Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
7:00 p.m.
120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Members Present: Dorothy Hayes, Pat Liberti, Barbara Mann, RoseMary O’Connor, Jim Rose, Jerry Smith
Guests Present: Vice-Chair of GESNA, Bob Femino
Staff Present: Kristian Hoysradt (Mayor’s Office), Bill McHugh (Salem Harbormaster)
Reading/Approval of May 8th Meeting Minutes: Mr. Hoysradt read minutes aloud, and Mr. Rose motioned for approval. The motion was seconded by Ms. Liberti, and the minutes were approved unanimously.
Special Guest, Bill McHugh, Salem Harbormaster: Mr. McHugh spoke about both his personal background and provided information regarding his responsibilities as Salem’s Harbormaster.
Background: Mass Maritime (’83-’87). Earned a degree in Marine Transportation and Coast Guard certificate. Sailed the deep-sea for nearly 25 years. Hired as Salem Harbormaster in July 2011 – coming up on second full-year and third season as Harbormaster.
Responsibilities: Reports directly to Chief Tucker in the Police Department. Has 14 assistant harbormaster, and two deck hands. Operates three patrol craft on normal basis. Primary responsibilities include law enforcement and lifesaving of Salem’s waterway jurisdiction.
Salem Willows Pier: North Shore Marine won contract to repair the pier. Float system will be changed to allow for more movement and less damage from swells. Lumber has been ordered – slight delay because most marine-approved lumber has been sent to New Jersey to repair boardwalks after Hurricane Sandy. Goal is to have the float installed and pier reopened by July 4th.
Salem Ferry: Mr. Smith suggested that the City needs to advertise the ferry more effectively to appeal to those who will be off put by the closing of the MBTA station.
Selection of New NIAC Chair
NIAC recommended that Mayor’s Staff serve as ongoing Chairs of NIAC. Mr. Hoysradt will check with City Solicitor to make sure this falls in line with ad-hoc guidelines.
City Updates
Mass in Motion
- In need of a NIAC representative on the Mass in Motion Committee. Coordinator will be the guest speaker at the meeting next week.
Salem Historic Sign Project
- Drafts of the 13 signs were provided to the Council – Mr. Hoysradt will send electronically
- City-hired consulting team prepared the drafts along with City Historian Bonnie Hurd Smith and the Planning Department
- Funded in part from a Mass Historical Commission grant and CDBG funds totaling around $24,000
Kernwood Bridge
- Contract for repairs has finally been awarded and given the go-ahead from MassDOT
- Copy of letter from Transportation Secretary was distributed
Bertram Field
- Project delayed due to arsenic that was discovered
- Health-risk tests are ongoing – results expected soon – expecting safe results
- Hoping to avoid impacting the fall sports schedule
Footprint Project
- Chapter 91 Meeting is tonight on waterway usage
- Final Planning Board Meeting on June 20th
MBTA Garage
- 90% Public Meeting on June 19th
- Garage will close in mid-july
- Universal Steele site will not be reading until early August
Canal Street Pre-Construction Meeting
- Meeting was held with city officials and businesses to make it clear to the contractors what we’re looking for in terms of communication
- Public Meeting Next Tuesday at 6:00pm at the Enterprise Center
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Improvements
- Phase II is in progress
- Cobblestones, diseased trees, and information kiosk are being removed
Splaine Park
- Salem received $42,500 Mass Development Grant to allow for the environmental testing of Splaine Park which will allow the project to finally move forward
Common Fence Repair
- Repairs are ongoing
- Salem Common Association is seeking help in moving forward on the McIntire Arch Project
- Mayor’s Office will check in with Councillor Sosnowski on the progress of the Arch and possibly seek assistance from Tierney and others
New Business
- GESNA presented a memo to NIAC outlining neighborhood issues and concerns
- Mayor’s Office will work with GESNA to setup a community neighborhood meeting with the Police Department’s Community Impact Unit to appropriately and effectively address these concerns
Adjournment: 7:09 p.m.
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