – “Handicapped Zones, Limited Time” is hereby amended by repealing the following:  5 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Repeal – Friend Street – One Handicapped Parking Space in front of #8 Friend Street, for a distance of twenty (20) feet. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. #39 – TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AMENDING HANDICAP PARKING – REPEAL – HATHORNE STREET The following Ordinance introduced by Councillor Riccardi was adopted for first passage by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDINANCE: In the year Two Thousand and Twenty One An Ordinance to amend an Ordinance relative to Traffic Be it Ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Amending Chapter 42, Section 50B – “Handicapped Zones, Limited Time” is hereby amended by repealing the following: Repeal – Hathorne Street – One Handicapped Parking Space in front of #72 Hathorne Street, for a distance of twenty (20) feet. Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. #40 – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020 The following Order introduced by Councillor Turiel was adopted. ORDERED: That the Monthly Financial Reports dated July 2020, August 2020, September 2020, October 2020, November 2020, and December 2020 be received and placed on file.  6 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING #41 – COUNCIL APPOINTEES TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD The following Order introduced by Councillor Sargent was adopted by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. ORDERED: That the City Council elect Councillor Morsillo and Councillor Hapworth to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees per Ordinance Ch. 2, Sec. 1002: “The City Council shall annually elect two members of the City Council to serve for a term of one year. The City Council President o his or her designee shall serve for a term of one year.” And that their terms expire on December 31, 2021. #42 – GRANTING CERTAIN LICENSES COUNCILLOR Morsillo offered the following report for the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs. It was voted to accept the report and adopt the recommendation by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. The Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs to whom was referred the matter of Granting certain licenses has considered said matter and would recommend the following be granted by a roll call vote. JUNK DEALERS: 15 Robinson Rd LLC, 15 Robinson Rd., Salem Vantage Trading, LLC, 4 Lilly St., Salem SEAWORMS: Jose Machado, 5 Marion Ave., Beverly SECOND HAND CLOTHING: Boston St. Resale, 134 ½ Boston St., Salem Re-Find, 72 Washington St., Salem SECOND HAND VALUABLES: Witch City Consignment, 301 Essex St., Salem Tobies Jewelry, 140 Washington St., Salem Record Exchange, 256 Washington St., Salem Olde Naumkeag Antiques,1 Hawthorne Blvd Salem Glass and Etc., 180 Essex St., Salem ECOATM LLC, 450 Highland Ave., Salem ECOATM LLC, 11 Traders Way., Salem TAG DAYS: *Salem Little League May 22, June 5 & 19, 2021 *(Tag Day was granted with the conditions and guidelines recommended by the Health Agent. That the students/athletes stand behind a table, the can be placed on the table, no interaction, must maintain 6 feet physical distancing and any state rollbacks take precedence.)  7 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING #43 – MATTERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES Councillor Hapworth offered the following report for the Committee on Government Services. It was voted to accept the report. There was no recommendation to adopt. The Committee on Government Services to whom was referred the matter of discussing matters in committee, strategies and goals met and discussed on how to proceed for the year. No action was taken on any matters. #44 – COMMUNICATION FROM SUPT. OF SCHOOLS DR. STEPHEN ZRIKE The following Communication from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephen Zrike was received and placed on file. Ms. Ilene Simons, City Clerk City of Salem 93 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 Via email at isimons@salem.com Dear Ms. Simons: I am writing to respectfully request the opportunity to introduce myself and provide an overview of the Salem Public Schools to the members of the City Council during the second meeting of the month in January 2021. I look forward to updating the Council on the work underway in our schools. With regard, Stephen K. Zrike, Jr., Ed.D. Superintendent Superintendent Zrike stated he was hired a few weeks prior to the pandemic but no regrets, just not a typical way to enter a school system. He presented a slide show to the Councillors. He stated that throughout the 2020-21 School year, the Salem Public Schools has been guided by four core values for responding to the pandemic. They are wellness, equity, community, and flexibility. He went over the four phase on welcoming students to the school. The first phase included the highest need students, then the youngest learners grade K-2 and transition students grade 6 and 9. Phase 3 included grades 3-8 and phase 4 were grads 10-12. These phases are in-person and/or hybrid. Any family may remail fully remote if they choose.  8 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING The schools have been able to accomplish this increasingly in-person learning with a multi-pronged approach including: Commitment to Health & Safety, Flexible, Student-Centered Design, Partnership with Families and Community and Commitment from All Staff. For example, Health and Safety measures taken to mitigate risk include, health safety measure trainings for faculty, staff and students, face masks and breaks, regular handwashing and cleaning protocols, weekly staff, and high school surveillance testing, improving HVAV systems, consistent groups, maintain 6 feet of physical distance and addressing student needs. Students are not only experiencing trauma and disruption from the Coronavirus but from the impacts of racism. This is an opportunity to take the best of what we learned and continue to learn i.e. creative ways to make good use of space, communication between parents and teachers using zoom, improving technology and the use of the internet for students. Dr. Zrike stated in the next month will share entry findings, strategic priorities, initiatives, and measurable outcomes. There is a commitment to being transparent and restore the pride. Willing to meet with Councillors one on one and invite them to attend any school events. Councillor Dominguez asked a few questions to the Superintendent about positive cases, capacity limits and if teachers and staff need to be vaccinated before going back. Dr. Zrike replied that there has not been a lot spread, maybe a case now and then. There are no set limits by State just need to by 3 feet apart, but we do 6 feet and there is some frustration on the vaccine schedule. The nurses and some of the specialists have been, but waiting until teachers can be. Councillor Prosniewski asked about the decline of student enrollment and if there is a plan in place or how are they addressing this issue. Supt. Zrike stated that we need to understand the root causes, most do a better job of marketing what we offer, such as early college electives, A/P classes and Vocational Programs instead of kids going to Essex Tech, need to provide stronger transition of grades and expand early education. We need to the kids into the school earlier to feel vested.  9 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING #45 – PETITION FROM COMCAST FOR CONDUIT ON LYNDE STREET A hearing was ordered for February 11, 2021 on the petition from Comcast to install (1) conduit on Lynde St. and relocating existing vault from private property to the sidewalk. #46 - PETITION FROM VERIZON TO INSTALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ON BRIDGE STREET A hearing was ordered for February 11, 2021 on the petition from Verizon Wireless to install a Telecommunications on a pole and an underground conduit at 234 Bridge St. #47 – LICENSE APPLICATIONS The Following License Applications were granted. PUBLIC GUIDES: Abigail Russell, 37 Forest St., Wakefield Brian Sims 23 Jackson St., Salem Brigitta Amsler 286 Ocean Ave., Marblehead Courtney McInvale 31-11 Grist Mill Rd., Moodus, CT Jeffrey Horton 10 Summer St., Salem Daniel Fury 126 Federal St., Salem Olivia Giroux-Galpin 15 Orne St., North Attleboro Rebecca Parry 2 Wallace Rd., Marblehead William Sano 35 Daniels St., Salem Vijay Joyce 115 Prospect St., Gloucester Mollie Stewart 1 Gerrish Pl., Salem Charles Galvin 5 Warren St., Salem Brian Keady 34 Clement Ave., Peabody Sarah Black 8 Cross St., Salem Joyce Harrington 50 Freedom Hollow, Salem Nicholas Pierce 16 Garland St., Lynn Robin Glynn 7 Braeburn Dr., Nashua, NH John Flanagan 38 Bayview Ter., Danvers Zachary Weeks 123 North St., Salem Laura Dandaneau 13 Lemon St., Salem Nancy Sweeter 60 Burley Dt., Danvers  10 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 28, 2021 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING (#16) – TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AMENDING ONE WAY STREETS – BEAVER STREET The Second Passage of an Ordinance amending Traffic relative to One-Way Streets – Beaver Street was adopted for second passage by a roll call vote of 11 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent. In the year Two Thousand and Twenty One An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Section 10 of Article I be amended by repealing the following: Beaver Street – One-Way Streets – From where the easterly end of Silver Street intersects with Beaver Street, thence easterly to Grove Street. (1/8/78 DPW 5-1498) Beaver Street – One-Way Streets – From where the easterly end of Silver Street intersects with Beaver Street, thence easterly to the easterly end of the property line of No. 17 Beaver Street. (4/14/92) And replacing them with: Beaver Street – One-Way Streets – From where the westerly end of Silver Street intersects with Beaver Street, thence easterly to the easterly end of the property line of No. 17 Beaver Street. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. On the motion of Councillor Sargent the meeting adjourned at 8:18 P.M. ATTEST: ILENE SIMONS CITY CLERK