October 2026

• School Committee

  Monday, October 5, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the revised consent agenda, excluding the Dominican Republic trip, by a 7-0 roll call vote. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the Salem High School EF field trip to the Dominican Republic for February 2028, by a 7-0 roll call vote. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

September 2026

• City Council

  Thursday, September 24, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Granted National Grid's request to install conduits on Bridge Street in front of 252 Bridge Street. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted National Grid's order to install conduits on Naples Road at the intersection with Hemenway Road. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted National Grid's order to install conduits on Webb Street at the intersection with Fort Ave. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted GoNetSpeed's order to install and maintain underground fiber-optic facilities on Jefferson Ave. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Confirmed the Mayor's appointment of Alphonse Wright to the Food Policy Council, 10-0-1. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  21 more decisions

  • Confirmed the Mayor's appointment of Catrina Meyer to the Bicycling and Shared Path Advisory Committee, 10-0-1. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Confirmed the Mayor's appointment of Elena Rodriguez-DePaul to the Race Equity Commission, 10-0-1. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Confirmed the Mayor's appointment of Samantha Stringfellow to the Zoning Board of Appeals, 10-0-1. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Received and filed the Mayor's informational appointment of Darrien Marazzo to Zero Waste Salem. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted a $10,768.48 order to pay prior-year school department salaries from the current budget, under suspension of the rules, 10-0-1.
  • Adopted a $900.81 order to pay a prior-year Parking Department National Grid electricity invoice from the current budget, 10-0-1.
  • Adopted a $330.00 order to pay a prior-year Engineering Department invoice from the current budget, 10-0-1.
  • Adopted the Mayor's order approving and adopting the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Received and filed the Mayor's update on the revised Sustainability, Energy and Resiliency Committee mission statement. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted a resolution honoring retired City Clerk Ilene Simons, 10-0-1. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted an order directing the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs to meet with the Committee of the Whole on administrative review for reasonable accommodations in zoning for individuals with disabilities. p. 13page 13 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Accepted the committee report and discharged the living wage requirement ordinance amendment from committee. p. 13page 13 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted the communication from the Veteran's Agent requesting that a new veterans square at Lafayette Street and College Drive be named O'Neil Square. p. 16page 16 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted the order designating taxi and rideshare pick-up and drop-off locations for October weekends. p. 17page 17 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Received and filed the Planning Board report on the proposed zoning amendment to Section 3.1 Table of Uses for data centers. p. 18page 18 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Ordered a hearing for October 8, 2026 on National Grid's petition to relocate one jointly owned pole on Summit Ave. at Eden St. p. 38page 38 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the residents of Orne Square a block party on October 31, 2026, from 3 PM to 9 PM. p. 38page 38 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the listed public guide, taxi operator, and vehicle for hire license applications. p. 38page 38 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted the noise control ordinance amendment for the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall area for second passage. p. 40page 40 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted the traffic ordinance amendments for Lafayette Street and Salem Street for second passage. p. 40page 40 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Adopted the fire lane traffic ordinance for Beach Avenue and Sutton Avenue for second passage. p. 41page 41 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • Committee recommended that the camping ordinance review remain in committee. p. 13page 13 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Withdrew the motion to add City departments back into the gas-powered leaf blower restrictions. p. 45page 45 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Design Review Board

  Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Partly checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the sign at 11 Charter Street (Diehl Marcus & Company) as submitted, 6-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the sign at 2 East India Square (Sinistry) as submitted, 6-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the facade trim painting at 196 Essex Street, Unit 170 (Flying Monkey) as submitted, 6-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the Peabody Essex Museum sign package for the Charter Street facade at 161 Essex Street under small project review, 6-0, with the condition that the signs be program and event banners, not sale banners. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Appointed Joseph Badowski as the DRB representative on the Public Art Commission, 6-0. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  4 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 6 Front Street small project review for windows, 6-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 194 Essex Street, Unit 171 (World of Wizardry) small project review, 6-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the Smart Growth Overlay District design review of the Lifebridge Main Campus project, 6-0. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of the August 26, 2026 meeting, 6-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• City Council Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment

  Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Voted 4-1 to remain in committee. p. 7page 7 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Planning Board

  Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Extended the project deadline by forty-five days for the Harborlight Homes project on Margin, Endicott, and High Streets, 5-0 with one abstention. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the decision for Pediatric Associates at 59 Boston Street (Map 15, Lot 321), 6-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Disapproved the Form B/Preliminary Subdivision application for 47 Congress Street (Map 34, Lot 448), 6-0. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved changes to the 40 Bridge Street site plan decision, pending other department issues within the 35-day window, 6-0. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Extended the Site Plan Review and Planned Unit Development Special Permit for 38 Norman Street to April 14, 2028, 6-0. p. 12page 12 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • City Council adoption of the data center zoning amendment with added text from the City Solicitor, and a working group. (6–0) p. 15page 15 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • City Council a zoning amendment amending Section 5 to require no parking for two-family dwelling units. (6–0) p. 15page 15 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  5 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the Harborlight Homes public hearing to October 15, 2026, 5-0 with one abstention. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 57 Wharf Street Units UCB and UCC and 201 Derby Street hearing to October 15, 2026, 5-0 with one recusal. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 75 North Street (Map 26, Lot 58) hearing to October 15, 2026, 6-0. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 11 Summer Street hearing to October 15, 2026, 6-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the September 3, 2026 meeting minutes, 6-0. p. 16page 16 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Board of Public Library Trustees

  Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • A candidate for the new Poet Laureate. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the draft minutes from June 18, 2026 unanimously. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Zoning Board of Appeals

  Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Motion to approve the appeal of the revoked building permit at 35 Congress Street, Shetland Park Building 2, Unit 2120, failed 0 in favor and 5 opposed. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved an amendment to the December 11, 2023 decision for 75 North Street, removing the special condition that barred assigning parking spaces to individual units or residents. p. 15page 15 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved a special permit to add a second story to the nonconforming house at 8 Conners Road, by a 5-0 vote. p. 16page 16 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the minutes of the August 19, 2026 meeting as drafted. p. 17page 17 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Historical Commission

  Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Certificate of Appropriateness issued September 14, 2026 for replacing roof shingles at 303 Lafayette Street, reviewed as a minor change. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Found the building at 2 Commercial Street not historically significant; motion carried with six in favor. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Found 75 North Street not historically significant; motion carried. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Found the building at 38 Norman Street historically significant; motion carried with six in favor. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Found the building at 38 Norman Street not preferably preserved and required photographs and dimensional plans before demolition; motion carried. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  2 more decisions

  • Approved the 115 Derby Street gutter and downspout work as submitted. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 13 Beckford Street EV charger installation with a box enclosure overseen by Commissioner Martinez before install; motion carried. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  5 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 8 Conners Road application to October 7, 2026 to allow for a site visit, 6-1. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 1A Cambridge Street application to October 7, 2026. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Withdrew the 10 Broad Street application without prejudice. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 14 Beckford Street fencing application to October 7, 2026 to conduct a site visit. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved minutes for August 19 and September 2, 2026, with a correction to the September 2 minutes. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• City Council

  Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Granted National Grid's request to install conduits on Essex Street at Flint Street. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved accepting a $20,000.00 donation from The Cummings Foundation for the Taxpayer Relief Fund. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved accepting a $4,000.00 donation from Dominic Ballard for a Salem Common bench. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved accepting a $4,000.00 donation from Eileen R. Perry for a Salem Common bench. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved accepting a $3,258.76 donation from the Salem Harbor Station for the Derby Street Mile Road Race. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  30 more decisions

  • Approved $156,482.66 for retirement vacation and sick leave buybacks for employees in several departments. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved continuing the Mean-Tested Citizen Property Tax Exemption (senior tax exemption) program for three more years, through December 31, 2029. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the noise control ordinance amendment for Essex Street Pedestrian Mall area on first passage. p. 12page 12 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Accepted the committee recommendation that the Home Occupation Zoning Ordinance remain in committee. p. 20page 20 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Accepted the committee recommendation to adopt the Beach Avenue and Sutton Avenue fire lane ordinance on first passage. p. 20page 20 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Received and filed the Jefferson Ave Corridor Study report. p. 23page 23 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the City Seal Task Force recommendation that the city seal be changed and that no human figure or witch be depicted. p. 24page 24 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved changing the City Seal as recommended by the City Seal Task Force, by an 8-2 roll call vote. p. 25page 25 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Failed a motion by Councillor Flynn for immediate reconsideration of the city seal vote. p. 25page 25 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Accepted the committee report on the gas-powered leaf blower ordinance.
  • Approved an amendment expanding the city-department exemption to all city departments and their contractors, 7-3. p. 28page 28 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved removing the Memorial Day-to-Labor Day prohibited period language, so gas-powered leaf blowers would be prohibited in the city. p. 28page 28 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved changing the exemption provision to cover all city departments and their contractors. p. 28page 28 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved keeping the emergency exemption that lets the mayor, fire chief, or designee issue a temporary exemption. p. 28page 28 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved removing city departments from the January 1, 2030 compliance requirement. p. 28page 28 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Failed a motion to change the compliance date from January 1, 2030 to January 1, 2028, by a 2-8 roll call vote. p. 29page 29 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved removing the tiered compliance dates for residential property owners, commercial operators, and city departments. p. 29page 29 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved adding outreach and notification requirements and striking the effective-date section. p. 29page 29 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the gas-powered leaf blower ordinance on first passage, as amended, by a 7-3 roll call vote. p. 29page 29 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Ordered a public hearing for September 24, 2026 on GoNetSpeed's petition for underground fiber-optic facilities on Jefferson Ave. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Ordered a public hearing for September 24, 2026 on National Grid's petition for conduits on Bridge St. in front of 252 Bridge St. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Ordered a public hearing for September 24, 2026 on National Grid's petition for conduits on Naples Road. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Ordered a public hearing for September 24, 2026 on National Grid's petition for conduits on Webb St. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the Boardman St. residents' block party petition for September 19, 2026, with a rain date of September 20, 2026. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the Surrey Road residents' block party petition for September 19, 2026, with a rain date of September 20, 2026. p. 30page 30 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the Harris St. residents' block party petition for October 31, 2026. p. 31page 31 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted B+S Fitness's request to hold the Wicked Half Marathon on September 20, 2026 at 7 AM. p. 31page 31 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted B+S Fitness's request to hold the Devils Chase 666/ Creepy Clown Races on October 17, 2026 at 8 AM. p. 31page 31 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Granted the listed public guide license applications. p. 31page 31 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Returned the drainlayer bonds for NCCL Enterprises and Midway Utilities Contractors LLC as approved. p. 34page 34 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  7 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Referred the electrical permit fee ordinance to the Committee on Ordinance, Licenses and Legal Affairs. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the order on motorized vehicles, including e-bikes and dirt bikes, to the Public Health, Safety and the Environment Committee. p. 16page 16 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the order to discuss amending the camping ordinance to the Public Health, Safety and the Environment Committee. p. 18page 18 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the order on sign ordinance amendments, including window art, to the Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs Committee. p. 19page 19 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the roof-mounted wind energy systems ordinance to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing. p. 23page 23 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the Open Meeting Law complaint about the July 9, 2026 Government Services Committee meeting to the City Solicitor for a written response. p. 23page 23 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred the listed claims to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs. p. 33page 33 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Zoning Board of Appeals

  Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved a variance for 5, 7, and 9 Wilson Road to subdivide a lot merged under common ownership, subject to 12 standard conditions. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved a special permit for 7 Herbert Street to reconstruct the rear addition and build a two-story rear addition. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved a special permit for 37 Clark Street for a covered porch and single-story addition six feet from the side property line. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved a special permit for 26 Linden Street to increase the house height from approximately eighteen feet to 24.5 feet. p. 7page 7 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  3 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 75 North Street amendment petition to September 16, 2026. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 31 Cedar Street variance request to October 21, 2026, by a 4-0 vote. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of the July 29, 2026 meeting as drafted, with all members in favor. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Salem Redevelopment Authority

  Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the 11 Summer Street small project review, 5-0. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 14 New Derby Street small project review for an ADA accessible ramp entrance, 5-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 192 Essex Street, Unit 170 (Flying Monkey) façade trim painting project pending DRB review, 5-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 161 Essex Street (Peabody Essex Museum) Charter Street sign package subject to DRB review, 5-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Renewed the current Treasurer, Vice Chair, and Chair positions for 2027, 5-0. p. 16page 16 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the June 10th meeting minutes, 5-0. The agenda listed the minutes as August 12, 2026. p. 13page 13 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Salem Harbor Port Authority

  Thursday, September 3, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Partly checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved setting the base parking rate to $4/hour with a 20% discount for residents during October. The motion passed. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved setting the fine rate to $100/day during October. The motion passed. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved empowering the Port Director, Capt. McHugh, to enter into a $200,000 grant agreement with the CEC for harbor planning. The motion passed. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the minutes for the August 6th meeting. The motion passed. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Race Equity Commission

  Thursday, September 3, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • Chair recommended pausing work on changes to the Discrimination Reporting Form until additional research is finished. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes, carried unanimously. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Planning Board

  Thursday, September 3, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the decision with changes on the frontage waiver for 25 Bow Street, by a 7-0 roll call vote with one recusal. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the decision with changes on the ANR plan for 25 Bow Street, by a 7-0 roll call vote with one recusal. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  7 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued 57 Wharf Street Units UCB and UCC, and 201 Derby Street, to September 17, 2026, by a 7-0 roll call vote with one abstention. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued 440 Highland Avenue to October 15, 2026, by an 8-0 roll call vote. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street to September 17, 2026, by a 7-0 roll call vote with one abstention. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued 59 Boston to September 17, 2026, by an 8-0 roll call vote. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Referred 59 Boston to the Design Review Board, by an 8-0 roll call vote. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued 75 North Street to September 17, 2026, by a 7-1 roll call vote. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the draft minutes from the July 23, 2026 regular meeting, by an 8-0 roll call vote. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Sustainability, Energy, & Resiliency Committee

  Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the new mission statement with the listed edits, with all four members voting yes. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Historical Commission

  Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the 21 Warren Street gate, porch, and railing system, with a lattice modification at the porch base. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 5 Orne Square electric meter application as submitted in the latest mockup, with screening box and conduit color conditions. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Denied the 41 Chestnut Street application without prejudice. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved black storm windows at 10 Broad Street with a condition that storm and sash colors match. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 44 Derby Street foundation application as submitted. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  3 more decisions

  • Approved the 0 Washington Square display board application with a condition of Park & Recreation Commission approval. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Found 3 Cressey Avenue not historically significant. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Voted to write a letter of support to the ZBA for relocating 259 Washington St as a means of preservation. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  3 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the chimney portion of the 21 Warren Street application to the October 7 meeting. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 1A Cambridge Street solar application to September 16. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 10 Broad Street shutter request to the September 16 meeting. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Bicycling and Shared Path Advisory Committee

  Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved making 6:15 pm the regular meeting time, with all members voting in favor. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Zero Waste Salem

  Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Brian Romer will step down from the committee as of 2027. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  3 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the August 2026 meeting minutes unanimously by all members in attendance. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Tabled the proposal to create a petition for Styrofoam data until the next meeting. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Tabled the poster on appropriate Styrofoam types, including physical samples, until the next meeting. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

Earlier months

August 2026 9 meetings

• Design Review Board

  Wednesday, August 26, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved two window decals and directional A-frame signage at 260 Essex Street, with conditions, 6-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the Couch Dog Brewing Company sign at 76 Lafayette Street as modified, including the standoffs, 6-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved Zitelle signage and awning painting at 195 Essex Street and 2 East India Square as presented, with conditions, 6-0. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the schematic design for the Salem Inn expansion at 11 Summer Street, with the applicant to return with design development drawings, 6-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the ADA accessible ramp entrance at 14 New Derby Street, 6-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  5 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 6 Front Street window replacement review to the next meeting, 6-0. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the design review of the Lifebridge Main Campus project at 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street, 6-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of July 22, 2026, 6-0. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of July 23, 2026, 6-0. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of August 5, 2026, 6-0. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Zoning Board of Appeals

  Wednesday, August 19, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the variance for an 18-foot curb cut at 2 Rockdale Avenue, with special conditions. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the variances and special permit at 8 Briggs Street, allowing parking for one car where three are required. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the variances at 111 Mason Street for a rear addition creating a two-family house, with a condition to revise the plot plan to remove parking spaces. p. 8page 8 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the variance and finding for a nineteen-foot-tall accessory dwelling unit at 61 Salem Street, 5-0. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the six-month extension for 116 Highland Avenue Unit A1, 5-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  2 more decisions

  • Elected Ellen Simpson as Secretary Officer, 5-0. p. 11page 11 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Determined to be in favor of proposed updates to the application requirements and standard conditions. p. 12page 12 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  3 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the petition for 7 Burnside Street and 5 Skerry Street Court to September 16, 2026. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the request for a two-story garage at 22 Vista Avenue to September 16, 2026. p. 7page 7 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the minutes of the July 15, 2026 meeting as drafted, with all in favor. p. 10page 10 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Historical Commission

  Wednesday, August 19, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Issued a Certificate of Appropriateness for 33 Flint Street Rear to replace skylights and windows, reviewed as a minor change; no abutter objection was received. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 142 Derby Street sign application with conditions, including removal of existing signage, glazing the plywood bay, and a revised hanging sign; roll call was 6 in favor and 1 abstention. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 1A Cambridge Street paint colors, with windows and an auxiliary door on the ell to be painted black; roll call was 7 in favor. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved a new corrugated round downspout at 2 Broad Street, painted to match the house; roll call was 7 in favor. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the 14 Kosciusko Street renovation and window replacement with conditions, including cedar clapboard, a 12-inch watertable, and six Pella Reserve 2 over 2 windows; roll call was 6 in favor and 1 abstention. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 more decision

  • Approved the 127 Derby Street paint colors as submitted, with shutters deferred for future consideration; roll call was 7 in favor. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  4 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 41 Chestnut Street application for fencing removal and an EV charger; roll call was 5 in favor. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 1A Cambridge Street solar panel application; roll call was 6 in favor. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Continued the 5 Orne Square electric meter application to allow time for a site visit; roll call was 7 in favor. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved minutes for June 17, July 1, July 15, and August 5, 2026; all were in favor. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Public Art Commission

  Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Agreed not to allocate additional structural engineering funds and to remove that line from the draft FY2027 budget. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Agreed to add an artist travel stipend of up to $2,000 if lodging is included, or $1,500 if lodging is secured separately. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Agreed to pause further budget allocations until September. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Offered the 2027 Public Artist in Residence to Javiera Garcia/Cornucopia Threads and the 2028 Public Artist in Residence to thecollab, with Gwyn S Marathas as 2028 runner-up if thecollab declines, 5-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Awarded Stall #4 to MiraMar Printmakers, kept North Shore Glass School LLC in Stall #2, and invited Erik Quigley/Death & Decorum and Kimberly Ballou to share or divide Stall #1, 5-0. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the May 19, 2026 and July 21, 2026 meeting minutes, 5-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Park and Recreation Commission

  Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the increase in Witch House ticket prices to $5.00 to go towards the surcharge, unanimously. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved use of Salem Willows Field for the Devils Chase/Creepy Clown Road Race on October 17, 2026, unanimously. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved use of Salem Willows Field for the Salem/Marblehead Annual Half Marathon on September 20, 2026, unanimously. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved use of Salem Common for the wedding ceremony on June 12, 2027, unanimously. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved use of Salem Common for the Haunted Happenings Parade, unanimously. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 more decision

  • Approved use of Salem Common for the Biz Baz Craft Market on October 3-4, 2026, unanimously. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Approved the minutes of the July 21, 2026 meeting, unanimously. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Conservation Commission

  Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved issuing a negative two and negative six determination for 6 Lawrence Street, 5-0. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved treating the Kernwood St request as a minor modification to the existing Order of Conditions, 5-0. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  1 procedural step: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Continued the 54-56 Margin Street public hearing to September 15, 2026, 5-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs

  Monday, August 17, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved amendments to the proposed zoning ordinance for roof-mounted wind energy systems, by roll call vote 3-0. p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • The amended ordinance for a joint public hearing with the Planning Board and City Council, by roll call vote. (3–0) p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs

  Thursday, August 13, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  Committee recommendations to the City Council

  • Sending Ordinance #331 on fire lanes at Beach and Sutton Avenues to the full City Council for first passage, carried. (3–0) p. 3page 3 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Salem Redevelopment Authority

  Wednesday, August 12, 2026 · Minutes (opens in new tab) · Checked against the city's PDF

  • Approved the appointment of Joe Badowski to the DRB, 5-0. p. 1page 1 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved painting three awnings along the Zitelle storefronts at Witch City Mall to match the approved signs, subject to DRB approval, 5-0. p. 2page 2 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved demolition of the six-bay garage at the rear of 11 Summer Street and removal of vinyl siding at 11 Summer Street, prior to DRB approval, 5-0. p. 4page 4 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved authority for Executive Director Tom Daniel to execute documents for the conveyance of 252 Bridge Street and 32-34 Federal Street, 4-0, with Mr. Dunn recused. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  2 procedural steps: minutes, continuances, referrals

  • Referred the 11 Summer Street project to the DRB, 5-0. p. 5page 5 of the minutes (opens in new tab)
  • Approved the June 10, 2026 meeting minutes, 5-0. p. 6page 6 of the minutes (opens in new tab)

• Download all decisions (CSV)

From minutes posted on the city's meeting portal (opens in new tab) (CivicClerk), for meetings since Thursday, January 1, 2026.