[{"_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",6258233,"mediaKeyId","3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d","parentId",3148623,"title","Council orders review of City Hall's use after debate over wedding ceremonies in council chambers","audioSeconds",600,"startMs",4440000,"endMs",5040000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d&start=4440&end=5040","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d/thumbnail_4440000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258233/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-orders-review-of-City-Halls-use-after-debate-over-wedding-ceremonies-in-council-chambers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258233-5e0320dcb4367f670a0c558ac010198d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445642&Signature=DX-~dYyh-KhvFBlqdMGsN8F1~jrdM202016Txi5qASxe4XYF9u0vCRkbYsU6B76c9vorWqOG82iRrSmm~suf8VcyzC68ZGMy8L8picjyQuCHRF5z-ck2mUCcuzeZcRbZBT6qxwOg~BPazwHGGtVFXOmpCk2mAp3mVAzOfilLdF2kyceB51r3ZPZtLA8WjYdd2LlP4q1Ch1Nc1GaGkLunRwjLfW9xAMPpPlGYwy2q6Mpsh2gNkrwQ1-z8sGC3z5fV5cMPa~mNbfeVuby40mOyYUlYro3J0gzE14fhe-Dm~-jWJ-2wbxfRPz5a0EfU7pkLkVeqToyFcIm8DV1ZpBvbMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salem City, MA","date","2025-04-29T17:03:15.317Z","article","The Salem City Council voted to refer an order about the use of council chambers for wedding and similar ceremonies to the Committee on Government Services, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, after more than an hour of debate on accessibility, public use and transparency.

Why it matters: Council chambers sit mid-floor in City Hall and provide a historic public meeting space that councilors said is frequently used as a thoroughfare to offices and an access path for people with mobility needs. Several councilors and members of the public said weddings and subsequent photo sessions can impede access to offices and elevators during business hours.

What the council did: Councilor Stott introduced an order prohibiting new wedding bookings in council chambers during business hours (defined in the order as 45 minutes before opening through close) while honoring previously scheduled reservations. After broad discussion — which included arguments for a quick restriction to guarantee accessibility and counterarguments about restricting public access to a public space — the council voted by roll call 6'to'5 to send the matter to committee (Government Services co-posted with the Committee of the Whole) for a policy discussion and to draft explicit rules.

Key points in debate: Supporters of the immediate restriction said the room's configuration impedes ADA-compliant passage when ceremonial events occupy the chamber; Councilor Merkel cited a recent discrimination complaint tied to access during a wedding. Several councilors said the order would not ban weddings entirely but would limit new bookings in the chamber during business hours until a clear, transparent policy was adopted. Opponents including Councilor Watsonfeld argued the chambers are a public space and that the council should instead write a clear use policy without reducing public access.

Next steps: Councilor Varela scheduled a Government Services meeting for April 29 to begin the policy conversation. The committee will include the city clerk and assistant city clerk in the discussion, per councilors' requests; any later changes would be presented to the full council for adoption.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Salem City Council Meeting April 24th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extended debate about accessibility, the Salem City Council voted 6'to'5 to refer an order on wedding ceremonies in council chambers to the Committee on Government Services co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.","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},6258238,"Salem council advances amendment to camping ordinance after heated public testimony",7012,308000,7320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d&start=308&end=7320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d/thumbnail_308000.jpg","/articles/6258238/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Salem-council-advances-amendment-to-camping-ordinance-after-heated-public-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258238-a52017889e7ddf04bf7146101dc9cc99/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445642&Signature=HWWnqw5~fUs3Kv-LBMeSZ7sG8-fGHKx4Sa9KY133pMk94yYb8sb4UdmyruBRtn3Vh9Eg4UzARjdniM5RDQLQGWL0blNVKmj-XrBeMGFs~uFahMfMNsfAa1EEZSCcVddiLJXxBUStx8vsOQdPqTAfzSrKYM-0g4UBYiQ2TGnVfgxBRyE9eqKOCrkTqAd0bcWauYG3bb27vSye8y6DrdSN9gQ3CTrECsZkX~nSJJsX-3jNVaVzZPHAyCAmYcAHAb4LSa4YtJp~8PLUSuZxAhXE8lBgIYnb9ZzuR3qz5~4-LJN08RL1U3e4MONhic4YEQTpd5rNVIWKMj0uRxm1soX9sA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Salem City Council moved the proposed amendments to the city's camping ordinance (chapter 24, section 31) forward for first passage on a vote after a lengthy public-comment period in which multiple speakers urged the council to reject or rethink the changes.

Why it matters: The amendments alter how the city defines when shelter is available and what personal property qualifies as \"eligible property\" during enforcement actions. Supporters said the changes add clarity and enforcement tools for safety-critical situations; opponents and multiple public speakers said they narrow protections for people experiencing homelessness and risk pushing people into more dangerous situations.

Public comment: More than a dozen speakers used the meeting's public-comment period to oppose the draft changes. Caitlin Halapa, who identified herself as a Salem resident, said the city should instead focus on housing supply and mounting economic distress. \"Where are they supposed to go?\" she asked, warning that job losses will increase homelessness.

Resident Trevor Baum said the amendments, \"while framed as public safety measures will significantly harm our unhoused neighbors by narrowing protections and expanding punitive enforcement.\" Pamela Geyser urged the council to \"please prove your humanity, vote no on the amendment to section 24 31 of Salem's camping ordinance and instead focus resources on informing all of our neighbors about available shelter, meals and other basic human necessities.\" Skyler Clark said cutting the required notice before removal from 72 hours to 12 hours was \"needlessly cruel,\" adding that the city currently lacks enough shelter beds.

Committee report and council action: Councilor Brian Cohen reported that the Council's Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, considered the mayor's proposed language and accepted most changes 4'to'1, while reversing a proposed modification to the personal-property definition. Cohen told the council the committee directed city departments (including the solicitor, police, fire and health inspection services) to draft regulations to determine when a campsite constitutes a public-health or safety hazard; those regulations will be published when completed and potentially returned to the council before second passage.

On the council floor, the measure advanced for first passage \"as amended,\" carrying after the committee changes. The transcript does not include a complete roll-call tally for the final first-passage motion; the detailed vote count was not specified in the meeting record provided.

What was not decided: The council advanced the ordinance for first passage; additional amendments and the second-passage vote (final adoption) will follow later. The committee indicated it may publish regulatory guidance defining when encampments are public-health or safety hazards prior to the next council vote.

Context: Councilors and members of the public repeatedly emphasized the limited local authority to solve homelessness alone and urged more state and federal support. Several speakers credited existing local services (including a transition center and outreach teams) while warning that fewer beds and stricter enforcement would displace people without housing alternatives.

Next steps: The ordinance will return for further consideration and a second-passage vote after the committee and city staff complete the promised implementing regulations and any additional amendments.

","After extensive public comment opposing changes, the Salem City Council voted to advance amendments to chapter 24, section 31 (the city's camping ordinance) for first passage as amended. Supporters said changes give the city tools for public-safety responses; opponents said the changes would criminalize people experiencing homelessness.",{"_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},6258223,"Votes at a glance: Salem council approves appropriations, easements, appointments and zoning actions",1030,1740000,2770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d&start=1740&end=2770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d/thumbnail_1740000.jpg","/articles/6258223/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Salem-council-approves-appropriations-easements-appointments-and-zoning-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258223-a2f1335244bc334330472e10cb796d4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445642&Signature=n51LSJkeAKl5x64hofj95LiNhEpw2jOg2PciWtWesA9CytoMNplF7iPe4ToFlynjsjdFGqvNzr2ZaOHGHMybs4sCB3dB5kj5RuoxKl1CnqC3ls140tvdRlcRBLBssmyozigIFEjjAkoB9gVR0ekNJRwYo6elABI3EwNgFWxiRWm4YKclAdcxWy0Fn3dZry89QZBOKj3yC6dAdEyjm4eD1lz98XNARll6Kl3LY7OzIf7GDMq3~NDXxRKp8t5-oXrLQzXf2R89hH0YipZAXl65FoF4rdQmLZNSElpqBHNW8DbfxWnchGa2xJ1SQqSNi1NCoq09WeHpuNz3OJm2lKwmkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 24 meeting the Salem City Council approved several mayoral communications, routine appropriations, donations and infrastructure authorizations, and took first-passage action on two zoning ordinances. Most items were brief and either passed unanimously or were referred to committee for follow-up.

Key votes and outcomes

- Prevailing-wage appropriation: The council approved an order appropriating $125,029.97 to cover fiscal-year-2024 increased labor costs for solid-waste engineering (retroactive prevailing-wage adjustments tied to a contract price adjustment with Waste Management). The action was adopted by roll call.

- Fiscal-year invoice payment authorization: Under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 44, \u0000 64, the council authorized payment of $125,029.97 in prior fiscal-year invoices from the fiscal-year-25 engineering solid-waste budget (two-thirds vote). The council approved the two-thirds vote by roll call.

- Burial account transfer: The council adopted a transfer of $5,900 to the Department of Public Services burial account for Greenland Cemetery operations.

- Retirement sick-leave buyback: The council approved a contractual sick-leave buyback payment totaling $202,445.83 for Lynn Barrett from the Council on Aging (the transcript documents the larger figure of $202,445.83 in the roll-call discussion; earlier backup referenced a smaller amount). The motion recognized Barrett's 32 years of city service.

- Donations: The council accepted a $3,500 bench donation for Salem Common from Renee Olsen and a $1,000 donation from St. James (St. Jean's) Credit Union to the Parks and Recreation golf tournament charitable fund.

- Easement for electrical equipment at Salem Police Station: The council authorized the mayor to execute an easement to Massachusetts Electric Company to install electrical equipment that will enable fast EV charging and support future microgrid work at the police station. Councilor Cohen noted that funds had already been allocated for EV chargers and said the easement will support resiliency and future solar/microgrid projects.

- Appointments and reappointments: The council confirmed Graham Hines to the Planning Board (term to 04/09/2030) and reappointed Yamila Cruz to the Scholarship and Education Committee; a separate appointment (Daniel Riccarelli to the ConCom) was held under the rules.

- Wastewater surveillance for H5N1 (committee): The A&F committee heard testimony on a proposed one-year contract with BioBot Analytics to test wastewater for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). The Board of Health reported low public-human risk; the committee voted unanimously to keep the matter in committee for now.

- Zoning first-passage actions: The council approved first passage of two zoning ordinance updates by roll call vote (as amended): revisions to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to align with Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities regulations (the council added a technical correction to allow ADUs in the B-1 district and agreed to hold a subsequent committee meeting between first and second passage), and updates to the Flood Hazard Overlay District to match new FEMA flood maps effective 07/08/2025 (council added an effective date in the ordinance amendment).

- Halloween-parking zoning referral: Proposed zoning changes to regulate parking during peak tourist periods (\"Halloween parking\") were referred to the Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs Committee co-posted with the Committee of the Whole for further review.

What to watch for next: The ADU amendment will return for second passage after a committee meeting to address implementation questions; the camping ordinance (chapter 24, section 31) advanced for first passage and will return after implementing regulations are drafted; the government-services committee will consider council-chamber use rules on April 29.

","The April 24 Salem City Council meeting included multiple routine and substantive votes: appropriations for prevailing-wage retroactive costs, mayoral communications, donations, easements for electrical work at the police station, several appointments and first-passage votes on zoning ordinances (ADU amendments and Flood Hazard updates).",{"_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},6258228,"Council approves TIF amendment for Tropical Products after company cites contamination and higher costs",360,2330000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d&start=2330&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148623-e8a4a7036bfa6f4ac3d347387ea02f1d/thumbnail_2330000.jpg","/articles/6258228/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-TIF-amendment-for-Tropical-Products-after-company-cites-contamination-and-higher-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258228-6c2a24f80a89fb167b1f4ac57ac0fdd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445642&Signature=fyPKvRndBY1QyV5H5KjPTP6RlDwCuYUMfAvJ8oXGdsLyFA4lr35xc0tBp9dmznC9LjUO407TslnT0UFMrr0fa9O60PXVKqHZQdJhEbx4n-jlB1syw16aJvF3MU-9e5ciHarbG~8JJMsSyZyUWmb8B4T9f8rsQqb2COOxy3casH7L-0I-q5b0mVKLmdfHTuuTzHAARLBQinLCVU-4CNYMgTdQa-aQPcKhCuFcga5z8dRnA~CMGePqWjXIKrj24kF~OFNpNOjp6thEB14~sWHdbBaimRohGUPFC7Lew5x3Bi1uzAvfh7LZ27SGHWvcWuxhlq7jy4zd139dEQ4WJChcEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council adopted proposed amendments to the city's tax-increment financing agreement with Tropical Products on Highland Avenue, approving changes the company requested after discovering asbestos contamination and incurring substantial remediation costs.

Why it matters: Tropical Products sought adjustments to job-creation targets and a reduced tax-exemption percentage in year five of its TIF agreement. The company reported an asbestos cleanup that added roughly $6 million to project costs and said total private investment exceeded its original projection.

Council discussion and details: Councilor Merkel explained the changes: Tropical Products discovered asbestos during construction in 2022, which required remediation costing an estimated $6,000,000; the company completed the new facility in March 2024. The presenter said Tropical Products's total private investment exceeded $30,000,000 (about 65% more than the original projection of $19,000,000). The company has retained 10 previous employees and hired nine new full-time employees in 2024, but it cannot meet the originally projected 23 new permanent full-time jobs within the first five years. The company proposed instead to create 40 to 50 new permanent full-time jobs over the next five years. To reflect that history and revised schedule, the amendment lowers the TIF from 20% to 10% in the fifth year, producing an estimated tax-exemption reduction of about $20,000 in that year.

Support and vote: Councilors who spoke in favor cited the company's investment, neighborhood engagement and remediation work. Councilor Marcello praised the company for open communication during remediation and for serving as a neighbor. The council approved the amendment by roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously.

What was not changed: Councilor Merkel reminded the council that with all TIFs the city still collects the base tax value and only exempts the anticipated increase in taxable value under the TIF; the city does not lose the base revenue.

Next steps: The amended TIF terms will apply as described; Tropical Products will be in year one of its exemption schedule beginning July 2024 and the reduced percentage will be reflected in the fifth year per the amendment.

","The council voted to adopt amendments to the tax-increment financing agreement with Tropical Products, lowering the company's fifth-year TIF percentage and adjusting job-creation requirements after the project encountered asbestos remediation and higher-than-expected costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council orders review of City Hall's use after debate over wedding ceremonies in council chambers

Salem council advances amendment to camping ordinance after heated public testimony

Votes at a glance: Salem council approves appropriations, easements, appointments and zoning actions

Council approves TIF amendment for Tropical Products after company cites contamination and higher costs