Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Salem Common Council adopts handicapped-parking and towing updates, approves broad consent agenda
Summary
At its March 9 caucus meeting, the Salem Common Council adopted ORD 26-04 (a handicapped parking space at 334 New Market Street) and ORD 26-05 (towing code amendments), introduced ORD 26-06 for first reading, and approved multiple consent resolutions covering housing, personnel and grant actions.
At its March 9, 2026 caucus meeting, the Salem Common Council adopted an ordinance creating a handicapped parking space at 334 New Market Street and approved updates to the city’s towing regulations, while carrying a slate of housing, personnel and grant-related resolutions on a consent agenda.
The council adopted ORD. 26-04, amending Chapter 22, Section 37 to authorize a handicapped parking space and signage at 334 New Market Street. The motion to adopt was recorded as moved by Councilman Earl R. Gage and seconded by Council member Henson; the minutes state that all council members present voted in favor by roll call.
The council also approved ORD. 26-05, an amendment to Chapter 210 (Towing). The minutes record the motion as moved by Kellum and seconded by Gage; they state that all council members present voted in favor by roll call. Council then introduced ORD. 26-06, described as rescinding and replacing ordinance 26-02 and further amending Chapter 210; the public hearing for ORD. 26-06 is scheduled for March 23 at 5:30 p.m.
On the consent agendas the council adopted Resolutions 2026-90 through 2026-97 and Resolutions 2026-98 through 2026-102. Key items recorded in the minutes include:
- Res. 2026-90: Adopting an affordable housing trust fund spending plan pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq. - Res. 2026-91: Adopting an affirmative marketing plan pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.16 and the Fair Housing Act. - Res. 2026-92: Appointing Sean Brown as Administrative Agent for the City’s Affordable Housing program. - Res. 2026-93: Approving the corrective action plan related to the 2024 audit. - Res. 2026-94: Approving a collective bargaining agreement with Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, Local 1040 (Salem crossing guards). - Res. 2026-95: Accepting the resignation of Councilman the Honorable Earl R. Gage. - Res. 2026-96: Appointing Maricia Chiarelli as Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. - Res. 2026-98: Employing Dominique Ortiz as a part-time parking enforcement officer. - Res. 2026-99: Advancing an NJUCF Green Communities Grant inventory and Community Forest Management Plan. - Res. 2026-100: Authorizing submission of a 2026 transitional aid application. - Res. 2026-101 and 2026-102: Authorizing payment to a certified recycling professional and submission of the recycling tonnage grant application.
The minutes record that motions adopting the ordinances and resolutions were moved and seconded (recorded movers include Gage and Henson in multiple items) and that "all council members present voted in favor" on roll-call votes. The roll call recorded six members present (Cline, Gage, Henson, Jared, Long, Key) and two absent (Gregory, Kellum). The minutes do not list individual yes/no votes by name beyond the roll-call summary.
Noteworthy procedural detail in the minutes: ORD. 26-05's motion is recorded as moved by Kellum despite Kellum being listed as absent in the roll-call entry. The minutes present both facts; the council minutes do not explain the inconsistency.
The meeting moved into executive session later in the evening on seven matters relating to litigation, negotiations and attorney-client privilege.
Next steps: ORD. 26-06 will return for public hearing on March 23 at 5:30 p.m.; other adopted ordinances and resolutions take effect as provided by law or local rule.
