[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6271662,"mediaKeyId","3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab","parentId",3028798,"title","Votes at a glance: Salem City Council actions, April 10, 2025","audioSeconds",1785,"startMs",1935000,"endMs",3720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab&start=1935&end=3720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab/thumbnail_1935000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271662/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Salem-City-Council-actions-April-10-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271662-a9e2b132b7d51fdac2104450638eca01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220153&Signature=TT4NvBcavecrwGOcS0r4Bvkt~xi2PXlK9kuRfPWg6-UmW1SRF0EV-COuiY0TXsFZOOJhKPppEFnb7Z9Z5ERsjL-LOwsbHbDGVVwJ0UZZ7vUpIrQNtTKwyQrYbbreFLcmkskfT7hALpeCIx9eFnMmYxcaql9uy0xCP9yBzssbqmtNkvx-rnYvT-VXTjEWN7NlsuICTGkZxYbRxpOe5xLXAF8WwvdmwOvb~z0ZuZaXq1bzOCJDvhCQmMy~t6vuwsarXruxkCR6nHBwLQ3yxo2X671Q~Bc9DxJTX91D9mqbf8GwBEc7uJmVVHVxXXJX6BIb036Np~ZS-WpDC83tMI37Qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salem City, MA","date","2025-04-17T00:44:11.173Z","article","At its April 10 meeting the Salem City Council recorded several formal actions. This summary lists each item, the motion, and the recorded outcome.

• Comcast conduit at 160 Federal Street — Granted. Public hearing held; Dave Walling of Comcast explained traffic and police-detail plans. Councilor Watzenfeld moved to close the hearing and to grant the petition; council voted to grant the conduit placement.

• Mayor's reappointments — Adopted. The council took roll-call votes on multiple mayoral reappointments with terms indicated; roll-call approvals were recorded (example roll call recorded as 11-0 in favor for the set of reappointments taken up).

• Appropriation for polling locations — Adopted. Councilor Merkel moved and council approved appropriating $10,000 from the capital outlay account to fund polling-location modifications at Bates School and Salem High School to separate voting areas from student spaces.

• Appropriation for Indigenous history education program (Witch House receipts) — Adopted. The meeting record includes a transfer to cover an education program about Salem's Indigenous history; the clerk recorded adoption. (Transcript contains inconsistent figures for this item: $6,800 was referenced during discussion, and a subsequent line read $6,086,800. Amount is noted as \"not specified\" here for clarity.)

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application submission — Approved. The council approved submittal of the city's application for HUD Community Development Block Grant funds for the July 1, 2025'June 30, 2026 program year.

• Conveyance of approximately 5-acre parcel (Lot 2B) including a deepwater berth at 67 Derby Street to the Salem Harbor Port Authority — Adopted by roll call (11-0). Councilors said the conveyance fulfills the original intent of earlier transfers and a home-rule petition approved by the legislature.

• Outdoor dining license at 283 Derby Street (Which Side Tavern) — Referred to committee. Council moved to send the matter to the Community and Economic Development Committee (co-posted to Committee of the Whole) for details on year-round occupancy and fees; motion carried.

• Ordinance amendment, camping (chapter 24, section 31) — Referred to Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment and co-posted with Committee of the Whole. Councilor Cohen moved that the amendment be sent to committee; hearing scheduled April 15 at 6 p.m.

• Ordinance (water use restrictions) — Committee report accepted recommending first-passage adoption with amendments. The committee recommended a citywide single watering day to be selected by the city engineer rather than ward-based watering days.

• Licenses and permits (limousine, taxicab, public guides, vehicles-for-hire) — Granted. Multiple license applications were granted by council action.

• Claims (four claims) — Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs for review; committee meeting scheduled.

Ending: The council adjourned after completing the evening's business. Several items were referred to committee for more detailed hearings or clarification; follow-up dates and staff reports are noted in committee agendas.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting April 10th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal votes and motions taken by the Salem City Council on April 10, 2025, including grants, appropriations, land conveyance, appointments, and referrals.","taxTitle","Salem City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",70531,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271664,"Salem to ask state for authority to ban second-generation rodenticides; council approves home-rule petition",1791,971000,2762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab&start=971&end=2762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab/thumbnail_971000.jpg","/articles/6271664/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Salem-to-ask-state-for-authority-to-ban-second-generation-rodenticides-council-approves-home-rule-petition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271664-cbfd6e14c1dede7ca507d3c5c6d2b728/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220153&Signature=aFEW5wg8-BKX9QdbeyBjr6js2FjehjcT9wTO~M2mRjbhw5Nw7gCh-q5a6X4b8UgxNoBcXY1dYYtcrjalcl7Pw~ODdBXs-aTX2QIoBmwuC9WXMSt9ALDoJZa-XNcDi5DGb8iJJ9qIMPoEYj~8SUjZ68Uq0Cqz1nxUUjekAZwzf1FoAB5fJqiw-2KtaX3ybfe-EEG5q-KkdFwrpa3LymPeTnogegkS2BXxH5TJYNvSTf6Bz2C0ZnHneYt-JkXgZUbT4edan3Mlk2aQFhat90o5i8MSFoRjkkJAuSO5OYnxE-su6jCYBJkW5dT6pg5Od3SvLT1jHUBMkHEewJnE6PqrAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council voted 11-0 Thursday to send a home-rule petition authorizing the city to prohibit second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within city limits.

Councilor Davis introduced the motion and said the chemicals are harmful to wildlife, domestic animals and ecosystems. The motion directs the city to seek legislative permission through a home-rule petition to prohibit application of SGARs in Salem.

Council debate noted that state legislation addressing rodenticides is also active. Councilor Cohen referenced two bills by number, saying the House bill is H.965 and the Senate bill is S.644; she said both chambers had strong co-sponsorship and that those bills would likely reach a different statewide outcome. Councilor Marcello said the city's petition can signal local support and be attached to state legislation as it moves through the legislature.

Public commenters who spoke in favor included residents and veterinary professionals who recounted pet poisonings and wildlife impacts. Sally McMurray said the rodenticides threaten raptors that would otherwise help control rodent populations, and Nathan and others described witnessing animal distress.

Ending: The council approved sending the home-rule petition; next steps require submission to the state legislature and follow-up by city staff. Councilors noted the petition may be subsumed or paired with pending state legislation.
","Councilor Davis's motion to authorize a home-rule petition that would allow Salem to prohibit second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within city borders passed 11-0. Councilors debated how the petition interacts with active state legislation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271665,"Council refers proposed no-camping ordinance amendment after wide public opposition",1655,564000,2219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab&start=564&end=2219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab/thumbnail_564000.jpg","/articles/6271665/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-refers-proposed-no-camping-ordinance-amendment-after-wide-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271665-dbfb2e0d2181fa75b904b63f103811dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220153&Signature=J2kl1WkCIpz5pp7wltbxI5zvBPbZkWFNu5RvqESvJ-0jY6LuatfNuL8tZFU91ityyHpF~XMPHaNQPpL0n2kaVVhGZJkDDGlaqmyvailM1Fb29TY6kf3d41ZQQKeyX6VLl2XD7WvST7g~ZBdaxssvk38jW8sQR~bEiqNpW-DHWPBW5QKaoXnWg4qJc7W9pSbTMvsn927Sz9WsALlxt-JgwNEWaWXQivmZEz0-PA8ItQk42vSZ20s7xCHFJwd15~j4qqQXgbeR99kHdtUYga6PlxeAgbXVVlB3zsYBkZqQIePTDw4T3o8qNSPjCsjElEj5lL9YWlpXX0dwLX2e5-q6og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council on Thursday referred a proposed amendment to the city's no-camping ordinance to the Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, scheduling a committee hearing for April 15 at 6 p.m.

The amendment under consideration would alter enforcement timing and property-retention rules for encampments, including shortening the time before removal from 72 hours to 12 hours in some circumstances and allowing sweeps when shelter is not available, according to public comments and speakers.

Public testimony at the meeting featured many residents and service providers who urged the council not to pass the amendment as written. Jess Tower said allowing police to sweep encampments “when there is no other shelter available is extremely inhumane” and warned that the city's own shelter list had not been updated as required. Skyler Clark, whose address was given as 282 Derby Street, noted that many unhoused people are trans and said, “Homeless rights are trans rights and trans rights are human rights.” Several speakers described negative mental-health impacts and deaths following prior sweeps.

Councilor Cohen moved to refer the ordinance amendment to the Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole; council approved the referral and set the hearing date. Council and public commenters emphasized that evidence-based housing and wraparound services are the recommended policy response from several speakers, including mental-health professionals and outreach workers.

Ending: The committee will hold a public hearing on the amendment on April 15 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber, where councilors and the public will have an opportunity to offer testimony and for staff to present details on operational implementation and any proposed changes.","The Salem City Council voted to send an amendment to the city's no-camping ordinance to the Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment after an extended public comment period in which many speakers—often connecting homeless and transgender issues—urged the council not to weaken existing protections.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271666,"Salem declares city a sanctuary for transgender and nonbinary people, council votes unanimously",2719,170000,2889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab&start=170&end=2889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028798-09542587f38b705df81ef2c5d1d517ab/thumbnail_170000.jpg","/articles/6271666/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Salem-declares-city-a-sanctuary-for-transgender-and-nonbinary-people-council-votes-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271666-5b78f72d8dcf5da9e3e466d663386fff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220153&Signature=MfmxCo0GqUDpN76yIfWBK-vuktSr2dPynK7~TZy-fignXqtIV5ru6OBvUwNUl2GLD-lasCO7PFMo5YEoEj3FdhCAAJQHDK-6mWLVoosP~AqaP7ph4rL64Pgz928VQl16ZcKksLROoO15EZawbJDNYRB7ILjtjENqjEqHKtgD9s82UB36Y0ajINgXT5kEgvMuhTMKeOG0ix-~UDMnPysZiFMuzqhVTWtk2yfFDczFHJEe-Xq820pXyAMFnbuV~bt3MLVA49tgzhl6M-OujRYzP0Zblgl2XkHp88CeGKbe0FCdlwJrgwD~D444J29aO~qzs9ouQS7CqP17X8Vqvu6ygg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution declaring Salem a sanctuary and place of safety for transgender and nonbinary people.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Merkel and adopted by roll call vote, affirms that the city will “uphold transgender rights and equal protections” under U.S., Massachusetts and municipal law and directs the city to work with the Salem Human Rights Coalition to identify gaps in municipal operations and ordinances.

The resolution’s nut graf: proponents said the measure responds to what they described as growing national hostility toward transgender people and would formalize protections the city already provides. Councilor Merkel thanked local advocacy groups and described the resolution as an urgent, city-led reaffirmation of safety for a vulnerable population.

Public comment at the start of the meeting featured more than a dozen speakers who urged passage. Alphonse Wright, a resident, told the council, “Everyone that lives in or visits our city deserves to feel safe just existing.” Regina Saragosa Frye, who said she helped draft the measure, said the resolution builds on Salem’s 2017 sanctuary-for-peace ordinance and “signals to our trans and nonbinary neighbors that their city sees them, values them and will defend their right to live freely and safely.”

Local service providers and advocates also addressed the council. Tony (representing NAGLY) said the organization serves more than 400 youth and called the resolution “life saving,” and Josh Turiel, a parent of a transgender young adult, described the role of family and community supports in successful transitions.

Councilors voiced broad support during the debate. Councilor Watsonfeld said the council must repeatedly affirm its backing, calling trans residents’ courage “saving lives.” Council members also credited Mayor Pengalo for supporting the measure. After discussion, Councilor Merkel moved adoption by roll call; the clerk recorded an 11-0 vote in favor.

Ending: The resolution directs city departments to coordinate with the Salem Human Rights Coalition to identify and correct equity shortcomings and to support safe access to gender-affirming health care and supportive school environments “within [the city’s] authority.” The council’s action is declaratory and directs municipal collaboration; it does not by itself create new regulatory penalties or funding lines.","After extensive public comment, the Salem City Council adopted a resolution declaring Salem a sanctuary and place of safety for transgender and nonbinary residents and visitors. The council approved the measure by unanimous roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Salem City Council actions, April 10, 2025

Salem to ask state for authority to ban second-generation rodenticides; council approves home-rule petition

Council refers proposed no-camping ordinance amendment after wide public opposition

Salem declares city a sanctuary for transgender and nonbinary people, council votes unanimously