Salem City Council approves appointments, prior invoices, and Skipper contract amid transparency concerns
Salem City Council confirmed four new board members and approved more than eleven thousand dollars in prior-year invoices, all by 10-0-1 votes, while authorizing a five-year contract with Via Transportation for the Salem Skipper on-demand transit service.
City Council · Meeting of September 24, 2026
Salem City Council confirmed four new board members and approved more than eleven thousand dollars in prior-year invoices, all by 10-0-1 votes, while authorizing a five-year contract with Via Transportation for the Salem Skipper on-demand transit service. Several councillors, including Katelyn Holappa, raised concerns about the lack of advance contract information, citing a MassDot grant expiration in June 2027 and an imminent deadline. The Council tabled a one-way traffic trial on Dodge Street pending business consultation, continued debate on a gas-powered leaf blower ordinance, and adopted a resolution honoring retiring City Clerk Ilene Simons after twenty-five years of service.
In the full story:
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Source: the City Council meeting of September 24, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes.
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