Meeting report · City Council
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City Council — March 12, 2026
The meeting featured heavy public testimony on neighborhood disruption and a split vote on a politically sensitive resolution.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Living Wage Ordinance Amendments
Changes to wage requirements affecting affordability and social impact for municipal workers. Affected: City employees and local contractors
other high impact
02
SCSDA Facility Compensation
Disparity in property value vs. payments and the need to index payments for inflation to cover sewage and infrastructure costs. Affected: Salem taxpayers and municipal infrastructure
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Dispense with the reading of the record of the previous meeting.
Motion made by Councilor Katelyn Holappa; all in favor voted.
Approved
Motion to continue the public hearing on the late-night business hours request until the next regular meeting on March 26.
Moved by Andrew Smith, seconded by an unnamed member.
Carries
Confirmation of Mayor's appointments: Shelby Ortega (Race Equity), Haley Cormier/Kier (Beautification), Michael Egan (Transportation), and Josiah Bucher/Guthrie (Bicycling and Shared Path).
Confirmed via roll call vote following motion by Erin Turowski.
Carries
Reappointment of various board members (Robert Miller, Ashley Judge, Charles Barton, Iliad Kala, Abigail Boot, Zachary Contour).
Confirmed via roll call vote following motion by Erin Turowski.
Carries
Appropriation of funds for Salem Common Lantern project.
Approval of funding to complete the project using state budget earmarks and city funds.
Carries
Appropriation of $84,559 for Dixon Memorial Chapel exterior restoration.
Moved by Kyle Alexander Davis.
Carries
Approval of retirement vacation sick leave buybacks for John Payne, Patrick Tobin, and Richard Leblanc.
Multiple motions for individual fire department retirements.
Carries
Appropriation for golf course equipment and maintenance.
Includes $72,225 for equipment, $30,000 for repairs, and $7,000 for electricity.
Carries
Appropriation for Witch House and Pioneer Village programming for Salem's 400th anniversary.
Amount: $65,500.
Carries
Acceptance of donations: $15,000 from Wellpoint Health Insurance and $6,000 from Darlene Melis.
Funds for artwork restoration and tree planting respectively.
Carries
Motion to refer the immigration ordinance amendments to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs.
The motion to send to committee was defeated, allowing first passage to proceed.
Does not carry
First passage of amendments to the immigration status ordinance.
Moved by Andrew W. Varela.
Carries
Adopt the resolution to honor the legacy of Leslie's Retreat as amended (replacing the name 'Trump' with 'the current administration' and correcting the spelling of 'Keith').
Motion by Katelyn Holappa; amended by Andrew Smith.
Passed (7 in favor, 2 opposed)
Refer the living wage ordinance amendment to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.
Motion by Kyle Alexander Davis.
Passed
Adopt the Dominican Republic Independence Day resolution.
Motion by Timothy G. Flynn.
Passed (Unanimous)
Name a Veteran Square after Sergeant John Dean Ahern at the corners of Mason and Barstow Streets.
Motion by Katelyn Holappa.
Passed
Adoption of CPA funds for Dixon Chapel exterior restoration for FY26.
Motion by Katelyn Holappa, seconded by Jason Sydoriak.
Carried
Granting permission for BNS Fitness to hold the Black Cat 10 and 20 mile road race on March 29, 2026.
Motion by Erin Turowski.
Carried
Granting permission for Mental Makeover to hold the 'World Needs You Here' walk on August 2, 2026.
Motion by Erin Turowski.
Carried
Approval of public guide and taxi operator license applications.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela.
Carried
Referral of seaworm license application to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela.
Carried
Referral of 10 city claims to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela.
Carried
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 02:05 Public Testimony
Community members provided testimony regarding the living wage ordinance, a resolution to honor the legacy of Leslie's Retreat, and concerns regarding the state of democracy.
Speakers: Jeff Cohen, Sarah Nastasi, Donald McVey, Karen Khan
▶ 15:38 Hearing on Haunted Museum LLC Special Permit
A hearing regarding a petition by Haunted Museum LLC to operate at 259 Essex Street seven days a week with extended hours until 2:00 a.m. Council members expressed concerns regarding public safety and resident peace and quiet.
Speakers: Brian Gman, Elton Casty, Trevor Spires, Marina Mcinn, Tim, Melissa Wick, Mike Mcan, Andrew Smith, Erin Turowski, Lydia C. King, Jason Sydoriak, Councilor Varela, Councilor Ty Hapworth, Unidentified speaker, Conrad J. Prosniewski
▶ 65:00 Mayor's Board Appointments
The Council reviewed and voted on several appointments for various municipal commissions, including the Transportation Commission, Race Equity Commission, and Beautification Committee.
Speakers: Erin Turowski, Andrew W. Varela, Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 76:01 Capital Projects and Appropriations
The Council considered and approved funding for the Salem Common Lantern project, Dixon Memorial Chapel restoration, and golf course equipment.
Speakers: Kyle Alexander Davis, Conrad J. Prosniewski
▶ 103:00 Immigration Ordinance Amendments
Discussion on technical changes to an ordinance regarding immigration status, specifically clarifying that the police department does not ask for immigrant status and removing an exemption for police officers.
Speakers: Andrew W. Varela, Katelyn Holappa, Conrad J. Prosniewski, Lydia C. King, Andrew Smith
▶ 116:37 SCSDA Facility Impact and Compensation
Discussion regarding the economic and infrastructure impacts of the SCSDA facility on Salem, including sewage leaks, odors, and the disparity between the facility's property value and its annual payments. The Mayor submitted a letter recommending support for a special act to index pilot payments for inflation and compensate the city for lost property taxes.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Andrew W. Varela, Erin Turowski
▶ 120:00 Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
A resolution connecting the historical resistance of Salem residents during the American Revolution to current concerns regarding federal administration policies.
Speakers: Katelyn Holappa, Kyle Alexander Davis, Andrew Smith, Ty Hapworth, Erin Turowski, Timothy G. Flynn, Jason Sydoriak, Conrad J. Prosniewski
▶ 157:20 Living Wage Ordinance
A proposal to amend the ordinance regarding living wage requirements for city employees to address affordability and social impacts.
Speakers: Kyle Alexander Davis, Andrew Smith, Lydia C. King
▶ 170:00 Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance
Discussion on a proposed ordinance to restrict the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city, including concerns about equity and enforcement.
Speakers: Ty Hapworth, Kyle Alexander Davis
▶ 173:00 Polling Location Relocation
A motion to move the Ward 3, Precincts 1 and 2 polling location back to the Salem High School Auditorium to improve accessibility and visibility.
Speakers: Jason Sydoriak
▶ 177:17 Dixon Chapel Exterior Restoration
Discussion regarding the adoption of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the fiscal year 2026 to support the exterior restoration of Dixon Chapel.
Speakers: Katelyn Holappa, Jason Sydoriak, Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 179:39 Utility Petitions
Review of several petitions from National Grid and Verizon regarding the installation and relocation of conduits and utility poles.
Speakers: Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 180:20 Community Event Requests
Requests for city street usage for the Black Cat 10 and 20 mile road race and the 'World Needs You Here' walk.
Speakers: Erin Turowski, Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 183:52 Licensing and Claims
Review of public guide and taxi operator license applications, a seaworm license application, and ten city claims.
Speakers: Andrew W. Varela, Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 186:43 Condolences Regarding Rosland Street Fire
A point of personal privilege to offer condolences to the families affected by a recent fire on Rosland Street.
Speakers: Lydia C. King, Alice Rose Merkl
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Haunted Museum LLC Special Permit
A request for extended operating hours (until 2:00 a.m.) seven days a week. Residents expressed significant concerns regarding noise, sanitation, pedestrian safety, and the shift of a residential neighborhood into an entertainment district.
Board position: The board expressed significant skepticism, with members noting the lack of benefit to residents and the potential for disruption. They opted to delay a decision.
high concern
02
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
The resolution connects historical local resistance to current federal administration policies, leading to a debate over whether the Council should involve itself in national politics.
Board position: The board passed the resolution after amending it to use more neutral language ('the current administration' instead of naming a specific person).
Internal dissent
The vote was 7-2 in favor, indicating internal disagreement regarding the political nature of the resolution.
medium concern
03
Immigration Ordinance Amendments
Discussion involved technical changes to how police interact with immigrant status, including removing an exemption for police officers.
Board position: The council approved the first passage of the amendments after defeating a motion to refer them to committee.
medium concern
Split votes
Adopt the resolution to honor the legacy of Leslie's Retreat as amended
7-2
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Determine if business can operate within existing city rules or propose a time shift (e.g., ending by 11:59 PM) to be reconsidered at the March 26 hearing.
Assigned: Business Applicant · Due: March 26, 2026
Conduct public hearing on the late-night business hours request.
Assigned: City Council · Due: March 26, 2026
Forward the Leslie's Retreat resolution to the Massachusetts congressional delegation, state legislators, and state executive officers.
Assigned: City Clerk
Meet to discuss the living wage ordinance amendment and the home occupation zoning ordinance.
Assigned: Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs
Attend hearings scheduled for March 26, 2026, regarding conduit and pole petitions.
Assigned: National Grid / Verizon · Due: 2026-03-26
Set up a relief fund for families impacted by the Rosland Street fire.
Assigned: Mayor's Office
Notable statements
It's amazing how many jobs are posted that are less hours than dictate benefits and how many of the job postings say non-union. — Jeff Cohen · Testimony regarding the living wage ordinance. ▶ 03:00
Unless you could reduce those times that these residents are happy with, there's no way that I would ever vote to support this. — Councilor Varela · Addressing the Haunted Museum LLC applicant regarding extended operating hours. ▶ 78:58
I cannot think of anything in what is being asked here that is going to benefit the residents of Salem. — Councilor Ty Hapworth · Final remarks regarding the Haunted Museum LLC special permit request. ▶ 62:20
2:00 AM is just a little bit too late... we close a lot of concessions down at 10:00 at night just so that Salem tones it down. — Ty Hapworth · Discussing the impact of late-night business hours on the community. ▶ 61:02
Deputy Chief John Payne was a neighbor... he just grabbed his coat... and went into the fire and helped active fire department staff. — Lydia C. King · Commending a retired deputy chief for assisting in a recent local house fire. ▶ 84:00
When we did the 37 trees back in 2023, it went like grease lightning. To this hour, I do not have the RFP to recruit a landscape architect. — Darlene Melis · Addressing the council regarding delays in the tree planting program following her donation. ▶ 99:35
The pilot payments... have been stagnant at $500,000 a year for 30 years almost since 1997. — Andrew W. Varela · Discussing the need for the South Essex Sewage District to index payments for inflation. ▶ 117:40
If the SCSDA is requesting an override... they need a compromise of the city of Salem as the host community. — Andrew W. Varela · Discussing the financial/infrastructure relationship between the city and the SCSDA facility. ▶ 119:00
I don't feel that if we're really doing our job here is to uphold domestic tranquility, then the conflict that emerges when you bring local national politics into this is something that causes... alienation here on home soil. — Erin Turowski · Opposing the inclusion of national political figures in a local historical resolution. ▶ 139:00
All of these things... you cannot we don't exist in a vacuum. All of these things are a Salem issue, whether we want the perception that we are engaging in federal politics or not. — Kyle Alexander Davis · Defending the resolution by arguing that federal policies have direct, local impacts on Salem residents. ▶ 145:00
Highlighted that the Black Cat race benefits local charities including Salem Academy Charter School, Salem State women's soccer, Rebecca's Angels Foundation, the Ali Castner Scholarship Fund, and the VFW in Marblehead. — Erin Turowski · Supporting the motion to allow the Black Cat road race. ▶ 179:39
Expressed condolences for the loss of life (David Sos) and property due to the Rosland Street fire. — Lydia C. King · Point of personal privilege. ▶ 186:43
Member positions
8 issues · 2 explicit · 7 inferred
Dominick Pangallo
Present
Mayor (presiding officer)
Alice Rose Merkl
Present
Council President, Councillor at Large
Mayor's Board Appointments
YES
~
Supported appointments via roll call
Utility Petitions
✓
Reviewed utility petitions
Ty Hapworth
Present
Councillor at Large
Haunted Museum LLC Special Permit
✓
Strongly opposed; saw no benefit to residents
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
YES
~
Supported the resolution
Adjournment of the meeting
YES
✓
Moved for adjournment
Kyle Alexander Davis
Present
Councillor at Large
Capital Projects and Appropriations
YES
~
Supported funding for various projects
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
YES
✓
Defended the resolution as a Salem issue
Living Wage Ordinance
YES
✓
Moved to refer ordinance to committee
Conrad J. Prosniewski
Present
Councillor at Large
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
YES
~
Supported the resolution
Erin Turowski
Present
Ward 1 Councillor
Mayor's Board Appointments
YES
✓
Moved for confirmation of appointments
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
NO
✓
Opposed inclusion of national politics in local resolutions
SCSDA Facility Impact and Compensation
YES
~
Supported receiving and filing the letter
Andrew Smith
Present
Ward 2 Councillor
Haunted Museum LLC Special Permit
✓
Moved to continue the public hearing
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
YES
✓
Proposed amendments to the resolution
Jason Sydoriak
Present
Ward 3 Councillor
Dixon Chapel Exterior Restoration
YES
✓
Seconded the motion for CPA funds
Timothy G. Flynn
Present
Ward 4 Councillor
Adopt the Dominican Republic Independence Day resolution
YES
✓
Moved the resolution
Lydia C. King
Present
Ward 5 Councillor
Katelyn Holappa
Present
Ward 6 Councillor
Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Leslie's Retreat
YES
✓
Moved the resolution
Dixon Chapel Exterior Restoration
YES
✓
Moved the adoption of CPA funds
Andrew W. Varela
Present
Ward 7 Councillor
Haunted Museum LLC Special Permit
NO
✓
Opposed extended hours unless resident concerns addressed
Immigration Ordinance Amendments
YES
✓
Moved for first passage of amendments
Licensing and Claims
YES
✓
Moved several license and claim referrals
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position.
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
No public comments were identified in this meeting.
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Report composed by
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-30.