top of page
Search

Stay Cool Out There Folks! - June Newsletter

Hi folks,


As the title suggests, please remember to stay cool out there! Beyond the heat, we are currently sitting at a "Critical" drought level here in Northeast MA, which is presently the highest level across every region in the state.


Please keep in mind the water use restrictions currently in place BUT all is not lost, my fellow gardeners! Water use restrictions only effect your use of municipal water, not any collected or reclaimed water. Homeowners should consider adding a rain barrel to your gutter systems, conveniently available from our lovely DPS garage at 5 Jefferson Ave. for the low, low price of $85! More info can be found here.


Now, back to your regularly scheduled Ward 6 / North Salem newsletter!

Cheers,

Katelyn


Table of Contents

Regular Council Business


Meeting Details:


The Salem City Council currently meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7 pm.


The next meeting taking place on May 14th.

Folks looking to give public comment can sign up with this link, or sign up with the City Clerk prior to 6:30 pm on the day of.


As long as it behaves, the meetings are also available via Zoom (here) or SATV on Channel 22. The Zoom password is 239026


Agenda Highlights:


  • Budget Season is wrapping up at the City Council. The Administration & Finance committee has been meeting throughout May and June to discuss the proposed budget, and this will be voted upon by the entire Council this week.l The proposed budget is a 4.5% increase over FY26, and is sitting at $225,261,444.

  • The Council will soon be meeting to review applications & resumes for 2 available appointments to the Community Preservation Committee. Applications are due to the City Clerk by July 1st, and folks can learn more on the committee here, and download an application here.



Council Subcommittee Updates


The council maintains five standing subcommittees on which different Councillors serve, in addition to a Committee of the Whole, which meet as needed to discuss business outside of the regular bi-weekly Council meetings.


I serve on OLLA, PHS&E, and C&ED, as well as the Committee of the Whole with all other Councillors. As a member of those committees I have "voting rights" and count towards the quorum. More information about subcommittee assignments can be found here, on the city's website.


Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs (OLLA):


Topic: Discussing Ordinance for Water Rates, Ordinance for Sewer Rates, Ordinance

for Trash Fees and any other Ordinance changes. This is in conjunction with other FY 27 Budget items.


Potential Changes in the Neighborhood


Potholes-be-Gone!

DPS is focusing pothole work in our ward this week, keep an eye out for road improvements in your neighborhood! Also, please be careful once they're fixed. We all know driving or biking over a pothole can range from disruptive to dangerous, but they also tend to slow down vehicle travel.

Once they're fixed, you'll likely experience higher traffic speeds in the area. Keep an eye and ear out and stay safe! Try to remember to keep your speed down as you're traveling through others' neighborhoods as well.



Upcoming Events & Activities


Volunteer at Mack Park Farm:

On Saturday, Salem Food Tours is sponsoring a special free trolley tour that will be stopping at Mack Park Farm between 9:30-11 as part of their Food at 400 event. There will also be a "soft opening" of the market that morning from 10-11.

Consider signing up for one of several volunteer options this week by clicking here.


Flyers for Upcoming Events & Pride In/Around Salem:

Check out the flyers below for what our Hometown Queeros are doing this June, in addition to several other events in our beautiful city.



bottom of page