South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Nov. 2

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

 I. Call to Order 

The regular meeting of the Salem City Council was convened at 6:00 pm via Zoom  meeting software and called to order by Mayor Sue Morgan. 

Council members present: 

Councilman Jim Koehler 

Councilman Nicolas Farley 

Councilman Craig Morton 

Councilman Jacob Hockett 

Mayor Sue Morgan 

Council members absent: None.

Others present: 

City Manager Rex Barbee                       City Attorney Mike Jones 

City Clerk Bev Quinn                               Public Works Director John Pruden 

Chief of Police Sean Reynolds                Deputy Chief of Police Susan Miller 

Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch   Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador 

Members of the Public and Media 

II. PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Opening prayer was offered by Councilman Koehler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

III. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS – None. 

IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Morgan reported that the PKC has been in town this past week, and she really appreciates all they bring to the community in the way of support for our hotels/motels, restaurants and stores.

Mayor Morgan indicated the City Council recently held a ground breaking for the new Soccer Complex on Rt. 50 West, and added that this is a project that is close to her heart, and she is excited to see it become a reality.

Mayor Morgan indicated those that participated in Trick-or-Treat activities enjoyed themselves, and she was glad there were so many events for the children of our community.

IV. CITY COUNCIL ACTION

1. Consent Agenda – request approval of 10-19-20 minutes

Motion was made by Councilman Farley and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the minutes as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Farley, Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Morgan. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

2. Discussion of Options for Deer Population Control Measures

City Manager Barbee indicated that at the request of some of our residents, the City has looked into the options for reducing the number of deer living in the north part of the City. Officer Lusch found that the cost to have the IDNR hunters come into Salem would be $5,000 per week, plus the cost of processing the meat for food banks. Additionally, it would likely take several weeks to have the desired impact. The available space on city-owned ground is nominal and neighboring property owners want to control who enters and what action is taken on their properties. Additionally, it is felt that the impact of holding a controlled hunt on city property would not reduce the deer population enough to be effective. City Manager Barbee added that the City has received a number of calls opposed to reducing the number of deer by the methods described. Councilman Koehler indicated the deer ARE encroaching into the neighborhoods, as he has had deer in his yard for the first time during the past two years. City Manager Barbee added that there have been calls both for and against reducing the number of deer, and based on input received, he is not recommending any action at this time.

3. Review of Quotes for Replacement of Heating System at Salem City Hall

City Manager Barbee indicated there was an inspection of the boiler system at City Hall last year that indicated the system is destined to fail. It has had problems for a number of years. Barbee indicated he approached local heating and air professionals in September, and has received two quotes. The first was from Booher Tin Shop, Inc. for three new heating and cooling systems, for a total of $37,000. A second proposal was received this morning from D&R Heating for two heating and air units in the amount of $24,000. Mr. Barbee added that the unit prices are close, when you factor in that the proposal from Booher’s is for three units and the one from D&R is for two units. Barbee added that Booher’s currently maintains the units we have at City Hall, and he recommends acceptance of their bid. Councilman Farley asked if this is a budgeted item. City Manager Barbee said there is $25,000 budgeted for this, but revenues have performed better than expected, and we should not have a problem covering the cost. Mayor Morgan indicated Council has discussed this for the entire time she has been on Council, and she supports getting it done as quickly as possible. Motion was made by Councilman Farley and seconded by Councilman Hockett to accept the bid from Booher Tim Shop for three heating and cooling units in the amount of $37,000. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Farley, Mayor Morgan. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

4. Request to Install First Responders’ Memorial at East Lawn Cemetery

City Manager Barbee indicated he has received a request from the Salem Elks Club to install a “First Responders’ Memorial” east of the eagle in East Lawn Cemetery. The club has offered to cover the cost of installation and updated. The memorial will be to honor local first responders who die in service. The memorial will be grey granite. After it is installed, it will stand approximately 4’6” tall. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to approve placement of a First Responders’ Memorial in East Lawn Cemetery. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Farley, Councilman Morton, Mayor Morgan. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. CITY MANAGER REPORT WITH DEPARTMENT HEAD UPDATES

City Manager Barbee provided the following:

• City Manager Barbee commended area athletes for the successes they have recently had, including the Franklin Park Baseball Team who has taken the title of the State Champions. Barbee also commended the Salem Theatre Board and Jed Casburn for their efforts to provide fun Halloween events that were also safe.

• Barbee indicated there have been no arrangements made to hold a City Christmas party this year, based on COVID-19 restrictions, and we will have to find some other ways to celebrate.

• Barbee indicated he has reached out to a metro-east soccer organization for some information on developing our complex.

• Barbee indicated Wabash Communications will begin installation of WI-FI in Bryan Park in the next week or two.

• Barbee expressed his appreciation for all Veterans, and added that the Public Works Department has been putting up flags on the light poles and in Sweney Corner in observance of Veteran’s Day. • Barbee indicated the leaf vac is up and running.

• Barbee urged all to VOTE.

Economic Development Director Meador indicated she wants to bring attention to the Business Interruption Grants that are available, and noted that they are the least restrictive grant applications she has seen. In addition to these, there are still Small Business Stabilization Grants available. They will be granting $220 million until all funds are exhausted. These applications go directly through DCEO, with backup documents being uploaded to DCEO. The grants will be between $5,000 - $25,000 per grant. Meador added that there will be some priority given to businesses who have had to be shut down. Councilman Morton asked if the Salem Community Activities Center would qualify. Dir. Meador responded that it’s worth a shot.

VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – None.

VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORT – None.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

As there was no further business to discuss, motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Hockett to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 pm. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Farley, Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Mayor Morgan. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2020_11-04.pdf