Meeting report · City Council
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City Council — May 28, 2026
The meeting featured high levels of emotional testimony from residents regarding transit and parking, though the board remained largely efficient in its voting.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Salem Skipper Service Sustainability
Potential total loss of affordable transit service if long-term funding is not secured. Affected: Low-income families, students, the elderly, and disabled residents without access to cars.
service reduction
02
Retirement COLA Adjustment
Increases the cost-of-living adjustment base from $15,000 to $20,000. Affected: Salem city retirees.
other high impact
03
Essex Street Parking Ordinance
Changes access to residential permit zones, impacting parking availability for non-residents. Affected: Residents and visitors of Essex Street and surrounding areas.
zoning change
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Dispense with the reading of the record of the previous meeting.
Motion by Councilor Davis.
Approved
Granting of conduits on Lafayette Street at College Drive for EV charger service.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela; seconded by Andrew W. Varela.
Carried
Confirmation of Jay Carroll as City Engineer (term expiring Feb 1, 2028).
Motion by Councilor Erin Turowski via roll call vote.
Carried
Confirmation of appointments: Kate Jordan (Affordable Housing Trust), Keith Bettincourt (Beautification Committee), and Jesse Louden (Food Policy Council).
Motion by Councilor Erin Turowski via roll call vote.
Carried
Confirmation of reappointments: Darren Black, Rebecca Christie, and Deborah Lopsitz (Commission on Disabilities), and Megan Montgomery (Community Preservation Committee).
Motion by Councilor Erin Turowski via roll call vote.
Carried
Appropriation of $124,934 from Transportation Enhancement Fund to Salem Skipper expansion account.
Motion by Councilor Davis.
Carried
Establishment of a School and Municipal Building Stabilization Fund.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela via roll call vote.
Carried
Adoption of a Home Rule Petition to increase short-term rental community impact fees.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela via roll call vote.
Carried
Adoption of a Home Rule Petition to increase the local excise tax for lodging.
Motion by Andrew W. Varela via roll call vote.
Carried
Referral of SCSD legislation support resolution to the Committee of the Whole.
Motion by Ty Hapworth.
Carried
Adoption of resolution to support Medicare for All in Massachusetts.
Motion by Lydia C. King via roll call vote.
Carried
Adopt resolution of commitment to providing quality health care to all residents.
Approved by roll call vote.
Carried
Order for Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs to discuss PLA ordinance.
Amended to include co-post with the Committee of the Whole.
Carried
First passage of Essex Street parking prohibition ordinance.
Approved as amended to remove specific addresses (365, 373, 377, and 387) from Zone D.
Carried
First passage of bus idling fine ordinance.
Adjusts initial fine and succeeding offense amounts.
Carried
First passage of 27 North Street resident parking ordinance.
Approved for units 4 and 6.
Carried
First passage of no parking tow zone at 123 Luring Avenue.
Approved for safety reasons regarding sightlines.
Carried
First passage of stop sign ordinances for Ocean Avenue and Summit Avenue.
Approved to formalize existing four-way stops in the traffic ordinance.
Carried
Approval of increase to COLA base amount to $20,000.
Approved by roll call vote; two members recused.
Carried
Granting of Salem Public Schools Back to School Fair request.
Scheduled for August 19th, with a rain date of August 20th.
Carried
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 07:18 Resolution of commitment to quality health care
Discussion regarding a resolution to support a single-payer healthcare framework (Massachusetts House Bill H1405 and Senate Bill S860) to reduce individual and municipal costs, protect access to care, and establish a Medicare for All system.
Speakers: Alice Rose Merkl, Lydia C. King, Ty Hapworth, Jason Sydoriak, Andrew Smith, Kyle Alexander Davis
▶ 10:49 Public Testimony
Residents provided testimony on various issues including retirement cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), parking permit extensions in Zone C, support for Medicare for All, the future of the Salem Skipper transit service, and public transit equity.
Speakers: Robert Callahan, Paul Finland, Cindy Johnson, Jeremy Neely, Carol Carr, Heather Baldock, Benjamin Hetstrom, Kristen Bellow, Rachel Spataphor, Samantha Constantino, Olga Demidova, Angela Williams, Justin Whittier
▶ 28:35 Lafayette Street Conduit Installation
A public hearing regarding the installation of conduits on Lafayette Street at College Drive to provide service for EV chargers at Salem State.
Speakers: Andrew W. Varela
▶ 31:00 Appointments and Reappointments
The Council reviewed and voted on several mayoral appointments and reappointments to various city boards and committees.
Speakers: Erin Turowski, Conrad J. Prosniewski, Katelyn Holappa
▶ 42:01 Salem Skipper Funding
Discussion and vote on an appropriation to transfer funds to the Salem Skipper expansion account to maintain service through August.
Speakers: Kyle Alexander Davis, Katelyn Holappa, Erin Turowski, Jason Sydoriak, Lydia C. King, Conrad J. Prosniewski
▶ 82:10 Project Labor Agreements (PLA) Ordinance
A proposal to require project labor agreements on large-scale public construction projects (over $10 million) to involve unions in safety and hiring decisions.
Speakers: Andrew Smith, Kyle Alexander Davis, Lydia C. King, Jason Sydoriak
▶ 89:00 Essex Street Parking Prohibitions
An ordinance to amend parking zones on Essex Street to allow resident permits while excluding visitor passes to alleviate local parking issues.
Speakers: Andrew Smith, Jason Sydoriak, Lydia C. King, Katelyn Holappa
▶ 106:58 Bus Idling Fines
An ordinance to amend fines for standing buses or tour buses running engines while idling.
Speakers: Andrew Smith
▶ 112:40 North Street Resident Parking
An ordinance to add specific units at 27 North Street to the resident parking permit system due to previous zoning changes.
Speakers: Andrew Smith
▶ 122:10 South Essex Sewer District Presentation
A committee report regarding the district's capital needs and a request for legislative approval to override Proposition 2 1/2.
Speakers: Ty Hapworth, Alice Rose Merkl
▶ 125:10 Retirement System COLA Adjustment
An order to increase the cost of living adjustment (COLA) base for the Salem Contributory Retirement System from $15,000 to $20,000.
Speakers: Andrew W. Varela, Erin Turowski
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Essex Street Parking Permitting Changes
Residents are divided between those seeking residential parking protections and those (including local organization FezNa) arguing the changes are illegal under existing ordinances and will create a 'domino effect' of parking shortages.
Board position: The board moved toward first passage of the ordinance, though they amended it to exclude specific addresses.
high concern
02
Medicare for All Resolution
The debate involves significant fiscal implications for the city and the economic complexity of shifting to a state-level framework.
Board position: The board adopted the resolution to support the single-payer framework.
medium concern
03
Salem Skipper Funding and Sustainability
The service is a lifeline for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents, but it faces an immediate funding crisis and long-term sustainability concerns.
Board position: The board provided immediate emergency funding to keep service active through August but deferred long-term solutions.
high concern
Split votes
Increase to COLA base amount for the Salem Contributory Retirement System
Carried (with recusals)
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Continue discussions regarding long-term funding/alternatives for the Salem Skipper transit service.
Assigned: City Council
Submit the full text of the Project Labor Agreements ordinance to the committee.
Assigned: Andrew Smith · Due: Immediately
Notable statements
The retirement board voted unanimously to increase the COLA base from $15,000 to $20,000. — Paul Finland · Testimony regarding the Salem Contributory Retirement Board funding schedule. ▶ 12:39
The Skipper is critical because approximately 15% of Salem residents do not have access to a car. — Katelyn Holappa · Discussion on transit equity and the financial sustainability of public transit. ▶ 43:01
The savings for the city in the current fiscal year under Medicare for All would be $11.3 million. — Lydia C. King · Discussion on the fiscal impact of the Medicare for All resolution. ▶ 66:00
The most expensive thing in our budget is people... [healthcare costs are] skyrocketing year-over-year. — Kyle Alexander Davis · Discussion on the Medicare for All resolution. ▶ 71:10
Access to gender affirming care is a constitutional right in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but they cannot force an out-of-state insurance agency to do anything. — Ty Hapworth · Discussing how a state-level healthcare framework would prevent insurance loopholes. ▶ 73:15
We are creating a tax base that doesn't exist right now. We have to ensure that it gets right because there's only so much political capital. — Jason Sydoriak · Warning about the economic complexity and potential risks of implementing a state-level insurance change. ▶ 77:00
Moment of silence for a Boston firefighter... Robert BK Kilduff Jr. who died in the line of duty. — Timothy G. Flynn · Point of personal privilege. ▶ 130:48
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
14
Total speakers
10
Addressed
2
Partial
2
Not addressed
Robert Callahan
Addressed
Speaking as a representative of the Salem Retirement Board, he supports raising the COLA base from $15,000 to $20,000. He noted that the board voted unanimously for this increase to help older retirees struggling with the cost of living.
Key concern
Increase the COLA base for retirees from $15,000 to $20,000.
Board responseThe board later voted to adopt the $20,000 COLA base via a roll call vote.
The board took action on the specific request to increase the COLA base following his testimony.
Paul Finland
Addressed
As the Executive Director of the Salem Contributory Retirement Board, he presented the board's decision to adopt a new funding schedule. He clarified that the council's decision is whether to maintain the current $15,000 base or approve the increase to $20,000.
Key concern
Presenting the board's recommendation to increase the COLA base to $20,000.
Board responseThe board later voted to adopt the $20,000 COLA base via a roll call vote.
The board acted on the specific funding schedule and COLA increase presented.
Cindy Johnson
Partial
She opposes extending Zone C resident parking permits to residents of Essex and North Streets. She argues this will worsen parking shortages, sets a bad precedent, and may violate current city ordinances.
Key concern
Reject the proposal to extend resident parking permits to Essex and North Streets.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt a first passage ordinance to add specific addresses on Essex Street to the resident permit program.
While the board did not reject the proposal entirely, they did move forward with an ordinance that includes parts of the area she was discussing, though they amended it to exclude certain addresses.
Jeremy Neely
Addressed
He called in to support a resolution urging the state to pass Medicare for All. He argued that the current healthcare system is inadequate and causes financial hardship for residents.
Key concern
Support for a resolution urging the state to adopt universal healthcare.
Board responseThe board voted to adopt the resolution through a roll call vote.
The board passed the resolution the speaker was advocating for.
Carol Carr
Partial
She urges the council to reject changes to the parking permitting situation in the Federal Street area. She expresses concern that making exceptions will create a 'domino effect' and violate the existing ordinance.
Key concern
Reject proposed changes to parking permits in the Federal Street area.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt a first passage ordinance to expand resident parking permits to select addresses on Essex Street.
The board proceeded with a parking permit expansion in the general area she mentioned, although they amended the scope.
Heather Baldock
Addressed
She spoke on behalf of the Salem Skipper, expressing devastation over its upcoming discontinuation in August. She highlighted how the service is a vital resource for low-income families, students, and the elderly.
Key concern
Find a way to fund and maintain the Salem Skipper service.
Board responseThe board approved an appropriation of funds to keep the service running through the end of August and discussed finding long-term solutions.
The board immediately approved funding to ensure the service continues through August, addressing the immediate crisis mentioned.
Benjamin Hetstrom
Addressed
He advocates for the proposed parking permits for residents of Federal Street and Essex Street due to the difficulty of finding consistent parking in his neighborhood.
Key concern
Support the proposed parking permits for Federal Street and Essex Street residents.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt the ordinance for first passage to include several addresses on Essex Street in the resident parking program.
The board moved forward with the parking permit expansion the speaker requested.
Kristen Bellow
Addressed
She urged the city to support the Salem Skipper, noting it is a crucial, affordable service for the elderly and working people. She compared its cost favorably to much more expensive ride-share options like Uber.
Key concern
Find ways to support and continue the Salem Skipper service.
Board responseThe board approved funding to maintain the service through August and discussed the need for a long-term replacement.
The board provided immediate funding to keep the service operational through August.
Rachel Spataphor
Addressed
As a disabled resident who relies on the Salem Skipper, she shared how the service provides her with independence and mobility. She expressed fear regarding the loss of this affordable transportation.
Key concern
Maintain the Salem Skipper service to support disabled and mobility-impaired residents.
Board responseThe board approved funding to maintain the service through August.
The board provided immediate funding to prevent the immediate loss of service.
Samantha Constantino
Addressed
She shared her personal reliance on public transit and the Salem Skipper for essential tasks like grocery shopping and medical appointments. She noted the service builds community and is more reliable than the bus for certain trips.
Key concern
Keep the Salem Skipper service active in some capacity.
Board responseThe board approved funding to maintain the service through August.
The board provided immediate funding to keep the service active through August.
Olga Demidova
Addressed
She expressed support for the Salem Skipper, Medicare for All, and an initiative to provide parking opportunities for Essex Street residents without driveways.
Key concern
Support the Skipper, Medicare for All, and residential parking for Essex Street residents.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt a parking ordinance for Essex Street and approved funding for the Skipper.
The board addressed all three of her stated support points through various votes.
Angela Williams
Addressed
She expressed support for the Skipper and requested more equitable parking access for her portion of Essex Street. She noted that while they do not wish to block access to the church or library, residents need occasional parking options on surrounding streets.
Key concern
Achieve parking equity and access for residents on her portion of Essex Street.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt an ordinance for first passage to include specific addresses on Essex Street in the parking permit program.
The board moved forward with a parking permit ordinance that included specific addresses on the street she mentioned.
Justin Whittier
Not addressed
Speaking as president of FezNa, he requested that the council reject the parking proposal or refer it to a committee for full discussion. He argued the proposal is illegal under current city ordinance section 75.
Key concern
Reject the parking proposal or refer it to a committee for deeper discussion regarding legality.
Board responseThe board did not refer it to committee; they moved to adopt the ordinance for first passage with amendments.
The board proceeded with the first passage of the ordinance rather than rejecting it or referring it to committee as requested.
null
Addressed
An unnamed individual spoke in favor of providing service for EV chargers at Salem State.
Key concern
Support for EV charger service installation.
Board responseThe board granted the request to install conduits for the service.
The request was approved by the council.
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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.