The Salem City committee on ordinances, licenses and legal affairs met Dec. 4 and conducted a series of largely procedural actions, voting to approve a single license and to carry forward or discharge several ordinance matters for additional work in 2026.

The committee approved a license for Jo Mendonca of 22 Spring Street in Peabody after a motion to approve was made and seconded; the chair counted "4 hands including my own" and the motion carried. The meeting then addressed multiple carryover items from 2024 and 2025.

Resident sticker parking was a recurring topic. The committee considered a 2024 request from Dave Kucharski about parking at Essex Street numbers 373 and 390; after discussion Councilor Cohen moved to carry the matter forward rather than discharge it. Later, Councilor Marcello asked that the resident-sticker program remain in committee for further review, noting the item had been discussed in October and that staff were working to address implementation issues. Councilor Carolyn Watsonfeld, identified as the current Ward 2 councilor and speaking after the rules were suspended to allow her remark, urged the committee to extend the start date of October resident-only parking protections because "Salem, as we've all have observed, bustling with tourists far more months of the year rather than just October," and said she would "love to have this carried over if the body is willing." The committee carried the matter forward by Rule 29(b).

On zoning, Councilor Varela asked that a home-occupation zoning ordinance he filed in January remain in committee for a "thoughtful conversation" next year; the motion to carry it forward was approved.

Councilor Cohen moved to discharge a community benefits agreement ordinance sponsored by Councilors Durr, Davis and Jerslow, saying "the 3 versions that were or drafts that were submitted to us, are really problematic, and I think it just needs to have more thought and come back in a different form." The motion to discharge carried.

The light-shielding ordinance prompted more substantive discussion. Councilor Cohen said he had formed a working group that included an electrician, Giordi, a building commissioner, Stefanos, and James Wheelock, "who's gonna be the new solicitor," and described a framework for an ordinance while urging additional deliberation and staff time in the coming term. Councilor Marcella cautioned that the issue is not small, citing constituent complaints about hospital lighting and the need for staff resources. The committee voted to carry the light-shielding matter forward for further work.

Finally, the committee took up the second half of a retail marijuana ordinance. Councilor Varela recused himself from that discussion; Councilor Cohen moved to carry the item forward into the new year and the motion passed with a reduced count noted by the chair.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn by Councilor Morcillo.

Votes at a glance

- Sea-worms license for Jo Mendonca: motion approved; chair counted 4 yes votes ("I see 4 hands including my own").
- Carry forward — resident sticker parking (Kucharski/Marcello/Watsonfeld interventions): motion approved; chair counted 4 yes votes.
- Carry forward — home-occupation zoning ordinance (filed by Councilor Varela): motion approved; chair counted 4 yes votes.
- Discharge — community benefits agreement ordinance (Durr, Davis, Jerslow): motion to discharge approved; chair counted 4 yes votes.
- Carry forward — light-shielding ordinance: motion approved; chair counted 4 yes votes.
- Carry forward — retail marijuana ordinance (Councilor Varela recused): motion approved; chair counted 3 yes votes ("I see 3 hands including my own").

What this means

Most items were postponed for additional review, staff work or re-drafting rather than resolved on policy. The resident sticker parking debate is likely to return in 2026 with recommended implementation updates from transportation staff; the light-shielding ordinance will proceed to additional drafting and discussion; and the community benefits agreement drafts will be reworked following the committee's concerns.

Attributions and notable quotes in the meeting include Councilor Cohen's assessment that the submitted community benefits agreement drafts were "really problematic," and Councilor Carolyn Watsonfeld's appeal that Salem experiences extended tourist activity, saying the city is "bustling with tourists far more months of the year rather than just October."