The Salem Town Council met on September 14, 2026, voting unanimously on all motions. Meeting minutes from August 3 and 17, 2026, were approved (7-0-0). The Council accepted several donations in the consent agenda, including $2,726.05 from Stand Up Salem for the Community Services Unit. The South Fire Station Finance Working Group was established, with Councilor Stramaglia and Councilor Withrow appointed.
First readings were scheduled for September 28, 2026, for six resolutions: amending the Commercial Tax Credit Program Criteria (2026-14), unmerging lots at 5 Frary Street (2026-16), adopting the Town Wide Fee Schedule (2026-17), and zoning amendments concerning permitted uses (2026-18), multi-family developments (2026-19), and kennel proximity (2026-20). The Council adopted Resolution 2026-21 waiving a second reading to disburse $200,000 from the Roadway Improvements Capital Reserve Fund for the Bridge Street Bridge Construction Project.
Source: https://www.salemnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09142026-1793
The Salem Town Council approved August 3 and August 17 meeting minutes (7-0 votes) and a Consent Agenda (8-0) accepting donations totaling $7,376.05. A bridge construction resolution authorized $200,000 from the Roadway Improvements Capital Reserve Fund for Bridge Street project costs (8-0). Lease extensions for T-Mobile antennas at the Lawrence Road and Howard Street water tanks were approved (8-0 votes). The Council accepted a $9,200 donation from the Friendship and Garden Club for park improvements (8-0) and an $11,430 donation from the Historical Society for gravestone repairs (8-0). Zoning amendments regarding multi-family housing and kennel proximity passed first reading (8-0), with cigar bars removed. A waiver of sewer fees at 65 Wheeler Avenue was granted (8-0). Councilors Stramaglia and Withrow were appointed to the South Fire Station Finance Working Group. Second readings for zoning and fee schedule items are set for September 28.
Source: https://www.salemnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09142026-1792
On September 15, 2026, the committee received a presentation from Steven Lee regarding NHES programs, including WorkInvestNH, which covers 50% of training expenses capped at $76,000 per company annually. The committee discussed planning a business outreach event for spring 2027, potentially March or April, focusing on WorkInvestNH, ERZs, and tax exemptions. Ms. Carlson made a motion to approve the EDC Goals Memo and authorize the Chair to forward it to the Town Manager for the Town Council; the vote passed 4-0-0. Mrs. Samatis moved to approve the August 18, 2026 minutes; this passed 3-0-1 with Ms. Carlson abstaining. The committee agreed to incorporate the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program into the spring outreach planning. The next meetings are scheduled for November 17, 2026, and January 19, 2027, with no meetings in October or December.
Source: https://www.salemnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09152026-1794
The Ethics Committee approved April 21, 2026 minutes with corrections (5-0-0) and both Non-Public Session minutes (5-0-0). Members reviewed a revised training presentation, deciding to simplify slides and add an FAQ to the website. Ms. Caravoulias will update the complaint process flow chart for Ms. Stramaglia. The training is scheduled for June 15, 2026, as a workshop prior to the Town Council meeting, requiring approximately 45 minutes. Regarding communications, Ms. Mailloux instructed members to avoid committee-wide email chains to comply with RSA 91-A. The Committee entered Non-Public Session to discuss Complaint 2026-02 (5-0-0) and subsequently voted to seal those minutes (5-0-0). The meeting adjourned at 6:26 PM.
Source: https://www.salemnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05112026-1725
The Planning Board approved the Bluebird Salem, LLC site plan for a self-storage facility with a conditional use permit for reduced parking. The vote was 7-0-0. Conditions include payment of a road impact fee of $5,609.38 and a public safety impact fee of $44,1060.39. Birches Academy received approval to fence an area for a patio space. The Board approved a celebration event at The residences on September 15. A car show event at 34 Pelham Road on October 4 was approved with a request for a police detail. Mr. Feole tabled the review of minutes from August 11 and August 25 until the Board secretary returns. Mr. Harvey moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m., seconded by Mr. Lewis.
Source: https://www.salemnh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09102026-1788