Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council
City of Salem
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 9, 2009
7:00 pm
Members in Attendance: Jim Moskovis (Chair), Michael Coleman, Rosemary O’Connor, Jim Rose, Leslie Limon, Ana Gordon, Shirley Walker, Stan Franzeen, Patricia Zaido
Members not in Attendance: Meg Twohey, Lucy Corchado
City Staff: Jason Silva, Tom Watkins
Public: Pat Libertie, Scott Weiseberg
Introduction
The group introduced themselves and identified each neighborhood group they belong to. It was announced that Jim Rose has replaced Polly Wilbert on the Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council as the representative from the South Salem Neighborhood Association. Meeting minutes for the March meeting were reviewed and approved.
Rosemary took comments and ideas from group members as to how they organize their own neighborhood groups and meetings. Ideas for events were also shared.
Public Comment
Jim opened up the public comment period.
Pat Libertie stated that the old telephone pole installed at the corner of Highland Ave. and Marlborough Road still prevents people from being able to use the handicap ramp. The new pole has been installed but the old pole still needs to be removed.
Scott would like the City to look into the completed construction dates for all the construction on Highland Avenue. He is also concerned with the traffic flow from the new developments being built on Clark Road.
Jim Rose asked if there are to be signage and traffic light improvements made on the section of Lafayette Street heading into Marblehead. Jason said that there is new signage now and an electronic speed signaling device is being delivered.
Jim M. would like the City Police Department to look further into the drug activity being reported on Butler and Nichols Street, a residence on Valley Street and other areas.
Stan asked for an update on the house at 66 Derby Street. Jason reported that the woman who lived there had been removed and the building has been condemned. City officials are now working with the family to address the state of the house.
Patricia stated that the pedestrian signal lights at the corner of Summer and Essex Street (by the Witch House) need to be looked at so they coincide with the traffic lights.
Shirley Walker stated that Casablanca Sports Bar continues to be a trouble spot on the weekend nights. Jason stated that the Licensing Board will be addressing this shortly.
Public Comment period closed.
Jason’s Response List
The group reviewed Jason’s response package he put together in response to Leslie’s follow up action item list. A few questions were raised and later answered.
Leslie asked how the budget cuts will affect bike patrols. Jason stated that fortunately, due to the stimulus package, public safety will be enhanced and bike patrols will be continued due to the available CDBG funding.
Leslie asked dif the group can discuss new surveillance camera installation at a future meeting.
Jim also would like to see the 10 worst problem properties listed again in the Salem News.
Other Business
Jason and Tom discussed the new WebGov QA system which the City recently implemented. This system will help the City track citizen requests and comments by posting them into the system via the City website. This system helps to create and ensure accountability.
Also, it was announced that the City’s website recently was the recipient of the 2009 Common Cause Award with Distinction.
Jason asked that group members help spread the word about the Resident Survey which is available online at www.salem.com
Jason also shared with the group the look of the new resident stickers and briefly discussed the new program. He announced that on April 15th, Zone F starts. The City will post the street listings and zones on the website. He asked that the members help spread the word about the program.
Stan asked if there were any updates with Haunted Happenings planning. Jason said that a group has been formed, including himself, Mayor Driscoll, NIAC member Michael Coleman and Destination Salem Executive Director Kate Fox to discuss issues revolving around the use of the Common. The City is also talking to an event planner. The Committee will meet again the first week of May. Stan asked that a representative of the Historic Derby Street Neighborhood Association be a part of this committee, as well as a representative of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Election of New Officers
Postponed to next meeting.
Meeting Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm
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