City Council

1 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING A Regular Meeting of the City Council was held in-person on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of transacting any and all business. Notice of this meeting was posted on February 10, 2026 at 1:38 PM. This meeting is being recorded and is live on S.A.T.V. and Zoom unless technological issues interrupt the transmission. Councillor Varela was absent. Council President Merkl presided. Councilor King moved to dispense with the reading of the record of the previous meeting. It was so voted. President Merkl requested that everyone who is able to please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Salem City Council Land Acknowledgement 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 1. Ben Shallop, 26 Upham St., Salem - Support of Sister City Resolution. 2. Steve Kapantais, Wisteria St., Salem - 23A Wisteria St., Salem - Support of Sister City Resolution and snow removal fines just raising the fines doesn't do the job. 3. Jeff Cohen, 12 Hancock St., Salem - Support Immigration Resolution and composting Ordinance 4. Josiah Guthrie, 69 Essex St., Salem - To address public transit to be safe and cost effective 5. Madison Jacob, 325 Jefferson Ave., Salem - Immigration Resolution - Need Official Emergency Response Plan 6. Bruce Cohen, 20 Hancock St., Salem - Supports Composting Ordinance 7. Karen Scalia, 29RR Upham St., Salem - Support of Sister City Resolution 8. Jordan Elevans, 20 Conant St., Salem - Supports Immigration Resolution 9. Robbie Taylor - concern for public safety around ICE  2 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING (#30) - APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD Held from the last Meeting, the Mayor's Appointment of the following Terms to Expire were confirmed by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Councillor Varela was recorded as absent. NAME ADDRESS BOARD/COMMISSIONTERM TO EXPIRE Emmylou Manwill 15 Heritage Dr. #17 Transportation November 16, 2026 Commission Caron Bixby 12 ½ Fort Ave. Affordable Housing January 22, 2028 Trust Fund Board Councillor Turowski requested and received suspension of the rules to allow the appointees to speak. (#32) - REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND THE LICENSING BOARD Held from the last meeting, the Mayor's Re-Appointments of the following Terms to Expire were confirmed by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Councillor Varela was recorded as absent. Name Board/Commission Address Term Expiration Margarida Raka- Historical Commission 16 Kosciuszko St. 1/22/2028 Goncalves Gary Barrett Licensing Board 51 Larchmont Rd. 1/22/2032 #53 - APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS The Mayor's Appointments of the following with their terms to expire were held under the rules. NAME BOARD/COMMISSION ADDRESS TERM EXPIRES Shelby Ortega Race Equity Commission 9 Moffat Rd. February 12, 2029 Haley Cormier Beautification Committee 11 Pickman Rd. February 12, 2029 Michael Egan Transportation Commission 8 ½ Daniels St. February 12, 2029 Josiah Boucher Bicycling & Shared Path 69 Essex St. #1 February 10, 2028  3 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #54 - REAPPOINTMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING TO VARIOUS BOARDS The Mayor's Re-Appointments of the following Terms to Expire were held under the rules. Name Board/CommissionAddress Term Term Length Expiration Robert Millerick Board of 4 Gallows 3 years March 2, Assessors Circle 2026 Ashley Judge Board of Trust 354 Essex 12 years March 13, Fund Street 2038 Commissioners Charles Barton Registrars of 26 3 years March 2, Voters Marlborough 2029 Road Eliud Alcala Council on Aging 11 South 3 years March 2, Street, #3 2029 Abigail Butt Council on Aging 9 South 3 years March 2, Street 2029 Zachary Caunter Planning Board 24 Carlton 5 years March 11, Street #3 2031 #55 - APPROPRIATION OF $235,109.24 TO THE SALEM SKIPPER EXPANSION SERVICE The following order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules. ORDERED: That the sum of Two Hundred Thirty Five Thousand One Hundred Nine Dollars and Twenty Four Cents ($235,109.24) is hereby appropriated from the following account, Transportation Enhancement Fund (TEF) account (25T91-4800) and transferred to the FTA Salem Skipper Expansion account listed below to cover costs associated with the Salem Skipper service, in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Description Amount 23S80243-5713 $235,109.24 Total $235,109.24  4 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #56 - APPROPRIATION OF $43,245.14 FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2026 The following order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules. ORDERED: That the sum of Forty-Three Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Five Dollars and Fourteen Cents ($43,245.14) is hereby appropriated from the “Fund Balance Reserved for Appropriation – Free Cash” account to the accounts listed below to fund supplemental costs associated with the FY2026 Special Election (May 5, 2026) in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Description Fund Amount Expenses- Voting 1622-5386 $5,549.00 Machine Services (Clerk-Elections & Registration) Expenses – Printing & 11622-5381 $20,338.00 Binding (Clerk- Elections & Registration) Salaries – Elections OT 12101-5142 $13,358.14 (Police Dept.) Expenses-Postage 11962-5342 $4,000.00 TOTAL $43,245.14 #57 - APPROPRIATION OF $30,864.60 FOR THE RETIREMEMT OF A SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE The following order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules. ORDERED: That the sum of Thirty Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Four Dollars and Sixty Cents ($30,864.60) be approved within the “Retirement Stabilization Fund- Vacation/Sick Leave Buyback” account (83113-5146) to be expended for the contractual buyback(s) listed below in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor.  5 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Name Department Amount Torin Mailloux Salem Public Schools $30,864.60 TOTAL $30,864.60 #58 - APPROPRIATION OF $6,773.43 FOR RETIREMENT BUYBACK FOR LEGAL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE The following order submitted by the Mayor was adopted under suspension of the rules. ORDERED: That the sum of Six Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Three Dollars and Forty-Three Cents ($6,773.43) be approved within the “Retirement Stabilization Fund- Vacation/Sick Leave Buyback” account (83113-5146) to be expended for the contractual buyback(s) listed below in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Name Department Amount Elizabeth Rennard Legal Department $6,773.43 TOTAL $6,773.43 #59 - MGL CH. 44, SEC. 64 - PAYING PRIOR FISCAL YEAR INVOICE WITH CURRENT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET - IT DEPARTMENT - $4,873.00 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. Councillor Varela was recorded as absent. ORDERED: Per MGL Chapter 44 Section 64 which allows for a municipality to pay for prior fiscal year invoices using current fiscal year appropriations by two-thirds vote of the City Council we request the sum of Four Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy Three Dollars and Zero Cents ($4,873.00) of outstanding Fiscal Year 2025 invoices is hereby allowed to be paid from the Fiscal Year 2026 Information Technology Department’s budget (account 11562-5243) as listed below in accordance with the recommendation of His Honor the Mayor. Department Vendor Amount IT Department Extra Duty Solutions $4,873.00 IT/GIS Maintenance (11562-5243) Total $4,873.00  6 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #60 - RESOLUTION DESIGNATING EAST BUDLEIGH, ENGLAND, AS A SISTER CITY The following Resolution submitted by the Mayor was adopted by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Councillor Varela was recorded as absent. RESOLUTION: DESIGNATING EAST BUDLEIGH, ENGLAND, AS A SISTER CITY Whereas: Roger Conant was born in the village of East Budleigh, Devon, England, in 1592; and Whereas: in 1626, Roger Conant founded the English settlement that would become the City of Salem, establishing one of the oldest and most historic communities in the United States; and Whereas: Roger Conant's leadership and vision helped establish a stable and enduring community that became a cornerstone of Massachusetts Bay Colony and American history; and Whereas: the City of Salem honors Roger Conant's legacy with a prominent statue that has stood in the heart of the city since 1913 as a tribute to its founder; and Whereas: this City's name is derived from an ancient word for peace; and Whereas: both Salem and East Budleigh share a deep appreciation for history and the transatlantic bonds that unite our communities; and Whereas: a Sister City relationship between East Budleigh and Salem will strengthen the friendship between two communities united by a shared history; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the people of Salem do extend a hand in friendship across the Atlantic Ocean to the people of East Budleigh, Devon, England; and 2. That the City of Salem does hereby designate the Village of East Budleigh, Devon, England, to be a Sister City; and 3. That the City of Salem shall endeavor to establish and formalize ways to demonstrate this unique and special relationship, including possible cultural exchanges, historical research collaboration, educational programs, heritage tourism, and more; and 4. That this resolution honors the legacy of Roger Conant and celebrates the enduring connection between the community of his birth and the community of his founding. Councillor Hapworth acknowledges the work behind the scenes from Karen Scalia and Ben Shallop.  7 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #61 - ORDINANCE AMENDING CH. 38 - STREETS AND SIDEWALKS SECS. 13 & 14 RELATIVE TO FINES FOR FAILING TO REMOVE SNOW AND ICE FROM SIDEWALKS The following ordinance submitted by the Mayor was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs co-posted by the Committee of the Whole. In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six An Ordinance relative to fines for failing to remove snow and ice from sidewalks Section 1. Chapter 38 Streets and Sidewalks, Sec. 38-13. - Removal of Snow from Sidewalks is hereby amended by deleting the following sentence: “If they neglect to do so, they shall be fined $25.00 for the first offense and $50.00 for each subsequent offense.” and replacing it with the following sentences: “If they neglect to do so, they shall be fined either $100.00 each day where the subject property is exclusively residential or $200.00 each day where the subject property is commercial.” Section 2. Chapter 38 Streets and Sidewalks, Sec. 38-14. - Removal of Ice from Sidewalks is hereby amended by deleting the following sentence: “If they neglect to do so, they shall be fined $50.00 for each offense.” and replacing it with the following sentences: “If they neglect to do so, they shall be fined either $100.00 each day where the subject property is exclusively residential or $200.00 each day where the subject property is commercial.” Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Councillor Hapworth feels the frustration especially as a pedestrian. It’s seems to be the same commercial properties and Landlords that do not clear the sidewalks. Need to make sure DPS has the resources needed to do the job. We need a bigger conversation. Councillor King stated she was just at a Youth Commission Meeting and heard from the students how they are not able to walk to school on the sidewalks. They had to walk on Highland Avenue to get to school.  8 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Councillor Turowski stated that the sidewalks on Congress Street were not cleared. We need to make sure the city has resources to clean the snow. Councillor Smith stated that we need to get data ahead of time. Wanted to recognize Lt. Tucker. He went out to Highland Ave and was directing traffic and closed down a lane for those kids after that the next day. So, we really have an all-hands-on-deck approach. #62 - RESOLUTION: TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY The following Resolution introduced by Councillor King was adopted by a roll call vote of 10 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Councillor Varela was recorded as absent. RESOLUTION: TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the City of Salem is a welcoming city with a longstanding commitment to being a culturally inclusive and safe community for all our residents, and serving and protecting its residents regardless of their immigration status and country of origin; and WHEREAS, the rich history and vitality of the City of Salem, being increasingly ethnically, racially, and religiously diverse, is built on the strength of its immigrant communities, and this diversity is a source of resilience and civic pride; and WHEREAS, the City of Salem and its public safety personnel have a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status; and WHEREAS, fear of immigration enforcement can discourage residents from reporting crimes, seeking emergency assistance, accessing essential services, and attending school, thereby undermining public safety, as all residents deserve to live, work, learn, and access public services without fear of discrimination or intimidation based on immigration status or perceived immigration status; and WHEREAS, the City of Salem affirms that the Constitution affords all people residing in the United States certain rights, this rule applies regardless of an individual's immigration status; and WHEREAS, the City of Salem maintains a strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrant community members and ensures the following protections:  9 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING • The City of Salem does not ask for families’ or individuals' immigration status. • The City of Salem does not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). • The City of Salem does not allow ICE agents access to non-public areas of City facilities without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. • The City of Salem does not share records with ICE without consent or a court order issued by a judge, except where disclosure is specifically required by federal or state law; and WHEREAS, the City of Salem Councilors and city staff understand their roles and responsibilities regarding protecting and supporting our immigrant communities; WHEREAS, the City of Salem has ordained in Article XVII, Section 2-2062 of the Salem municipal code that: • City employees shall serve all residents and city services shall be accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status or identity, including ancestry, race, ethnicity, country of origin, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender variance, marital status, physical or mental disability, or religion, unless providing such service is prohibited by state or federal statute, regulation, or court decision. • City employees, with the exception of police officers who shall abide by police department policy, shall not ask for information about immigration status in the performance of daily tasks unless required to do so by federal or state statute, regulation, or court decision. • Salem public safety personnel, including police and firefighters, recognize and value as their first priority the safety, protection, and security of all Salem residents, regardless of their country of origin. No person living, visiting, or working in Salem should ever fear calling public safety personnel for assistance. Further, local public safety personnel recognize that being able to have clear and open communication with any and all Salem residents is the most effective way to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the entire community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Salem reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of all our community members, including immigrant community members, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone who calls Salem home. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Salem recognizes that public safety is strengthened when all residents feel safe interacting with local government and law enforcement.  10 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Salem City Council commits to continued review, development, and strengthening of local policies that protect immigrant residents, including working collaboratively with city departments, Salem Public Schools, and the Salem Police on internal procedures. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Salem City Council urges the state Legislature to pass An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents, also known as the Safe Communities Act, to restore trust between communities and the public institutions that protect and serve them. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Salem City Council urges the state Legislature to pass An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment, also known as the Protect Act, to ensure safe access to the courts and maintain trust in local law enforcement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the City Council send this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senator Joan Lovely, and Representative Manny Cruz. Councillor King stated this has been a discussion going on since as early as 2016 with the original Sanctuary for Peace ordinance which was passed back in 2017, but obviously in the last year, it has been discussed at a higher rate. We felt that it was really important that this is something that we really reaffirm our commitment to these values, and reaffirm our commitment to making sure that people feel safe in the City of Salem, regardless of who they are and their immigration status. I think it's really important that we talk a lot about our further commitments and what else we'd like to do, and I think it's really, really important that we proactively not only work on this issue, but also proactively include our immigrant neighbors and community groups that represent our immigrant population. I know that the City of Salem did an event last week where the mayor and police chief and superintendent of schools met with a large number of community groups and did public Q&A, and this is just one of the many things that we really need to do as a community to really help, and reassure our community and continue to work collaboratively with our community on these issues. I will just note, ICE has been in Salem, but it has not been in Salem as much as neighboring communities. Lynn and Peabody have been hit significantly harder than Salem here on the North Shore, and I think it really gets to the fact that this is a regional issue, and that's why it's really important that we do support state legislation that helps to build this trust on a state level, because we are a lot stronger when we all work together as a state. We need to be conscious of what we ask our Police Department to know their rights and how to safely operate. Need to define the line between obstruction of justice and refusal to cooperate. We should work with our Solicitor and even more experience lawyers focused on this constitutional law.  11 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Councillor Davis stated that he appreciates the resolution especially the paragraph that the City continue to review and strengthen local policies that protect immigrant residents. We should look to see how we codify these procedures and policies into law. We should work with organizations in the immigrant community to do everything we can and not make ourselves a target. Councillor Turowski mentioned that the Board of Health is holding a clinic on Congress St. There is an influenza crisis in the point area and they are afraid to go and give their information to get a vaccine even though there are HIPPA laws. Immigrants need to feel safe. Glad to see we are using the word resident and not citizen. Councillor Smith thinks that we should reopen the Sanctuary of Peace Ordinance to strengthen since it was passed in 2017. Need to do more than just this, but passing this is a good first step. Councillor Holappa stated this resolution is very important and it is not to be taken lightly. We need to be preparing what our strategies should be. The Federal Government moves quickly and we need to be prepared to move quickly as well. Councillor Flynn wanted to express that we have been following this since 2017. Fire and Police are following this. We don’t want anyone to think they are not safe from first responders. Councillor Hapworth stated the most common question he hears is – “What can I do? The problems feel so big, I don't even know where to start right now.” We need to prove to people we are doing things to focus on our role to keep them safe. For residents, I think that means making sure that if you see things that look illegal even from the federal government, that you're recording, that you're doing things safely, but that you're documenting evidence, because we will come out on the other side of this at some point. And the rule of law will prevail, and I think doing that locally here and being smart about it is important. So I appreciate reaffirming this information, and I agree with Councillor Flynn that this is… this is policy that's been followed by the Salem Fire Department, Salem Police Department for a long time. . Councillor Sydoriak stated this is very much needed. This is not just an Immigration thing. There are U.S. Citizens that are being kidnapped. Councillor Prosniewski stated that about 10 years ago he was involved in drafting the Sanctuary for Peace Ordinance. He spoke with the Immigration population in Salem on how immigrants view law enforcement in Salem versus in their country. In their country there is only one police department in charge. The Salem Police Department (SPD) is a community police department, not a state or federal police department, and our top priority is overseeing safety and guardianship of this community and its  12 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING residents. The Salem Police Department does not ask for status or papers on any call or official interaction. The SPD do not enforce Federal Law or obstruct it. Information to Federal Enforcement Officers would only be shared by legal means, the SPD does not volunteer information. If you are here in Salem, everyone is going to get the same protection. #63 - MEET TO DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CH. 36 - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT BY ADDING MUNICIPAL AND BUSINESS COMPOSTING The following order introduced by Councillor King was adopted. ORDERED: That the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs co-posted with the Committee of the Whole meet to discuss the Ordinance Amendment relative to Municipal and Business Composting (see below): Article II. Composting Requirements 36-13. Municipal Buildings and Property Requirements for Compostables Collection. (a) For all municipal buildings, the Facilities Director or their designee, shall establish on-site collection areas for compostable materials that are convenient to city employees, and visiting public. The compost collection containers shall be placed in a location or locations within reasonable and convenient proximity to all offices and be at least as convenient to city employees, and the visiting public as trash containers. (b) When the Facilities Director or their designee contracts with a janitorial service for municipal buildings, the contract for janitorial services shall include compostables collection service that meets the requirements of this section. (c) At least once per year, the director or their designee shall conduct training and distribute to all employees’ information about how to use the on-site system established for collection of compostables pursuant to this section. The Director shall provide new employees with this information within 30 days of employment and no later than the thirtieth day after a substantive change in the composting location or service offered at the municipal building or property. (d) The Director or their designee shall maintain and make available upon request, to the Health Agent for inspection and copying during normal business hours, any reports, contracts and/or invoices for collection and disposition compostable materials for a period covering the most recent three years. 36-14. Business Owner Requirements for Compostables Collection. (a) All business owners shall separate compostable material from the trash and wherever business owners provide trash containers to employees or customers, they shall also provide compostables containers for employees and customers' use. Containers shall be at least as conveniently located as trash and be of adequate size and number to prevent compostables from being mixed with trash. (b) At least once per year, business owners shall conduct training that instructs all employees how to use the containers established for collection of compostables pursuant to this section. Business owners shall provide new employees with this information within 30 days of when the employee begins work and no later than the thirtieth day after a substantive change in the composting service offered at the business.  13 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING (c) All business owners shall provide Spanish and English or picture-only signs at each compostables container, clearly indicating the appropriate materials to be placed inside the container in accordance with rules issued by waste reduction coordinator/engineering department. (d) Business owners or managers shall provide The Health Department with a composting contract, that will be required to obtain when submitting health permit renewal annually. 36-15. Special Events Requirements for Compostables Collection. All special events and temporary events at a city owned venue shall provide compostables collection in compliance with the city's Special Event Permit requirements, and Health Department requirements. 36-16. Applicability. (a) The requirements of Section 6-36-13, "Municipal Buildings and Property for Compostables Collection" shall apply to all municipal buildings and property within the City of Salem upon adoption of this Ordinance. (b) The requirements of Section 36-14, "Business Owner Requirements for Compostables Collection," shall apply to all businesses existing within the City of Salem effective on adoption of (c) The requirements of Section 36-15, "Special Events Requirements for Compostables Collection" shall apply to all special events and temporary events upon adoption of this Ordinance. 36-17. Exemptions. (a) Applications for exemptions from complying with the requirements of Section 36-14, "Business Owner Requirements, shall be made by the owner of the property or business. Any exemption shall be for a period of one year. Business owners may re-apply for one additional exemption at the expiration of the initial exemption period. City staff will review exemption applications and work with the applicants to bring the property owner or business owner into compliance. Applications shall be received within sixty days of the start of the compliance period established in Section 36-16, "Applicability." Health Agent may issue additional rules that govern the conditions under which an application for an exemption may be submitted and granted. In order to be granted an exemption, applicants shall demonstrate they have considered all reasonable options that would bring their business or property into compliance and shall explain to the satisfaction of the Health Agent why no options are viable. Health Agent shall determine whether an exemption shall be granted. (b) The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: (1) A business or manager that can demonstrate extreme economic hardship as defined by the City Health Agent (2) Businesses that generate a de minimis volume of trash, compostables as defined by the the City Health Agent (3) Any business owner or manager who can demonstrate that compliance would require the business to violate other municipal codes or regulations, or applicable state or federal regulations. (4) A business that hauls its own trash, recyclables or compostables as certified by a self-hauling certification, the contents and format of which is defined by Health Department, may be granted an exemption from this article. (5) A property or business owner that composts on-site in compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to Massachusetts General Laws and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (7) Innovation exemption - business owner may apply for an exemption if they are reusing or repurposing a significant portion of their waste stream.  14 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING 36-18. Violations. Any business or person violating this article may be fined: (a) First offense, $50.00; (b) Second offense of the same section, $100.00; (c) Third and subsequent violations of the same section, $150.00; and (d) The Health Agent has authority to enforce this section. Councillor King stated she wanted to bring this topic back in since a few things have changed since last time. Looking forward to hearing from businesses. #64 - MEET TO DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS The following order introduced by Councillor Davis was adopted. ORDERED: That the Committee on Public Health, Safety & the Environment co-posted with the Committee of the Whole meet to discuss the attached Ordinance Amendment relative to Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (see below). 24.32. Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (a) Purpose The use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers contributes to noise pollution, air contamination, and the release of harmful particulate matter. This ordinance seeks to protect the public health, welfare, and the environment by limiting the use of gas- powered leaf blowers, while also promoting the adoption of cleaner alternatives. (b) Definitions Commercial leaf blower operator: Any entity that receives income, remuneration, or compensation of any kind, whether as a fee, a charge, a salary, wages, or otherwise, for operating a leaf blower. Municipal and other government entities and their contractors are excluded from this definition. Gas-powered leaf blower: Any portable handheld or backpack style power device that is powered by a petroleum-based engine and used in any landscape maintenance, construction, property repair, or property maintenance for the purpose of blowing, moving, removing, dispensing, or redistributing leaves, dust, dirt, grass clippings, cuttings, and trimmings from trees and shrubs or any other type of litter or debris. Property Manager: Any tenant in possession or person or entity in control of real property, including, but not limited to, a condominium association. Property Owner: The legal owner of record of real property as listed by the tax assessor’s records.  15 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING (c) Restrictions on Use 1. Prohibited Period: The use of gas-powered leaf blowers shall be prohibited in the City of Salem from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. These restrictions apply to residential and business/commercial properties, and private and commercial leaf blower operators. 2. Exemptions: City and public school departments and other government entities within the City shall be exempt from this ordinance. 3. Exceptions: The City of Salem, through its Health Agent or Building Commissioner, may issue a temporary exemption from this prohibition on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in cases of emergencies, large storms, or when required for public safety. (d) Transitional Period for Compliance: 1. Residential property owners conducting leaf blowing on their own property shall comply with this ordinance no later than Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. 2. Commercial Leaf Blower Operators shall comply with this ordinance no later than Memorial Day, May 31, 2027. (e) Enforcement and Penalties 1. Enforcing Authority: It shall be the duty of police officers and officials within the Building and Health departments to enforce this ordinance. 2. Fines and Penalties: a. First Offense: A written warning. b. Second Offense: A fine of $100. c. Third and Subsequent Offenses: A fine of $200 per offense. 3. Responsibility for Compliance: The property owner or the person in control of or managing the property shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this ordinance and shall be the party issued warnings and fines. (f) Effective Date This ordinance shall be effective on the dates set forth in Section 24.32(d). Councillor Davis stated this was brought in last and was hoping to move it forward this year. There is still interest on this topic. We will fi the effective date in committee. Councillor Smith stated this is the same ordinance as last year. I was hoping more could be added to this. Councillor Davis said the new Councillors can look at this with fresh eyes.  16 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #65 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TRAFFIC CH. 42, SEC. 88 - SPECIAL SPEED ZONE REGULATIOMS - FORT AVENUE The following ordinance introduced by Councillor Turowski was adopted as a 60 Day Trial Order. Ordinance as submitted: In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Chapter 42, Section 88. – “Special Speed Zone Regulations” Section 194 of the Acts of 2016 creates MGL c 90 s 18b allowing Municipalities to establish 20 mph safety zones. Fort Avenue, between Winter Island Road and Bay View Avenue, both sides and both directions of traffic at 20 miles per hour. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. Trial Order as Adopted: ORDERED: That a trial period for sixty (60) days, from June to July 30, 2026, on the following traffic recommendation: Chapter 42, Section 88 – “Special Speed Zone Regulations”, Section 194 of the Acts of 2016 creates MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 18B allowing Municipalities to establish 20 mph safety zones. Fort Avenue, between Winter Island Road and Bay View Avenue, both sides and both directions of traffic at 20 miles per hour. Councillor Turowski stated we had discussed the safety zone in May 2025 in the Transportation Commission, at the request of one of the residents on Fort Avenue. We are allowed by state law to establish these safety zones at the municipal level. This is a municipality-driven process. It is stated that it must be 20 miles per hour. The current speed limit on the stretch is 30 miles per hour. There are some criteria that must be followed in order to be able to fall under this safety zone classification. Namely, it has to be adjacent to a land use likely to attract vulnerable road users, in this case, the Park and the basketball courts and athletic fields. The segment has to be a specific length between a quarter mile and no more than 500 feet beyond the side street, unless it's by one of those applicable land uses, which this one is at 0.27 miles as well. And there has to be the presence of conflict points between different modes of travel, crosswalks, driveways, and side streets, which this also, qualifies.  17 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING We also looked at Memorial Drive, which did not meet these criteria, and Restaurant Row, which met the criteria, but since it's essentially a driveway on Park Land, we didn't know if there was jurisdiction to go forward with this, so we're only recommending this on Fort Avenue. There was a speed study conducted as part of the MassDOT guidelines to establish this safety zone. The average speed was at 26 miles per hour, the 85th percentile was 31 miles per hour, which means that 85% of vehicles were traveling at 31 miles per hour or below, 48% of vehicles travel over 25 miles an hour, and 16.9% of vehicles over 30 miles an hour, with an average daily volume of about 2,400 vehicles. Some vehicles were documented to be traveling at over 60 miles an hour. We are proposing 20 miles an hour in conjunction with the Speed Safety Zone legislation. We had discussed 25, but this would not qualify, under this fast tracking program because it requires mass slot approval. The safety zone approach is, again, driven by the city and can take effect as soon as the Council approves it. When the safety zone was discussed at the Transportation Commission, two Willows neighborhood residents spoke in favor, including former Ward 1 Councillor Cynthia Jeryzlo. There was some discussion, and Lieutenant David Tucker had initially voted against this. There's a letter in the backup in which he expresses his concerns about the necessity of this. The application, I think the quote was, this might lower the limit to an unreasonable speed, it might simply cause good drivers to drive in violation, and also the logistics of enforcing this ordinance. I also brought it up at the Salem Willis Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday night, and only received positive feedback. There was no opposition from the residents. The Traffic Commission… the Transportation Commission did acknowledge that this would be the first step in a multi- pronged approach to reducing speeds in this area. Noting that enforcement would have to balance the issues related to vehicles traveling at reasonable speeds, so people might reasonably travel at 25 miles an hour here, but under this that would be considered speeding. So I'm looking forward to some other discussions with the neighbors, to see if we can do some hardscaping, some infrastructure modifications to encourage people to drive, more slowly as well. But again, these approaches, they can be implemented later, but they do require additional time and funding. So to accommodate the recommendations of Lieutenant Tucker, I am proposing an order for a trial period extending from June 1st through July 30th, which should be during peak park visitation this year. And then at the end of that trial period, I would request review of this, of this safety zone trial by the Transportation Commission in August, and if they give a positive recommendation, meaning this increases the perceived safety along this section of Fort Avenue, then that would be recommended to come back to Council, where we would look at it as the ordinance proposed for first and second passage, as usual. The other thing I wanted to mention is that Lieutenant Tucker had also recommended that this be seasonal, perhaps mid-May through mid- October. I think we may need to follow up and see if we can make the safety zone seasonal, or if they have to be permanent, because I don't think that was clear in Mass General Law.  18 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Councillor Holappa appreciates the approach on this. None of us here want to see people get injured or killed. We've got vehicle collisions. So I just am grateful for the approach to try something out, to try to actually make our streets safer. The city has recently conducted a Safe Streets for All action plan, and one of the findings was that there are not a lot of deaths, there are quite a number of injuries, there are literally thousands of property damage, collisions. And, what I hope folks can understand is that the only difference between a property damage collision and a collision with a person is luck. Councillor Prosniewski stated if somebody told me 20 years ago that they were going to lower the speed limit on Fort Avenue to 20 miles an hour, I'd be scratching my head. I did have a conversation with Lt. Tucker because it's a big, wide street at that time, and since they put the armadillos in, it's been narrowed down, and but I agree with Councillor Turowski that maybe there should be some adjustments made by the appearance like some new structures being put on Fort Avenue to narrow it down. I do like the fact that we're going to give this a trial period. I'd like to see the trial period and see the results of it, because growing up here and being frequenting the willows, 20 miles an hour seems very, very slow, but we'll see for the trial period how it works out, so I am in favor of this. Councillor Turowski wanted to say we have a similar safety zone in effect already involving Congress Street, so we do have a framework for this already. Councillor Sydoriak stated the number one factor for fatalities and serious injuries is speed, so I think it's really important to be able to have trial period for this. It can be slow, but it's only a certain amount of increments for the miles per hour. We don’t want people to die so it’s really important. #66 - MEET TO DISCUSS SNOW REMOVAL BEST PRACTICES AND ENFORCEMENT The following order introduced by Councillor Hapworth was adopted. (Late file no discussion) ORDERED: That the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs co-posted with the Committee of the Whole meet to discuss snow removal best practices and enforcement.  19 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #66A - REQUEST FOR EXTENDED HOURS FROM HAUNTED WARREN MUSEUM A hearing was ordered for February 26, 2026 on the request for Extended hours from Haunted Warren Museum, LLC 259 Essex St, Salem, to operate seven (7) days per week, year-round, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. The proposed use is an indoor, ticketed entertainment experience with an average guest duration of approximately ninety (90) minutes to two (2) hours. The Applicant anticipates that the final entry time will be approximately 11:59 p.m., with all guests exiting the building by 2:00 a.m. No food or alcohol will be served. #67 & #68 - LICENSE APPLICATIONS The following License Applications were granted. PUBLIC GUIDES: MIKAYLA BOYLE 100 FEDERAL STREET SALEM AMBER MERCER EMSLIE 231 WASHINGTON STREET #602 SALEM CHRISTINE REMUS 9A WEST MAIN STREET #1 NEWTON, NH ANDREW PENNACCHIO 68 HESPER STREET SAUGUS ALICIA DIOZZI 40 ENGLISH STREET SALEM ALLISON DEL FRACO 65 WASHINGTON STREET #310 SALEM ROGER HERSON 9 MILL STREET APT 207 BEVERLY PENELOPE VINCENS 11 CHURCH STREET APT 705 SALEM KAREN SCALIA 29RR UPHAM STREET SALEM WALTER PRINCE 40 AUBURN STREET SAUGUS KELLY JASER 31 ROSLYN STREET APT 2 SALEM JACOB HALL 2 PINEWOOD AVE BEVERLY KIMBERLY PETERSON 48 SAINT PETERS STREET APT 1SALEM PAMELA SWANSON 394 ESSEX STREET #1 SALEM CORINNE GARDYNA 131 ESSEX STREET #1 SALEM ROBERT GAUTREAU 21 STURGIS STREET APT #2 WOBURN TAXI OPERATORS: YUNERIS MONTILLA DELEON 491 CENTRAL STREET APT S1SAUGUS JOSE CASTILLO DE LA ROSA 109 BRIDGE STREET APT 2 SALEM JOAN FRIAS DIAZ 14 CHERRY STREET SALEM HANLEN GARDEN GUZMAN 46 WARD STREET APT 3 SALEM  20 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING #69 – THE FOLLOWING LICENSE APPLICATION The Following License Application was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs. SECONDHAND VALUABLES: Jenni Stewart, Inc 24 Front St., Salem #70 - #74 - CLAIMS The Following Claims were referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs: ALEX RUSO 158 NORTH STREET SALEM ALLISON PATCH PEDROZA 19 IRVING STREET SALEM JUDITH ZISSULIS 101 LINDEN STREET SALEM KENNETH MENDOZZI 15 SPAULDING ROAD PLAINFIELD, CT ELISABETH JACKSON 1008 PARADISE ROAD APT 3BSWAMPSCOTT #75 - DRAINLAYER / CONTRACT OPERATOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS The following Drainlayer and Contract Operator Applications were granted. LANDMARK UTILITIES & 134 CENTRE STREET DANVERS SITE EXCAVATION CORPORATION MENINNO 76 OAKVILLE STREET LITTLETON CONSTRUCTION CO., INC DELULIS BROTHERS 31 COLLINS STREET LYNN CONSTRUCTION CO., INC TERRACE DUC RESIDENTIAL PO BOX 780 LYNNFIELD N. GRANESE & SONS, 59 JEFFERSON AVE SALEM INC. Drainlayer / Contract Operator Licenses continued on next page.  21 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING RB STRONG 122 WESTERN AVENUE GLOUCESTER EXCAVATING &SEWERAGE CONTRACTOR INC D&M CIVIL INC 30 LOG BRIDGE ROAD MIDDLETION BUILDING 100 2ND FLOOR SPENCER CONTRACTING 67 FOSTER STREET PEABODY CORP CARUSO CORP 60 UNION STREET REVERE AGGANIS 200 BROADWAY SUITE LYNNFIELD CONSTRUCTION 105 SIX PROGRESS CORT 6 VERONA STREET SALEM MCGRATH ENTERPRISES 28 OAKVILLE STREET LYNN RAMIREZ BROS 53 COMMERCIAL STREET LYNN EXCAVATING #76 – THE FOLLOWING BONDS The following bonds were referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs co-posted with the Committee of the Whole and returned approved. Drainlayer / Contract Operator: MCGRATH ENTERPRISES 28 OAKVILLE STREET LYNN RAMIREZ BROS 53 COMMERCIAL STREET LYNN EXCAVATING Constable: HAROLD LEROY 56 MARGIN STREET PEABODY SHAMBAUGH (#37) - SECOND PASSAGE OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TRAFFIC CH. 42, SEC. 50A - HANDICAP PARKING - FRONT STREET The Second Passage of the following traffic ordinance amendment was then taken up. It was adopted for second passage. In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six An Ordinance Relative to Traffic  22 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Section 50A of Article V be amended by inserting the following: Front Street – Handicapped Parking Zones – northerly side, starting approximately sixty (60) feet east of Washington Street and running in an easterly direction for twenty (20) feet, first space, Handicapped Parking Zone. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. (#38) - SECOND PASSAGE OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TRAFFIC CH. 42, SEC. 51B - PARKING PROHIBITED CERTAIN TIMES ON CERTAIN STREETS BURNSIDE STREET The Second Passage of the following traffic ordinance amendment was then taken up. It was adopted for second passage. In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows: Section 1. Section 51B of Article V be amended by inserting the following: Burnside Street – Parking Prohibited at Certain Times on Certain Streets– southerly side adjacent to 15 Burnside Street for approximately thirty (30) feet, from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. (#39) - SECOND PASSAGE OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TRAFFIC CH. 42, SEC. 50B - ACCESSIBLE PARKING, LIMITED TIME The Second Passage of the following traffic ordinance amendment was taken up. It was adopted for second passage. In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six An Ordinance Relative to Traffic Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Salem, as follows:  23 CITY OF SALEM FEBRUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Section 1. Amend Article V, Section 50B by deleting this section in its entirety and replacing it with the following: Section 50B – Accessible Parking, limited time The Commander of the Salem Police Traffic Unit, in conjunction with the Director of the Department of Transportation is authorized, at the request of a resident or a City Councillor on behalf of a resident, to establish accessible on-street parking space. Once approved, the space shall remain in place for two (2) years, at which point a resident may reapply. An accessible parking space established pursuant to this section is intended for use by the residents requesting the space, but no vehicle with a plate authorized by the registrar of motor vehicles of a state or a placard also issued by the registrar shall be prevented from parking in such a space. Vehicles that park in these designated spaces without the aforementioned plate or placard shall be subject to towing and the fines outlined in Section 17A of Article I of the Traffic Ordinance. To request a space, a resident shall provide the following information to either the Salem Police Traffic Unit or the Department of Transportation: 1. Name 2. Address 3. Proof of Salem address as primary abode 4. Proof of handicap placard/plate The aforementioned information shall be verified by the Commander of the Salem Police Traffic Unit or their designee. An evaluation of the on-street location shall be conducted by the Commander of the Salem Police Traffic Unit or their designee and the Director of the Department of Transportation or their designee. The Department of Transportation will coordinate the installation of the appropriate sign with the Department of Public Services. A list of the designated spaces shall be on file with the Salem Police Traffic Unit and Department of Transportation. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by City Charter. On the motion of Councillor Hapworth, the meeting adjourned at 8:49 P.M. ATTEST: ILENE SIMONS CITY CLERK