Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council
City of Salem
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 5, 2009
7:00 pm
Members in Attendance: Jim Moskovis (Chair), Polly Wilbert (V. Chair), Shirley Walker, Lucy Corchado, Michael Coleman, Leslie Limon, Ana Gordon, Rosemary O’Connor, Patricia Zaido, Stan Franzeen
Members not in Attendance: Meg Twohey
City Staff: Rick Rennard, Ron Malionek, Tom O’Shea, Jason Silva, Tom Watkins
Public: Deb Ciccolo, Scott Weiseberg, Chuck Barton
Introduction
The group introduced themselves and identified each neighborhood group they belong to. Meeting minutes for the February meeting were reviewed and approved as amended.
Public Comment
Jim opened up the public comment period.
Scott Weiseberg stated that the police patrols on Highland Avenue have been increased. It was also mentioned that Market Basket has taken on the responsibility of removing the snow and ice from the sidewalk where the bus stop is located.
Public Comment period was closed.
Discussion with Department of Public Services Director Rick Rennard
Rick Rennard handed out an organizational chart and a syllabus of his presentation. He discussed the organizational structure and the new WebGov QA program which will track citizen requests and concerns. Rick took questions from the group. Canal Street was discussed and it was mentioned that it is on the list to be paved and resurfaced. Polly shared an email from a resident on Ocean Avenue who was pleased with the snow removal from streets, recycling program, noise control, reverse 911 system, and trash removal and maintenance of Forest River Park. The resident was still concerned with snow removal from sidewalks, Canal Street and dead trees in Forest River Park. Rick said he would be interested to sit down with residents to discuss a tree maintenance program. Polly asked
if money received from the Marblehead Electric Company goes towards grass mowing along the bike path. Tom was asked to communicate the City’s tree policies on the City website. It was mentioned that sidewalk snow removal enforcement is based primarily on phone calls received, as well as a focus on thorough fares and school routes.
Lucy mentioned that Porter Street Court is still full of snow and has a large pothole at the end of the street.
It was stated that the City does repair small sections of brick sidewalks.
Polly asked if frost heaves impact infrastructure underground. Rick was not sure the effect it has on gas lines but it certainly has an effect on the water/sewer lines.
Rick mentioned that there is a snow brochure available online. Polly stated that NIAC members should remember to pass this brochure out to their neighborhood organization members at their November meetings.
Ana stated that on Bridge Street in the area of Leslie’s Retreat Park, there is a lot of illegal dumping happening.
Polly asked that Clean Sweeps Day be moved up to the last weekend in April as to avoid poison ivy growth.
Haunted Happenings
Jay stated that he had an internal meeting about Haunted Happenings. Committee members will be made up of city staff and neighborhood reps. Jason passed around a revenue and expenditure sheet from last year.
Leslie’s Follow Up List
Jason passed around his response packet to Leslie’s list of follow up items. He discussed his thoughts. Group will review Jason’s packet and report back at next meeting.
Lucy asked about the possibility of having cameras placed in the Point neighborhood. Shirley asked if Wendy’s had some security cameras, along with some other private businesses (Shetland Park), that may be willing to scan sections of the streets and neighborhood.
Other/New Business
Jason brought to the groups attention the changes to the City’s Resident Sticker Parking Program. It will now be a 2 year sticker for $10. A portion of these proceeds will go towards the hiring of an enforcement officer. The new program begins on April 15th and the City will need help with the outreach to residents.
Jason also discussed that the Mayor’s Office is putting together a Resident Survey which will be available on the City’s website.
Also, the City is sponsoring a donation drive/amnesty program in which people can have their late fees waived on parking tickets if they bring in two canned goods (or more).
Tom was asked to get the agenda out to the group at least one week in advance of the meeting.
Action Items
- Tom/Jay – where do funds from the Marblehead Electric Co. go to?
- Tom – Get tree policies/info on city website
- Tom – email Public Services Organizational Chart to group
- NIAC – Report back on Jason’s packet to Leslie’s follow up list
Meeting Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm
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