City of Salem City Council met April 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Salem City Council was convened at 6:02 pm in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Nicolas Farley. Council members present:
Councilman Jim Koehler
Councilman Craig Morton
Councilman Jacob Hockett
Acting Mayor Nicolas Farley
Council members absent: None.
Others present:
City Manager Rex Barbee
Public Works Director Annette Brushwitz
City Clerk Bev Quinn
Chief of Police Sean Reynolds
Finance Director Keli Barrow
Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador
Library Director Kim Keller
City Attorney Mike Jones
Councilman-Elect Royce Bringwald
Library Director Kim Keller
Members of the Public and Media
II. PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Koehler offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.
IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS
Acting Mayor Farley announced that he will be formally resigning his office as Councilman, effective May 1, 2021, to take over as Mayor. Farley added that any citizens who are interested in being appointed to fill the two-years remaining in his term should submit a letter of interest by May 3rd, as he would like to appoint his replacement at the May 17, 2021 Council meeting.
V. CITY COUNCIL ACTION
1. Consent Agenda
a. City Council Minutes - request approval of April 5, 2021
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to approve the minutes of April 5, 2021, as written. Roll call vote: AYES Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Councilman Morton abstained. Motion carried.
2. Request to purchase replacement vehicle for Police Dept. Detective
City Manager Barbee indicated the Police Department is looking to upgrade the Deputy Chief’s vehicle from the 2013 Chevy Tahoe that she currently drives with the 2016 Dodge Durango that the Detective currently drives. This vehicle transfer will create a need to purchase a lower-mileage used vehicle for the Detective to drive. These moves will allow us to transfer the Chevy Tahoe to Animal Control to replace the older Dodge Caravan they have been using. The Police Department solicited bids, and six proposals were received from two dealers. Chief Reynolds is recommending award of the bid to Max Dye Inc. for a 2019 Toyota Camry SE in the amount of $22,321.00.
Councilman Morton commented that he thought the Police Department was done purchasing cars. Chief Reynolds indicated those were patrol cars, and they haven’t purchased any vehicles for two years. City Manager Barbee added that this purchase will come from the General Fund and will be covered by Cures dollars. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to approve the purchase of a 2019 Camry SE in the amount of $22,321.00, from Max Dye Oldsmobile. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: Councilman Morton. Motion carried.
3. Review of bids on rock and sand for Public Works
City Manager Barbee indicated Public Works opened bids for rock and sand on 4/15/21. Low bid for CA6 rock came from Brink Bros Grain & Trucking of Sandoval in the amount of $11.85/ton and the low bid for FA-1 sand came from Beelman Logistics, LLC of East St. Louis, IL in the amount of $12.89/ton. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to approve award of the low bids to Brink Bros. Grain & Trucking for CA6 rock in the amount of $11.85/ton and to Beelman Logistics, LLC for FA-1 sand in the amount of $12.89/ton. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
4. Review request for additional liquor license for new convenience store
Ms. Faguni Patel was present to request the City increase its liquor licenses for accommodate a convenience store in the former Family Video building. Acting Mayor Farley indicated Ms. Patel had originally requested a Class A license during the April 5, 2021 meeting, which permits the licensee holder to sell package, have a pour permit, and offer gaming. After further discussion with Ms. Patel, she indicated she could be content with a Class C license, which is package sales only. Ms. Patel indicated they intend the store to be a “one-stop shop”, with groceries and miscellaneous retail sales, similar to a 7-11. Ms. Patel indicated they would lease the building to begin with and possibly buy it at a later date. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to approve Ordinance 2021-06 increasing the maximum number of Class C liquor licenses allowed from 8 to 9. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
5. Discussion on temporary amendment of the cost to renew liquor licenses in 2021-22
Acting Mayor Farley indicated he was recommending this reduction in fees for all licenses except Class F licenses, which are Special Event permits. Farley added that City Council did this last year, and he would like to see Council approve it for another year, as a small token to help bars and restaurants get back on their feet. Councilman Koehler indicated he feels this is a good idea. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Hockett to reduce the Liquor License fees by 50% for all classes except “F”, for the licensing year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
6. Opening of real estate offer to purchase property owned by the City of Salem
City Manager Barbee indicated Somer Real Estate has provided a sealed bid on property owned by the City of Salem. Upon opening the bid, Mr. Barbee reported that the bid is for two lots, Lot 3, Armory Site Subdivision (entrance on Lovell St.) in the amount of $1,500.00 and Lot 2, Armory Site Subdivision (entry on Warmoth St.) in the amount of $2,500.00 from James and Lie-Lotte Hoffmann, with $500.00 in earnest money. The offer is “cash” and has no contingencies. Mr. Barbee indicated the listed price for both lots was $2,500.00 ea., and asked if Council wanted to go into executive session to discuss the price or a counter offer. Consensus of the Council was that no executive session was needed. Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to accept the offer for Lot 2, Armory Site Subdivision in the amount of $2,500.00 and Lot 3, Armory Site Subdivision in the amount of $1,500.00. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
7. Executive Session to discuss sale of real estate.
No executive session.
8. Return to open session for action on sale of real estate.
Action taken after opening in Agenda Item #6.
9. Approval of FY22 Annual Budget
Finance Director Barrow indicated since the first draft FY22 budget was distributed, she has made some revisions.
Dir. Barrow indicated per discussions with the City Manager today, she will also be increasing the income from Sales Tax by $5,000.00 and expenditures for Travel by $5,000.00. Acting Mayor Farley indicated the IML Conference is scheduled to be held this year, and it is a very important educational event. Farley added that he would like to see all of the department heads attend. Farley added that in addition to the programs, the networking is invaluable. Councilman Koehler concurred,
Acting Mayor Farley indicated he appreciates City Manager Barbee’s and Finance Director Barrow’s work on the budget, as well as that of the Department Heads. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Ordinance 2021-07 adopting the FY22 Annual Budget, as presented with the revisions noted. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
10. Presentation of Accounts Payable for March 12-April 16, 2021
Following review and discussion, Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the Accounts Payable for March 12 - April 16, 2021 as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
VI. CITY MANAGER REPORT WITH DEPARTMENT HEAD UPDATES
City Manager Barbee indicated the following:
• The building improvements at the Animal Control facility are done, and it is in much better condition than it was.
• Barbee offered “kudos” to Terry Mulvany, Director of the Department of Emergency Management, on his update of the City’s emergency procedures plan. Barbee added that the State agency was very complimentary of his efforts.
• The Chamber of Commerce’s May Market will be held April 30 – May 1 at the Marion County Fairgrounds.
Public Works Director Brushwitz indicated the location of the Inclusive Playground has been modified, as the original site was going to require the removal of more trees than originally thought. The slightly revised location will only require the removal of eight (8) trees, and the City’s arborist has indicated the trees being removed have nearly reached their live expectancy, and the younger trees are being retained. The original site was also going to be very close to the creek. Brushwitz added that her department was able to sell the wood from the trees that were taken down. City Manager Barbee indicated he is constantly amazed by the number of people using the park, and the fitness equipment to be installed along the walking trail should be in within six weeks.
Chief Reynolds noted that it was 25 years ago tonight that the large tornado moved through Salem, and he was working that night. Reynolds also indicated they will be doing a “drug take back” event on April 24th from 10 am to 2 pm.
Economic Development Director Meador indicated she is working with vendors for the July 4th event, and will be getting letters out this week. Meador indicated she is still working with Bill Poss on the music.
City Clerk Bev Quinn indicated SCHS Is hosting an Electronics Recycling Program on Friday, April 23rd behind the high school from 8:00 am to noon.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Morton and Councilman Koehler both commented on how much activity there is in Bryan Park.
Acting Mayor Nic Farley reiterated that he will be accepting letters of interest for the open City Council seat for the next two weeks, and to send those letters of interest to City Hall.
City Manager Barbee congratulated Mayor Nic Farley and Councilman Jim Koehler on their election to office.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to discuss, at 6:53 pm, motion was made by Councilman Hockett and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Hockett, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Acting Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2021_04-19.pdf
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