City Council

City of Salem, Massachusetts Office of the City Clerk Ilene Simons Room 1 City Clerk City Hall January 21, 2025 MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA The Salem City Council will hold its regular meeting in-person on Thursday, January 21, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers, 93 Washington Street, 2nd floor for the purpose of discussing any and all business. In-Person shall be the primary method of public access to such meetings. A secondary method of public access may be provided, if technologically feasible through Salem Access Television, and/or remotely through Zoom. See below for remote access and SATV information. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82534192376?pwd=Pyu5Hs6aFxvU74B9JObbu3WyH4AKNJ.1 Password: 940557 Go to the website link https://zoom.us/join. Enter Webinar ID: 825 3419 2376 followed by the meeting password noted above in necessary. Or by Telephone: Participants can dial a toll-free number at 877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 888- 475- 4499 (Toll Free). When prompted, enter Webinar ID: 825 3419 2376 follow the instructions to join the meeting. For those dialing in, you may press *9 to raise your hand to speak if signed up for public testimony or to participate in the public hearing portion of the agenda (if applicable). The public may also watch the meeting live on SATV on Channel 22. Please note that it is the intent of the City Council that its meetings be available to the public in person, remotely and through Salem Access Television. Very truly yours, ATTEST: ILENE SIMONS CITY CLERK “When in person, individuals requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities, may contact the City of Salem ADA Coordinator at (978-619-5630) as soon as possible and no less than 2 business days before the meeting, program, or event.” Assistive Listening System is available for City Council Meetings. Those interested in utilizing these devices for meetings at 93 Washington Street may contact the City Clerk’s Office at 978-745-9595 ext. 41200 or isimons@salem.com.” “Know Your Rights Under the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c. 30A ss. 18-25, and City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033.”  2 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING A Regular Meeting of the City Council was held in-person on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of transacting any and all business. Notice of this meeting was posted on January 21, 2025, at 2:32 P.M. This meeting is being recorded and is live on S.A.T.V. and Zoom unless technological issues interrupt the transmission. Councillors absent: Council President Prosniewski presided. Councillor moved to dispense with the reading of the record of the previous meeting. VOTED President Prosniewski requested that everyone please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Salem City Council Land Acknowledgment The Salem City Council honors that this land is Naumkeag, or fishing place, where generations of Naumkeag people from the Pawtucket band of the Massachusett Tribe lived and passed through for centuries. We acknowledge that this is unceded Indigenous land and also acknowledge the Massachusett Tribe, who continue to honor and hold this land into the present. Salem’s City Council is committed to having ongoing meaningful dialogue with the indigenous peoples who have presence in Salem in order to dismantle the legacies of oppression and inequities that persist today. PUBLIC TESTIMONY Public Testimony not to exceed 15 minutes. Public Testimony is not a public hearing or question and answer period. Sign up must occur 30 minutes prior to meeting. The President shall, depending on the number of speakers, set a time limit, not to exceed three minutes, which each individual presenting testimony must abide. How to Sign Up: You may participate in Public Testimony in-person or remotely, if technologically feasible by either of the following two methods: 1. On-line form by using the link below: https://records.salem.com/Forms/PublicMeetingSpeaker This form will be available beginning 6:30 P.M. on the Tuesday before the meeting and remains open until 6:30 P.M. on the day of the Council Meeting. This form requests information such as your name, address, and whether you will attend in person or remotely.  3 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING If the on-line form is not available due to technology issues, you must use option #2. In addition, if you signed up for public testimony on zoom, we will allow you to speak as long as it is technologically feasible. 2. You may also sign the roster in the City Clerk’s Office, no later than 6:30 P.M. on the date of the meeting.  4 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING HEARINGS NONE  5 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS Held from the last meeting the Mayor’s Appointment of James Rogers of 100 Washington St. to the Council on Aging Board with a term to expire on January 8, 2028. Action Contemplated Councillor Watson-Felt Moved Confirmation by RCV Yeas Nays Absent Held from the last meeting the Mayor’s Appointment of the following to the Salem Youth Commission with terms set forth below: Name Term Length Term Expiration Alexia Coleman 3 years January 8th, 2028 Will Keough 2 years January 8th, 2027 Oksana Platonova 1 year January 8th, 2026 Annalise Thornett 3 years January 8th, 2028 Myles Newsome 2 years January 8th, 2027 Yanalis Venture 1 year January 8th, 2026 Guywintz Jules 3 years January 8th, 2028 Kayla Fry (Alternate) 1 year January 8th, 2026 Dever Cornell (Alternate) 1 year January 8th, 2026 Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Moved Confirmation by RCV Yeas Nays Absent  6 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS Held from the last meeting the Mayor’s Appointment of the following to the City Seal Task Force with a term to expire January 8, 2027. Name Address Aditi Ahlawat 16 Conners Road Salem, MA 01970 Suzanne Barnes 18 ½ Summer Street Salem, MA 01970 Pui Chi Wong 44 Calumet Street Salem, MA 01970 R. Michael Feener Japan Vijay Joyce 18 Broad Street Salem, MA 01970 Rachel TonThat 30 Northey Street Salem, MA 01970 Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Moved Confirmation by RCV Yeas Nays Absent  7 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS The Mayor’s Appointments of the following with terms to expire: NAME ADDRESS BOARD TERM TO EXPIRE William Burnham 289 Essex St., Sustainability, Energy Salem and Resiliency January 22, 2028 Committee Peter Habib 77 Webb St., Salem Zoning Board of July 1, 2026 Appeals Brendan Murray 1 Lynn St., Salem Historical January 22, 2027 Commission Robert J. Peterson 21 Settlers Way, Historical January 22, 2028 Salem Commission Emily Rubio 78 Essex St., Salem Scholarship & September 15, 2025 Education Committee Councillor Varela Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Held under the Rules Voted  8 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS The Mayor’s Re-Appointment of the following with terms to expire: Term Name Board Address Term Length Expiration 41 Chestnut January Richard Jagolta Jr. Board of Assessors 3 years Street 31st, 2028 Michelle 5 Beachmont January Council on Aging Board 3 years Bettencourt Road 31st, 2028 Transportation 6 Rawlins February Jaime Garmendia 3 years Commission Street 23rd, 2028 Commission on 330 Lafayette February Kerry Neenan 3 years Disabilities Street #1 13th, 2028 35 Washington February Anthony O’Donnell Cemetery Commission 3 years Square #1 13th, 2028 Robert “Zach” January Cemetery Commission 91 Essex Street 3 years Sanzone 31st, 2028 Bicycling & Shared Path 1 Carol Way February Matt Caruso 3 years Advisory Committee #301 10th, 2028 Bicycling & Shared Path 39 Daniels February Conor Ryan 3 years Advisory Committee Street 10th, 2028 Bicycling & Shared Path February Annie Wolf 13 South Street 3 years Advisory Committee 10th, 2028 Bicycling & Shared Path 10 Williams February Charlie Heaps 3 years Advisory Committee Street #C4 10th, 2028 Councillor Varela Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Held under the Rules Voted  9 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR ORDERED: That the sum of Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Three Dollars and Sixty-One Cents (225,203.61) is hereby appropriated from the Human Resources Collective Bargaining/Salary Reserve (11521-5171A) to the "Human Resources Retro Wages Account” (11521-5161) for the FY2025 retroactive wages for pay increases pursuant to the contract settlements reached with Local 172, IAFF (Salem Firefighters) effective July 1, 2024, in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Councillor Merkl Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted OR Refer to the Comm. on Admin. & Fin. Voted ORDERED: That the sum of Two Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($222,500.00) previously appropriated in fiscal year 2025 within the "Capital Outlay" account (20002520-5846I) for “Artists’ Row Roof Replacement Project” is hereby repurposed to “Capital Outlay” account (20002520-5846JL) “Old Town Hall Roof Repair” to support the full completion of Old Town Hall Restoration Phase 1: Exterior Preservation & ADA Improvements Project Bid Alternate 2: Roof Repair in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Councillor Merkl Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted OR Refer to the Comm. on Admin. & Fin. Voted  10 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR ORDERED: That the sum of Two Hundred Eighteen Thousand Nine Hundred Nine Dollars and Seventy-Seven Cents ($218,909.77) is hereby appropriated from the Human Resources Department’s “Salary/CB Reserve Account” (11521-5171A) to the accounts listed below to fund the FY 2025 pay increases associated with the memorandum of agreement reached Local 172, IAFF (Salem Firefighters) effective July 1, 2024, in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Fire-Full-Time Salaries 12201-5111 $ 86,304.61 Fire-Overtime 12201-5131 $ 21,871.92 Fire-EMT 12201-5133 $ 17,164.55 Fire-Holidays 12201-5136 $ 8,017.34 Fire-Longevity 12201-5141 $ 1,867.53 Fire-Nights 12201-5139 $ 6,933.83 Fire-Education Incentive 12201-5145 $ 73,000.00 Fire-Clothing 12202-5584 $ 3,750.00 $218,909.77 Councillor Merkl Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted OR Refer to the Comm. on Admin. & Fin. Voted  11 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR ORDERED: That the sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) is hereby appropriated within the “Capital Outlay” account (20002518-5846JK) to fund bollard installation design plans on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Councillor Merkl Suspension of the Rules Councillor Objection Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted OR Refer to the Comm. on Admin. & Fin. Voted ORDERED: That a petition to the General Court, accompanied by a bill for authorization to impose a real estate transfer fee upon certain transfers of real property located within the City of Salem, as set forth below, be filed with an attested copy of this Order be, and hereby is approved to the end that the following legislation be adopted, except for amendments by the Senate or House of Representatives which conform to the intent of this home rule petition: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court Assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows: AN ACT RELATIVE TO A REAL ESTATE TRANSFER FEE IN THE CITY OF SALEM. SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the City of Salem may impose a real estate transfer fee equal to two per cent (2%) of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000.00 upon the transfer of any real property interest or the transfer of a controlling interest in a trust, limited liability company, or other entity that directly or indirectly holds an interest, in any real property situated in the City of Salem. After the first year of the effective date of this act, but no earlier than January 1, 2027, the exempted portion of the purchase price shall be increased annually by two (2) percent on the first day of January. The exempted portion of the purchase price as increased annually shall become effective for sales occurring on or after the first day in January. The fee shall be the liability of the seller of such property interest, and any agreement between the purchaser and the seller or any other person with reference to the allocation of the liability for the fee shall not affect such liability of the seller to the city of Salem.  12 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR (a) Exempt Transfers. The following transfers of real property interests shall be exempt from the fee established by this act: (i) transfers of convenience with consideration under $100.00 which include name change, into trusts, out of trust, and the like.; (ii) transfers to the government of the United States or any other instrumentality, agency or subdivision thereof, or the Commonwealth or any instrumentality or subdivision thereof, the city of Salem and any of their instrumentalities, agencies or subdivisions, including the Salem Housing Authority and Salem Redevelopment Authority; (iii) transfers of residential property where sixty (60) percent of the dwelling units are subject to a long term affordable housing restriction with a term of forty (40) years remaining on the restriction as of the date of transfer and which require affordability at or below sixty (60) percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) with purchase prices or rents that adhere to the income limits determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development applicable to the City of Salem, and shall comply with the Massachusetts Local Initiative Program regulations; and (iv) transfers made without additional consideration to confirm, correct, modify or supplement a transfer previously made. (b) The fee shall be paid to the City of Salem. The City is authorized to adopt an ordinance to provide for the collection and recording of a lien of any outstanding transfer fee. The City shall have such remedies to collect said amount as provided by law with respect to the collection of real property taxes. (c) The City shall deposit all fees received hereunder with the City Treasurer. The treasurer shall deposit the first twenty-five percent of every fee collected in each fiscal year in the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund, established pursuant to section 55C of chapter 44 of the General Laws. The remaining funds collected each fiscal year shall be deposited in the City’s capital stabilization fund, the City’s general fund, and/or the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund, at the discretion of the Mayor. SECTION 2. A copy of the deed or other instrument evidencing such transfer shall be provided to the City and shall be accompanied by (a) an affidavit signed under oath or under the pains and penalties of perjury by the purchaser and seller attesting to the purchase price, (b) the applicable fee owed, and (c) the basis, if any, upon which the transfer is claimed to be exempt in whole or in part from said fee. Upon receipt of such payment and/or satisfactory evidence of exemption, the City or its designee shall promptly thereafter issue a certificate indicating that the fee has been paid or that the transfer is exempt from the fee. The Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds shall not record or register a deed unless the deed is accompanied by such certificate.  13 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR SECTION 3. The City may, by ordinance, adopt additional requirements, exemptions, and regulations to implement or enforce said fee, consistent with this act. The City is not authorized to eliminate or reduce any exemption set forth in this act. SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its passage. Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved Adoption by RCV Yeas Nays Abs OR Refer to the Comm. on Ord. Lic. & Legal Affairs Voted ORDERED: That a petition to the General Court, accompanied by a bill increasing the number of members of the Licensing Board of the City of Salem, as set forth below, be filed with an attested copy of this Order be, and hereby is approved to the end that the following legislation be adopted, except for amendments by the Senate or House of Representatives which conform to the intent of this home rule petition: AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE LICENSING BOARD FOR THE CITY OF SALEM. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4 of chapter 138 of the General Laws relative to the number of members that may be appointed to a municipal licensing board to the contrary, the licensing board of the city of Salem shall consist of 3 members and 1 alternate member to be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council. Each member shall be appointed to serve for a term of 3 years and until their successor is chosen and qualified. SECTION 2. On the effective date of this act, the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council, shall appoint 1 person to serve as an alternate member of the licensing board, who shall serve for a term of 1 year. Upon the expiration of such initial 1-year term appointed pursuant to this section, successor appointees shall serve for a term of 3 years. SECTION 3. An associate member shall serve as regular members of the board whenever any regular member is unable to attend a meeting of the board.  14 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR SECTION 4. Those persons serving as members of the licensing board on the effective date of this act shall continue to serve as members thereof for a period of 3 years or until the expiration of their term, whichever period is shorter. Action Contemplated Councillor Watson-Felt Moved Adoption by RCV Yeas Nays Abs OR Refer to the Comm. on Ord. Lic. & Legal Affairs Voted ORDERED: That the Mayor is hereby authorized, on behalf of the City of Salem, to enter into a contract for a period beyond three years for the services of an operator of the City’s bikeshare program, commencing in 2026. The bike share program operator shall be selected through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s (MAPC) request for proposals, on behalf of thirteen participating municipalities, for an operator to manage the regional bikeshare system. MAPC shall select one operator to manage the entire system to ensure that it operates regionally, and each municipality may then contract with the selected operator separately. It is MAPC’s intention to issue a five-year contract with the option for two 2-year extensions. Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved Adoption Voted OR Refer to the Comm. on Ord. Lic. & Legal Affairs Voted ORDERED: That the City of Salem hereby accepts Chapter 339 of the Massachusetts Acts of 2024 enabling the city to install and operate a school bus violation detection monitoring system on a school bus to enforce violations pursuant to sections 14 and 14C of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90. Any system put in place shall be limited to monitoring and detecting violations of motor vehicle operators who fail to stop for a school bus. Action contemplated Councillor Morsillo Moved Adoption Voted Or Refer to the Comm. on Ord., Lic. & Legal Affairs Voted  15 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR RESOLUTION: INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBERANCE DAY WHEREAS: Six million Jews were systematically murdered by Nazi Germany and their collaborators from 1933 to 1945 and millions of others deemed by the Nazis as “unworthy of life” were swept into this abyss suffering torture and death; and WHEREAS: The history of the Holocaust offers an opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies, and governments; and WHEREAS: January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps by Soviet troops; and WHEREAS: January 27th has been designated by the United Nations as International Holocaust Remembrance Day; and WHEREAS: It is appropriate for the residents of Salem to join in this commemoration with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the nation’s center for learning and remembrance of the Holocaust; NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Salem, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim January 27th, 2025, to be International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Salem, to honor the memory of those victims and in the hope that our world will continue striving to overcome prejudice, inhumanity, intolerance, and indifference through learning, remembrance, and a shared dedication to compassion and justice. Action Contemplated Councillor Cohen Moved Adoption by RCV Yea Nay Abs  16 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MAYOR’S INFORMATIONAL PAGE NONE  17 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Chapter 42, Section 50B, Handicapped Zones, Limited time shall be amended by adding: Wisteria Street – in front of #23 Wisteria Street, running south for a distance of twenty (20) feet, Handicap Parking only Tow Zone Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Action Contemplated Councillor Cohen Moved Adoption for first passage Voted ORDERED: That the Committee on Administration and Finance co-posted with the Committee of the Whole meet to review the “Compensation of the Mayor” relative Ch. 2 Sec. 142 that during the first three months of the city council's biennial organization, the matter of the Mayor’s compensation shall be reviewed and a recommendation reported to the city council no later than the first meeting in April. The committee shall recommend the salary of Mayor for the subsequent two fiscal years. Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted ORDERED: That the Fiscal Year 2024 monthly financial reports dated June 2024 and July 2024 and the Fiscal Year 2025 monthly financial reports dated August – November 2024 be received and filed (copies of reports can be viewed at the City Clerk's office during normal business hours) Action Contemplated Councillor Merkl Moved Adoption Voted  18 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Section 51 of Article V be amended by repealing the following: Willson Street – Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets – from Jefferson Avenue, both sides for a distance of fifty (50) feet. (12/8/70 DPW 5-401) Section 2. Section 74 of Article V-A be amended by inserting the following: Willson Street – General Prohibition Towing Zones – southerly side, beginning from the intersection with Jefferson Avenue and extending to a point approximately one-hundred and ten (110) feet west of the intersection Willson Street – General Prohibition Towing Zones – northerly side, beginning at the intersection with Jefferson Avenue and extending to a point approximately one-hundred and forty-five (145) feet west of the intersection. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Action Contemplated Councillor Morsillo Moved Adoption for first passage Voted ORDERED: That the Committee on Government Services co-posted with the Committee of the Whole meet to discuss the Home Rule Petition below relative to an Act Establishing a Board of Election Commissioners in the City of Salem: Order: That a petition to the General Court, accompanied by a bill for an act concerning the amendment of Chapter 445 of the Acts of 1960 and the establishment of a board of election commissioners within the City of Salem as set forth below, be filed with an attested copy of this Order be, and hereby is, approved under Clause (1) of Section 8 of Article II, as amended, of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the end that the following legislation be adopted, except for amendments by the Senate or House of Representatives which conform to the intent of this home rule petition: AN ACT AMENDING CHAPTER 445 OF THE ACTS OF 1960 AND ESTABLISHING A BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS IN THE CITY OF SALEM. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:  19 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS SECTION 1. Notwithstanding section 16A of chapter 51 of the general laws, the city charter, or any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established in the city of Salem a board of election commissioners, hereinafter called the board. The board shall have all the powers, rights, duties and liabilities under general and special laws of boards of registrars of voters, and, with respect to elections, of the city clerk. The board shall consist of five persons, and appointments thereto shall be made so that no less than two members of the board represent each of the two leading political parties as defined in section one of chapter fifty of the general laws. The fifth member of the board may be unenrolled. Board representation shall, to the extent feasible, represent the racial and ethnic make-up of the city of Salem. The members shall receive such compensation as the mayor and city council may determine. SECTION 2. The board shall organize annually in the month of January and choose a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary. In case the members are unable to agree upon a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary, such officers shall be designated by the mayor. The secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of the proceedings of the board and shall perform such other duties as the board may require. The chairperson shall act as an ombudsperson charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating any complaints of maladministration or violation of rights in the voting process. All the powers, rights, privileges, liabilities and duties relating to caucuses, primaries and elections by law vested in and imposed upon city clerks and board of registrars of voters, except the power and duty of giving notice of elections and fixing the days and hours of holding the same, shall be vested in and performed by the board of election commissioners. The board shall also promote voter registration and participation in the electoral process. SECTION 3. To assist the board, the mayor may, subject to appropriation, appoint assistant commissioners from one or more candidates recommended by the board, which commissioners shall have such powers as granted to assistant registrars of voters by chapter 51 of the general laws, and shall perform such duties as are requested by the board. The board may also appoint an administrative director of the board of election commissioners, with confirmation from the mayor, subject to appropriation, who in that capacity shall: (1) provide administrative and operational support to the board of election commissioners (2) perform such duties and responsibilities as may be required or requested by the board of election commissioners in the performance of its duties under the Massachusetts general law or regulation or as otherwise prescribed to said board by any federal, general or special law; (3) coordinate the services of other city departments for the conduct of any election; and, (4) administer and keep the records of the board of election commissioners. SECTION 4. Chapter 445 of the Acts of 1960 is hereby amended by deleting in section 3 the words, “board of registrars of voters” and inserting in place thereof the words:- board of election commissioners. SECTION 5. Said Chapter 445 is hereby further amended by deleting in section 4 the words, “board of registrars” and inserting in place thereof the words:- board of election commissioners. SECTION 6. On the effective date of this act, the office of board of registrars shall be abolished and the terms of the incumbent members of the board of registrars terminated; provided, however, that the incumbent members of the board of registrars, other than the city clerk, shall become the first members of the board of election commissioners and serve for a period equivalent to the remainder of their appointed terms or their earlier vacating of office and until their successors are appointed and qualified. The mayor shall forthwith  20 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS appoint two additional members, subject to the confirmation of the city council, of the board of election commissioners consistent with the requirement that no less than two members of the board must represent each of the two leading political parties as defined in section one of chapter fifty of the general laws. One of the additional members shall serve for a period of two years and the second additional member shall serve for a period of three years so that no more than two board members’ terms of appointment expire in the same calendar year. Following the initial appointment of the additional members, each member shall serve for a period of three years. Any vacancy on the board shall be filled in like manner for the remainder of the unexpired term. SECTION 7. Immediately upon the effective date of this act, the books, papers, records and all other property in the possession of the board of registrars of voters relating to the conduct of elections, and all contractual obligations and rights of such board shall pass by operation of law to the newly formed board of election commissioners. The board of shall be the lawful successor of the board of registrars, and, with respect to elections, the city clerk. SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon its passage, or July 1, 2026, whichever is later. Action Contemplated Councillor Stott Moved Adoption Voted ORDERED: That the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs meet to discuss the Draft Home Occupation Zoning Ordinance below: In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five An Ordinance to amend a zoning ordinance relative to Home Occupations Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salemas follows: Section 1. Section 3.1 Table of Principal and Accessory Use Regulations, Section E. Accessory Uses, Home Occupation by deleting this section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:  21 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS Section 2. Section 3.2.2 HOME OCCUPATIONS by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following. 1. Permitted occupations. Home occupations shall be limited to the following and similar uses: A. Artists, sculptors and photographers; B. Authors and composers; C. Dressmakers, seamstresses and tailors; D. Family day care or babysitting for not more than four children at a time; E. Telephone soliciting and mailing services; F. Home crafts such as model making, rug weaving, jewelry making and woodworking; G. Office facility of a salesperson, sales representative or manufacturer's representative, provided that no retail or wholesale transactions are made on the premises, other than by telephone; H. Office facility of an architect, broker, dentist, physician, engineer, insurance agent, land surveyor, licensed therapist, licensed massage therapist, licensed psychologist, nurse practitioner, lawyer, musician or real estate agent; I. School of special education or tutored whose class size does not exceed four pupils at any given time. J. Residential Kitchen (Permitted as “Cottage Food Operations) 2. Prohibited occupations. Occupations which are specifically prohibited include the following and similar uses: A. Repair and painting of automobiles, trailers, boats or other vehicles; B. Barbershop; C. Restaurant; D. Stable or kennel; E. Letting of rooms or lodging. F. Service station, or private parking lot G. Uses involving the parking, dispatching, or storage of commercial vehicles, or the delivery and shipping of materials or goods by such vehicles on a more than once each day basis. 3. Subordination to residential use—Floor area—Building or structural alteration. Any home occupation shall be strictly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes and shall be restricted to not more than twenty-five percent of the gross floor area. No building or structure shall be erected, structurally altered or enlarged to accommodate a home occupation. 4. Employees. No more than one person other than a member of the immediate family shall be employed in the home occupation.  22 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS 5. Residential character—Appearance. The appearance of the site or building in which the home occupation is conducted shall not be altered in a manner which would change the residential character of the premises, either by the use of colors, patterns, materials, construction, signs or lighting. This shall include the banning of any open storage of motor vehicles. 6. Traffic—Parking. No home occupation shall generate traffic volumes greater than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood. 7. Nuisance Control: i. The proprietor shall not discharge any hazardous material, as defined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 21E as amended, into the ground or into any body of surface water. ii. The home occupation shall conform to the City of Salem Code of Ordinances, sections 22- 1 and 22-2 regarding noise. iii. The home occupation shall not create excessive fumes, odor, dust, vibration, heat, glare, or electrical interference. iv. The home occupation shall not cause traffic congestion beyond that which normally occurs in the immediate residential area, nor shall it result in the repeated disruption of the peace, tranquility, or safety of the immediate residential area Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Moved Adoption Voted  23 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMITTEE REPORTS Councillor Hapworth offered the following report for the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs to whom was referred the matter of Granting of Certain Licenses: Granting of Certain Licenses: Junk Dealer: 15 Robinson Road Second Hand Valuables: Circus Lane 10 Jefferson Ave Glass and Etc. 180 Essex St. Record Exchange, LLC 256 Washington St. Tobies Jewelry 140 Washington St. To Do Ta Done, LLC 3 Pleasant St. Second Hand Clothing: To Do Ta Done, LLC 3 Pleasant St. Boston Street ReSale 134 ½ Boston St. Seaworms: Timothy Lynch 28 Anawan Ave., Saugus Paul Lynch 28 Anawan Ave., Saugus Jose Machado 5 Marion Ave., Beverly Joe Mendonca 22 Spring St., Peabody Has Considered said matter and would recommend the licenses be Granted. Accept the Report Voted Adopt the Recommendation Voted  24 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICIALS NONE  25 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PETITIONS The Following License Applications: TAXI OPERATORS: Ozoria Hipolito 10 Porter St., Salem Aracelis Espinal 16 South St., Salem Jorge Rene Guzman Almonte 7 Elme St., Peabody Roberto Gutierrez 403 Lafayette St., Salem Marino Jimenez 96c Tremont Pl., Salem Rosario Moya 9 Mason St. Salem Rafael Moya 407 Essex St. Apt 2, Salem Jose Diaz 44 Warren St Apt 2, Salem Cristhian Tejada Nunez 119 Highland Ave Apt 1, Salem Jose Alexander Suriel Alvarez 56 Dow St, Salem Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved Granted Voted The Following License Applications: SECOND HAND CLOTHING: Re-Find 72 Washington St., Salem SECOND HAND VALUABLES: Second Chance Video Games 10 Colonial Rd., Salem Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved referred Comm on Voted Ord., Lic., & Legal Affairs  26 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PETITIONS The Following Drainlayer/Contract Operator License Applications: Agganis Construction, Inc. 200 Broadway, Ste 105 Lynnfield B.P Sullivan 105 Rangeway RD. Billerica Caruso Corp. 320 Charger St Revere Delulis Brothers Construction Co. 31 Collins Street Terr. Lynn D.W White Construction 867 Middle Rd. Acushnet J. Masterson Construction 46 Prince St. Danvers Meninno Construction 76 Oakvillle St. Lynn Murray Masonry & More Corp 24 Caller St Rear Peabody Nelm Corp 135 Industrial Way Rockland PV Barone Corp 18 Central St Winthrop R. Dilisio Co. Inc 113 Fayette St Lynn R.B Strong Excavating 122 Western Ave. Gloucester Six Progress Corp. 6 Verona St. Salem, Ma 01970 SJ Olson General Contractors LLC 177 Essex St. Lynnfield Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved Granted Voted The Following Claims: Tyler Amann 5 Pyburn Ave., Salem Janet Lack 2 Admirals Lane, Salem Dana Stanley 5 Chanelle Cir., Salem Subrogated: Atty Mark Roman (for Claudia Roman) 107 Congress St., Salem Merrimack Mutual Fire Ins. (for Charles & Juliann Garey) 33 Outlook Ave., Salem Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Moved Granted Voted  27 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PETITIONS The Following Bonds: DRAINLAYER: Nelm Corp 135 Industrial Way Rockland R.B Strong Excavating 122 Western Ave. Gloucester Action Contemplated Councillor Hapworth Refer Comm. on Ord., Lic., & Voted Legal Affairs & Returned Approved  28 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING UNFINISHED BUSINESS Second Passage of Ordinance Amending Traffic Chapter 42 – Sec. 10 & 51 relative to Pioneer Terrace and Lafayette Place In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five 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 inserting the following: Pioneer Terrace – One Way Streets – from the intersection with the access road to 5 Pioneer Terrace to Lafayette Place, in a westerly direction. Section 2. Section 51 of Article V be amended by repealing the following: Lafayette Place – Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets – from the intersection of Green Street to the intersection of Pioneer Terrace. No parking any time. (12/5/80 DPW 5-1965) Lafayette Place – Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets – southerly side. (9/6/68 DPW 5-115) And inserting the following: Lafayette Place – Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets – northerly side from the intersection of Salem Street and extending for approximately four hundred and sixty (460) feet to the intersection with Pioneer Terrace. Lafayette Place – Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets – southerly side from Lafayette Street to Green Street. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Action Contemplated Councillor Cohen Moved adoption for second passage Voted  29 CITY OF SALEM JANUARY 23, 2025 REGULAR MEETING UNFINISHED BUSINESS Second passage of an ordinance relative to Ch. 42, Sec. 50B – Handicap Parking – Jefferson Avenue In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five An Ordinance Relative to Traffic, Ch. 42, Sec. 50B – Handicapped Zones, Limited Time Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Section 50B – Handicapped Zones, Limited Time shall be amended by adding the following: Jefferson Avenue – One Handicap Parking space in front of #326 Jefferson Avenue, for a distance of twenty (20) feet; And also adding: Jefferson Avenue – One Handicap Parking space in front of #338 Jefferson Avenue, for a distance of twenty (20) feet Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Action Contemplated Councillor Varela Moved for second and final passage Voted On the motion of Councillor Morsillo the meeting adjourned at P.M.