Zoning Board of Appeals — June 17, 2026
The meeting was largely procedural, though members engaged in spirited discussions regarding public access and community dissatisfaction with a contractor.
Public impact
Return to In-Person Meetings
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Members discussed the logistical difficulties of returning to in-person meetings, specifically citing work and childcare commitments. There were also concerns regarding how this change would affect public access to the proceedings.
In-person meetings are set to commence at the City Hall Annex in April 2025.
Staff needs to verify the exact attendance requirements for in-person meetings.
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
00:00 Approval of Meeting Minutes
The board reviewed and approved the meeting minutes from November 19, 2024.
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Standard procedural review of previous meeting documentation.
The minutes were approved unanimously.
00:00 Gift of Art: Mayoral Portrait of Kimberley Lord Driscoll
Discussion regarding the formal acceptance of a donated portrait of former Mayor Kimberley Lord Driscoll.
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The portrait, created by local artist Thomas Darcy, is being donated to the City. Members discussed the need for conservation protocols and noted that the PAC has an annual $10,000 budget earmarked for maintenance.
The commission voted to formally approve the acceptance of the portrait.
The PAC is suggested to look into creating a formal conservation and maintenance protocol for the existing collection.
00:00 Return to In-Person Meetings
The committee discussed the transition from remote to in-person meetings due to expiring State allowances in March 2025.
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The transition presents logistical challenges for members with work or childcare commitments. Concerns were raised regarding public access to meetings and the potential requirement for a quorum to be physically present.
In-person meetings are scheduled to begin at the City Hall Annex in April 2025.
Staff needs to verify the exact attendance requirements for in-person meetings.
00:00 Public Art Mini Grant and Project Reviews
Planning for the review process of upcoming Mini Grants, Mural Slam, and Art Box applications.
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The board debated whether to separate the Mural Slam and Art Box calls. While some preferred a separate call to account for different funding rates, others expressed concern about confusing applicants or reducing the applicant pool for the Mural Slam.
A review team for Mini Grants will be formed for reviews occurring between February 6th and 13th. It was suggested that Mural Slam applications include a note regarding Art Box opportunities.
The PAC will review calls-for-artists for Mural Slam and Art Boxes during the February meeting.
00:00 Public Art Policies
Update on the revision of the Accessioning and Deaccessioning Plan.
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Julie Barry is revising the plan to ensure it is better suited to the specific needs of the City of Salem.
Becky Fisher volunteered to assist with the plan revisions.
00:00 Old Town Hall Restoration
Update on the progress of the exterior restoration of Old Town Hall.
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The first phase of restoration is proceeding, focusing on weather sealing, windows, and accessible entrances. The goal is to have the property in operable order by the Arts Festival.
The exterior restoration is on track to reach key milestones by June 30, 2025.
00:00 Charlotte Forten Park
Update on park improvements and programming via Anthem.
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New shade structure sails and a bronze plaque are being installed. There was discussion regarding the community's negative perception of Anthem, the group contracted to activate the space.
Anthem is under a two-year contract that may be renewed for a third year in late 2025 based on performance.
Julie Barry offered to share the shade structure designs with the PAC.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Transition to In-Person Meetings
Anthem Contract and Charlotte Forten Park
Community vs. board tension
Action items
Notable statements
Requiring in-person attendance could limit access for some members of the public, as well as potential PAC members. — Carly Dwyer · Discussing the implications of the State mandate to return to in-person meetings. 00:00
The community’s response to Anthem’s activation has been largely negative, and that more communication from the City may help to address the discontent. — Gwen Rosemond · Discussing the contract renewal for Anthem at Charlotte Forten Park. 00:00
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
Public comment
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-23.