City of Salem City Council Met June 7.
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 in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nicolas Farley.
Council members present:
Councilman Jim Koehler
Councilman Royce Bringwald
Councilwoman Amy Trout
Councilman Craig Morton
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 Dir. Tabitha Meador City Attorney Mike Jones Assistant Public Works Director Cory Purintun Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch Members of the Public and Media
II. PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Koehler offered the opening prayer, with Mayor Farley leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
DeWayne Collier: Mayor Farley recognized DeWayne Collier, who thanked City Council for recognizing God; thanked them for recognizing Country; and thanked them for serving their community. Mr. Collier indicated that at the last meeting, there was discussion about declaring Edith Kell Park as surplus. Mr. Collier indicated his brother is a resident of the mobile home park adjacent to the property, and has done a lot to clean up the area. Mr. Collier indicated the south end of Salem does not have any playgrounds, and Edith Kell Park at least contains a basketball court and a place for kids to play ball. Collier added that the City is putting in a nice new Inclusive Playground in Bryan Park, in addition to the existing playground, and has a playground on Ohio St. Collier asked that the City consider the area’s demographics before declaring this Park as surplus.
Mr. Collier also questioned the proposed water/sewer rate increases. Collier indicated the citizens of Salem don’t want more costs placed on their backs, and recommended the City look into joining one of the existing water suppliers
Brock Waggoner: Mayor Farley recognized Brock Waggoner. Mr. Waggoner asked (in a raised voice) how the City “could lose $300,000 per year” in the water fund before this came to light. Mayor Farley responded that the City has been aware that it would be necessary to make some rate increases, as former City Manager Bill Gruen had brought it to Council’s attention before he left. Farley added that the City has been working on a water rate study with Curry and Associates for more than a year, and is now at the point where it is time to make the difficult decisions. Waggoner indicated the proposed increase will be $400/household per year, and will drive more residents out of Salem. Waggoner asked how Council could say the budget was balanced, “Did you lie?” Waggoner added that he thinks the water/sewer rate increase was delayed until after the election for political purposes. Mr. Waggoner indicated rate increases should not be done without a public hearing. Waggoner added that he had requested that the Council hold a public hearing about development of the 23 acre-tract of land on Rt. 50 W into a soccer complex, and that was not done, either. Waggoner stated, “These actions are not acceptable to the citizens of Salem”, and left the Council Chambers.
IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Farley indicated he appreciated the hard work of everyone involved in putting on Family Fun Day in Bryan Park. Farley indicated the event seemed to have a little lower attendance than previous years, but that it may still be a result of COVID-19.
Mayor Farley indicated the City of Salem, the City of Centralia, and several other municipalities had received notice from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that they were no longer eligible to apply for accreditation, which allows the City to apply for some grant funding to help pay the wages of the DOEM staff. Mayor Farley added that through the efforts of Terry
Mulvany, Rex Barbee, Senator Plummer and himself, the City has now received notice that they are once again eligible to apply for accreditation.
Mayor Farley thanked the City Council members, the City Manager, and the Department Heads for their participation in the May 25th planning session.
V. CITY COUNCIL ACTION
1. Consent Agenda
a. City Council Minutes - request approval of minutes of May 17, 2021
Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the minutes of May 17, 2021, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Trout, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Councilman Koehler abstained. Motion carried.
2. Introduction of Newly Appointed Assistant Public Works Director Cory Purintun City Manager Rex Barbee indicated that upon John Pruden’s retirement, Annette Brushwitz was promoted to the position of Public Works Director. In turn, the Assistant Public Works Director position was open. The City placed ads and conducted interviews, and Cory Purintun was one of the interviewees. Mr. Purintun has worked in the Public Works Department for a few years, and seemed like a good fit. Mr. Purintun helped train his replacement, and assumed the Asst. Public Works Director position on June 1st. City Manager Barbee thanked Cory for his efforts.
3. Second Reading – Ordinance Amending Chapter 11 of the Code – Pyrotechnic Displays
City Manager Barbee indicated the City’s current ordinance only allows the municipality to hold fireworks events. The proposed ordinance will allow other entities to hold public displays set off by a licensed pyrotechnician with a permit signed by both the City Manager and the Fire Chief. No fireworks displays will be permitted in residential districts, with the exception of those approved for schools.
Kelley Predium indicated she lives adjacent to the high school, and she would like to see more notice given to the public when the High School is going to be having fireworks. Frank Addison indicated he, too, lives adjacent to the high school, and he hopes they don’t set off fireworks for every sporting event.
Councilman Bringwald expressed his appreciation to Deputy Chief Miller for her efforts to revise the pyrotechnic ordinance. Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve Ordinance 2021-08 amending Chapter 11; Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances entitled “Pyrotechnic Displays”. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
4. Purchase of a New Hoist Crane at the Salem Water Plant
City Manager Barbee indicated that during a recent inspection, several parts of the 1970 model hoist crane used to position the one-ton chlorine cylinders at the Water Plant were in need of repair or replacement. The repairs were estimated to cost $6,966.80, so Public Works began looking into the cost to replace the crane. Proposals were received from three vendors, with the low bid of $7,211.00 coming from Shannahan Crane & Hoist Company, which includes labor to install. This is not a budgeted item, since the last inspection was in 2019, and the flaws were not evident at that time. Director Brushwitz indicated this price is only good until 6/11.
Mayor Farley asked what will be cut from the budget to make up this purchase. Dir. Brushwitz indicated she is not sure right now, but anything she can push back to cover this cost, she will. Brushwitz added that they have budgeted for $5,000 of fencing, which can be postponed. Brushwitz added that the current crane is very scary – stops, jerks, and is very unsafe. Councilman Bringwald indicated that he toured the Water Plant, and it is VERY unsafe. Director Brushwitz indicated she is very disappointed that it has gotten to this point, but there was no inspection in 2020, due to COVID-19. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the purchase of a new hoist crane for the Salem Water Plant from Shannahan Crane & Hoist Company in the amount of $7,211.00 (or up to 5% more, should the price increase). Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
5. Update on High Pressure Gas Main Leak Repair
City Manager Barbee reported that the City has a small leak in the high-pressure gas feeder line to the City at a location northwest of Sandoval. USDI has reviewed the situation and determined that a bypass would need to be put in place due to the high pressure of the line and the need to keep the gas flowing. Parts had to be manufactured and are to be available the first week in June. The cost to make the repair is estimated at $50,000. Barbee indicated this is an emergency repair, and had to be done. Mayor Farley indicated he would still like to see action taken by Council approving the expenditure. Public Works Director Brushwitz added that leaks are very rare. This line was originally in a casing, which allows the pipe to sit in water. The new section will not be in a casing, and will just bi-pass the existing line. The gas pressure has been reduced to minimize the leak, with no loss of service. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to approve the emergency repair of the HP Gas Feeder line at an approximate cost of $50,000. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
6. Resolution for Little Egypt Festival Parade
City Manager Barbee indicated the 50th Little Egypt Festival Parade is scheduled for the first weekend in October. The City has to pass a resolution requesting that the highways be closed and request a permit from IDOT. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve Resolution 2021-04 requesting the temporary closure of Routes 37 and 50 on October 2, 2021, for the Little Egypt Parade. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley.
7. Approval of Water Tower Paint Designs
Public Works Director Brushwitz indicated the design company has not provided her with proofs on the design yet, but she’d like the approval to move forward. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Morton to authorize Public Woks Director Brushwitz to proceed with the selection and completion of the water tower design and painting. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
8. Proposal for Rate Hike on Water and Sewer Rates
Mayor Farley indicated the City has known for a while that it would need to do a rate increase for water and sewer. The water fund did have a high fund balance, and for the past couple of years we’ve been spending that fund balance down and trying to trim costs. The City has been working with Curry and Associates Engineers on a water rate study, which is now complete. City Manager Barbee added that a lot of work was done on this by Finance Director Barrow.
City Manager Barbee indicated current rates are:
Water - Inside City Limits – 1st 1,000 gallons - $14.45
Each additional 1,000 gallons - $ 4.53
Sewer – Inside City Limits - 1st 1,000 gallons - $10.88
Each additional 1,000 gallons - $ 3.58
City Manager Barbee indicated that chemical costs have increased dramatically, and the fund balance has dropped. In order to bring the balance to where we it should be, we need a 40% increase in the rates. Barbee added that a customer with a 4,000-gallon usage would see an increase of $19.85 per month. A 25% increase would be $12.42 per month.
Finance Director Barrow indicated she wanted to make it clear that the water fund DOES have money in it, and the City has not been spending money we don’t have.
Following discussion, Mayor Farley stated that Council does not support a 40% increase all at once. Public works Director Brushwitz responded that this percentage was reached based on the rate study done by Curry and Associates, who did an in-depth study of costs, infrastructure improvements, and estimated repair, and it was not chosen as a random number. Councilwoman Troutt asked what triggered the discussion on increases. Dir. Brushwitz indicated the discussion started several years ago, and the rate study itself has been going on for more than a year.
Councilwoman Troutt asked how the fund will be affected if we do incremental increases. Dir. Barrow responded that the fund will lose something for every percent under a 40% increase. Barrow added that the City needs to review these rates annually, and probably do a minimum 1.5% increase each year. Councilwoman Troutt responded that we take the quality of our water for granted, but she would like to see the City implement the lowest possible increase that is still fiscally responsible. Mayor Farley recommended an increase of between 20-30% for the first year. Councilman Koehler indicated he would like to see the City implement a 25% increase for the first year, effective October 1st (to allow citizens to prepare) and a 5% annual increase in following years. Koehler added that the City should implement some public service announcements on how people can reduce water usage.
Mayor Farley recognized Kelley Predium from the audience. Ms. Predium indicated she has three children, and uses approximately 8,000 gallons of water per month. The percentage numbers are scary, but it is much more acceptable when approached in laymen’s terms using dollars and cents. Predium suggested information provided to the community be done using dollars and cents rather than percentages.
Mayor Farley recognized Frank Addison from the audience. Mr. Addison suggested the City not do immediate shut-offs for citizens struggling with the increase, and find out what assistance may be available to them. City Clerk Quinn responded that the utility clerks already set of payment plans for those having difficulty paying their bills, and have a list of organizations that will help with payments that we share with customers.
Mayor Farley suggested a 25% increase effective August 1st, to give us time to get information out to the public, and implement an annual review. Dir. Barrow suggested the review be done in January, so increases can be implemented into the next fiscal budget.
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to implement a 25% increase in water and sewer rates, effective with the August billing, with a rate review in January to reevaluate. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Farley thanked Ms. Predium and Mr. Addison for their comments, and for addressing Council in a respectful manner.
VI. CITY MANAGER REPORT WITH DEPARTMENT HEAD UPDATES
City Manager Barbee commended YMCA/Recreation Director Jed Casburn for Family Fun Day in the park, and indicated it was well received and everyone enjoyed it.
City Manager Barbee indicated Salem Reservoir was busy this weekend, as the Police Department had to locate and fish a Nissan out of the lake. Additionally, the battery of a remote-controlled boat died and the operator tried to swim out to get it, and had to be rescued by another boater.
City Manager Barbee indicated he has been approached by an individual who wants to do a glow in-the-dark disc golf event one evening each month, and asked Council if they had any objections. There were no objections.
City Manager Barbee indicated the Illinois Emergency Management Association had chosen to de-certify the Salem Department of Emergency Management, but through the efforts of Mayor Farley, DOEM Director Terry Mulvany, County Board Chairwoman Deb Smith and the District 9 EMA group, the IEMA has reconsidered and agreed to let Salem DOEM apply for recertification. Barbee added that the DOEM group does a great job.
City Manager Barbee indicated the guttering that was damaged by storms on the south side of the Theatre is being repaired.
City Manager Barbee indicated the farmers market being held on Becky Timmerman’s parking lot on Saturday mornings is a great success, and she has reached out about using the City parking lot for over flow. There is no problem with using the parking lot for parking, but it will require City Council action to allow vendors to set up on the lot. Mayor Farley indicated he thinks Ms. Timmerman intends to be at the next meeting.
Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador indicated the Job Fair she is hosting with Bruce Kropp of WJBD and Kaskaskia College is going well. There are currently 20 employers scheduled to be there, with 250 positions to fill. They are looking for a variety of skills and experience, including health care, clerical, business and manufacturing. The job fair will be June 16th from 9:00 am – noon. Heavy marketing of the event will begin this week.
Director Meador indicated the lineup has been set for the musical acts for the July 4th event. Taylor Steele and the Love Creatures will be headlining, with John Spicer and Matt Poss as additional acts. Meador added that she will be there all day coordinating food trucks and civic organizations.
Public Works Director Annette Brushwitz indicated all of the equipment for the Inclusive Playground was delivered last week, and installation will begin as weather permits. The schedule of installation will be: 1) Equipment; 2) Sidewalks; 3) Rubber base; and 4) Fence. Brushwitz added that it will take about a week to get the majority of the equipment installed. City Manager Barbee indicated there will be an official “Grand Opening” after completion.
Chief Reynolds indicated the Police Department has been busy, and their call volume is up 10%. Code Enforcement Officer has been very busy, too. Reynolds commended the department’s Canine Office Dustin Duncan and his dog, Freddy, who were involved in the seizure of two pounds of meth and an undisclosed amount of cash.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Koehler said it was a great weekend in Salem, with the Farmer’s Market, Family Day in the Park, and Evergreen Christian Church’s “Serve Salem” day. Koehler also expressed appreciation to those that addressed Council from the audience for the respectful way they spoke.
Councilman Bringwald indicated he enjoyed Family Fun Day in Bryan Park.
Councilman Morton said the pool looks great.
Councilwoman Trout asked that the discussion on declaring Edith Kell Park as surplus be placed on the next agenda, as this needs to be brought to conclusion.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to discuss, at 7:25 pm, motion was made by Councilwoman Trout and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to adjourn the meeting. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2021_06-07.pdf
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