Salem City Council debates snow removal fines and broker fees in joint committee session

The Salem City Council meeting on March 27, 2025, focused on two significant issues: snow removal practices and a proposed home rule petition regarding broker fees for renters.

Councilor Stott initiated a discussion on snow removal, emphasizing the need for a review of current policies and practices following a particularly snowy winter. He highlighted the frustrations expressed by residents and businesses regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks, noting that the existing fines for non-compliance—ranging from $25 to $50—may not be effective. Stott pointed out that some property owners find it cheaper to pay fines than to hire snow removal services, suggesting that the council should consider adjusting the fine structure. He also mentioned that only 17 violation tickets were issued this past season, indicating a need for better enforcement and compliance strategies. Stott proposed a joint meeting to gather feedback from the community and improve snow removal processes.

Councilor Cohen supported Stott's call for a review, stating that fines alone would not resolve the issue and that additional enforcement tools might be necessary. The council agreed to refer the snow removal discussion to the Committee on Public Health, Safety, and Environment for further examination.

In a separate matter, Councilor Davis introduced a home rule petition aimed at requiring broker fees to be paid by the party that solicits a licensed broker. This proposal seeks to alleviate the financial burden on renters, who often face high upfront costs when securing housing. Davis noted that similar petitions have been passed in other Massachusetts cities, and he expressed hope that Salem could join these efforts. The council voted to refer this petition to the Committee on Community and Economic Development for further discussion.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community concerns regarding public safety and housing affordability, with plans for further discussions and potential policy changes in the near future.