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Votes at a glance: appropriations, hearings and permits approved Feb. 27, 2025
Summary
At its Feb. 27 meeting the Salem City Council approved multiple appropriations, confirmed appointments, granted a utility hearing and approved event permits; several zoning and ordinance matters were referred for further review.
The Salem City Council took a number of formal actions at its Feb. 27, 2025 meeting. The list below summarizes motions, votes and next steps recorded on the public record.
• National Grid conduit installation (hearing): Council granted National Grid’s request to install 25 feet of conduit at properties on Buchanan Road and Pierce Road to remove an aerial trespass. Sabida Mahabir Sheehy represented National Grid; Councilor Varela moved the grant and the hearing was closed and approved on the record.
• Appointments and reappointments: The council confirmed multiple mayoral appointments including members for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Salem Redevelopment Authority, Historical Commission, Youth Commission and Bicycle and Shared Path Advisory Committee. Roll-call confirmations were recorded as 11 yeas, no nays for the sets presented.
• Appropriation — Harbor Master vessel: The council adopted an appropriation of $300,000 from the general fund balance to the capital improvement fund to cover costs associated with replacing or repairing the harbor master’s 2012 Armstrong Landing catamaran after damage in January 2025. Councilors stated insurance proceeds at the policy limit are expected; the appropriation passed on a voice vote.
• Bond authorization — Bates Elementary feasibility study: The council gave first passage to a $70,000 bond authorization to pay for a feasibility study and schematic design for a potential roof replacement at Bates Elementary School; the Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved Salem Public Schools to enter its accelerated repair program. First passage passed by roll-call with 11 yeas, no nays.
• Appropriation — Greenlawn Cemetery burial account: The council adopted an $11,000 transfer from receipts reserved to the public services burial account to replenish Greenlawn Cemetery operating funds; motion carried by voice vote.
• Prior-year invoice payment: Under M.G.L. c.44, §64 the council approved payment of a $510 prior fiscal-year expense for the solicitors department; a two‑thirds vote was obtained by roll call and carried by recorded ayes.
• Referrals and ordinance votes: - ADU ordinance amendments: Referred to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing (mover: Councilor Hepworth). - Condo conversion / tenant protections ordinance: Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole (mover: Councilor Hathworth). - Halloween parking overlay amendment: Referred to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing (mover: Councilor Hapworth). - Home-rule petition creating an excise on certain temporary parking spaces ($2 per space per day proposed): Referred to Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs (mover: Councilor Hapworth). - Haunted Happenings annual report / meeting: Referred to the Committee on Community and Economic Development (mover: Councilor Watzenfeld).
• Zoning — B‑1 business‑neighborhood: First passage adopted (roll-call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent). The amendment expands allowable neighborhood commercial uses in B‑1 zones; additional reading(s) required before final adoption.
• Traffic / handicap parking: The council adopted an ordinance change for a 20‑foot limited-time handicap parking space in front of 26 Hancock Street for first passage; councilors said enforcement is tied to placard rules.
• Permits and events: The council granted several street-use and event requests, including the Wicked Half Marathon (BNS Fitness, 09/21/2025) and the World Needs You Here Walk (08/03/2025); event permits and public-guide lists were approved or referred as recorded.
• Licenses and claims: A number of license applications were referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs for further review; six claims were referred to the same committee for disposition.
Details and recorded roll-call tallies appear in the council minutes and the meeting audio/video record. Items referred to committees will return to the council after staff and public review.
