City of Salem City Council met June 21.
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
Chief Water Plant Operator, Jason Weber
Library Director, Kim Keller
Wyett Colclasure, Voices and Votes
Members of the Media and Public
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 – None.
IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Farley indicated he is happy to see more businesses reopening, including the ABC Pub, and feels there is an entrepreneur spirit in Salem. Farley indicated he is also seeing development of the Inclusive Playground in Bryan Park, and he appreciates everyone’s hard work on this project.
V. CITY COUNCIL ACTION
1. Consent Agenda
a. City Council Minutes - request approval of minutes of June 7, 2021
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to approve the minutes of June 7, 2021, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Trout, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
2. “Voices and Votes” Exhibit Update by Wyett Colclasure
Wyett Colclasure of the “Voices and Votes” committee was present to give an update on the upcoming Smithsonian Exhibit. Mr. Colclasure indicated the exhibit is a traveling exhibit that is geared towards communities with a population of 8,000. In addition to the “Voices and Votes” exhibit, the Smithsonian is providing an additional exhibit, “The Illinois Freedom Project” focused towards African American youth. The Combined Exhibit will be housed at the Bryan-Bennett Library, and will be open daily August 28th through October 2, 2021. Colclasure added that promotional presentations have been made, or are scheduled to be made, to the Salem Lions Club, Greater Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the Centralia Juneteenth Celebration, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, local schools and civic organizations. Mr. Colclasure indicated they may have to adjust their hours and directional signs a little bit on the day of the Little Egypt Festival and Parade.
Mr. Colclasure indicated the steering committee is currently working on signs, flyers and banners, and the City has offered to help with the installation of the signs. Colclasure added that he is coordinating sign approval with Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch.
Mr. Colclasure indicated the committee is currently recruiting docents to serve as guides for the exhibits, and they are hoping to get volunteers from local drama groups, who may work in costume, and the local DAR organization, in addition to others. Colclasure added that the DAR organization was involved in the suffrage movement, and the first vote cast by a woman in Illinois was cast in Wamac. Colclasure indicated the library is planning some special events in coordination with the exhibit. The Historical Commission is also planning some events at the Salem Historical Museum and a historical walk of East Lawn Cemetery to provide more to the visiting public. Colclasure indicated there has been a very good response regarding the exhibits. Mr. Colclasure added that the Salem Tourism Board has provided the group with $5,000 for advertising and the National Endowment for the Humanities has provided them with $3,000.
Mayor Farley indicated it is refreshing to see Mr. Colclasure’s enthusiasm, and thanked him and the steering committee for their hard work.
3. Approval of TEK Construction Invoice for Work Done at the Water Plant in 2020
City Manager Barbee indicated the City recently received an invoice from TEK Construction, Inc. for work that was performed in the Spring of last year but was not invoiced until June 13, 2021. The work covers the cost of labor to make repairs at the Salem Water Plant to install a new intake valve and make repairs to the support structure for the rapid mix machine which blends chemicals in the processing of the raw water. The labor also includes the repairs to some cracks in the spillway retaining wall.
City Manager Barbee indicated the work orders were approved by former Public Works Director John Pruden. Barbee added that he is confident Pruden expected the costs to be lower than they ended up being, and that the total would come in under the City Manager’s spending authority. Barbee added that Chief Water Plant Operator Jason Weber has provided a detailed timeline of the events that took place, if anyone on Council would like to see it. Mr. Weber added that delays were caused by COVID-19 restraints, and there was additional work added with the steel beams. Council members expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed billing, but recognized that the work was done. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve payment of the invoice from TEK Construction in the amount of $10,902.66. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
4. Ordinance on Bulk Water Rate Increase
City Manager Barbee indicated it is necessary for Council to approve the increase in the cost of bulk water purchased at the Salem Water Plant by ordinance. The former rate was $0.25 for 80 gallons and the new rate is $1.00 per 80 gallons or $12.50 per 1000 gallons. Requesting approval. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to approve Ordinance 2021-09 increasing the price for bulk water from $0.25/80 gallons to $1.00/80 gallons, or $12.50 per 1,000 gallons. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley.
5. Discussion to end consideration of surplus action for Edith Kell Park
Mayor Farley indicated the City was approached by an individual who was interested in obtaining the Edith Kell Park property and developing a mobile home park. This was being considered, as it could alleviate some housing concerns. Councilwoman Troutt added that she, and several community members, had expressed concerns and the item was tabled. Troutt added that the area is not currently used as a park, and this would be a great project for a community group to take on. Councilman Koehler indicated city staff has been maintaining the area, and he would like to see it removed from their responsibilities. Councilman Morton indicated he would like to see it declared surplus, sold, and put back on the tax rolls. Mayor Farley asked City Attorney Jones if the City could turn down the high bid, if they didn’t support the proposed use. Attorney Jones responded it could be challenged. Councilwoman Troutt she feels that if the land is sold, it will decrease the value of surrounding homes.
Mayor Farley recognized Joan Kless. Ms. Kless lives on S. Washington St, adjacent to Edith Kell Park, and had previously submitted a letter of objection and outlined her concerns. Kless indicated the property would have to be rezoned, if it is to become a mobile home park, and read the following from the City Zoning Code: “More specifically, this chapter is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives: To encourage the development of buildings and uses on appropriate sites in order to maximize community-wide social and economic benefits while accommodating the particular needs of all residents, and to discourage development on inappropriate sites.”
Ms. Kless indicated there are currently 35 open spaces in the mobile home park in her neighborhood if someone is looking for a space to put a mobile home, and they becoming progressively more run down. Kless added that the police are in the mobile home park on a regular basis and “our police don’t need more work to do”. Kless indicated she is totally against the City declaring the property as surplus.
Mayor Farley thanked Ms. Kless for her input, and suggested a motion to table further discussion on declaring Edith Kell Park as surplus indefinitely. Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to table further discussion on surplussing Edith Kell Park indefinitely. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: Councilman Morton. Motion carried.
6. Request to Utilize the City Parking Lot for Farmers Market Overflow
City Manager Barbee indicated the City has received a request from Becky Timmerman to use the parking lot at the corner of Walnut and McMackin for overflow for the Farmer’s Market she hosts on Saturday mornings on her lot from 8:00 am to noon. Barbee added that it is perfectly acceptable for the lot to be used for parking, but to allow vendors to set up on it will require City Council approval. Barbee indicated the market is in a growth stage, and it may be several months before she needs to use it for vendors. Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve use of the city-owned parking lot at the corner of Walnut and McMackin on Saturday mornings, between 8:00 am and noon, from May 1 to October 1, for vendor overflow for Becky Timmerman’s Farmer’s Market. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
7. Accounts Payable Review
Following review, motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to approved the payables, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES; Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
VI. CITY MANAGER REPORT WITH DEPARTMENT HEAD UPDATES
City Manager Barbee reported the following:
• The awning on the theatre building has been repaired. We will be getting a bill for approximately $4,800.00.
• The Salem Historical Museum will open on July 16th. The Historical Commission is working with the “Voices and Votes” steering committee on coordinating some events with the Smithsonian Exhibit.
• The high-pressure gas line leak mentioned in previous meetings has been repaired. The USDI bills will be less than originally anticipated. This work was done with no interruption in service.
Chief Reynolds reported the following:
• Telecommunicator Mike Anderson applied for a grant through County Materials Corporation for eight new AEDs, and was approved. The value of the grant is $11,585.00.
Finance Director Barrow reported the following:
• The May revenue reports were just sent out. The June reports will be ready sometime the week before the auditors are scheduled to be here, which is July 7-8.
• The Budget Amendment Ordinance will be presented at the July 6th Council meeting.
• The Inclusive Playground equipment will be in this week. We have received some of the fitness equipment for the walking trail, and it was installed today.
Economic Development Director Meador reported the following:
• Bill Poss will be emceeing the musical events on July 4th. Food trucks and music will be offered from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:00 pm. Meador is working with Dir. Brushwitz and Asst. Dir. Purintun on coordinating tables and barricades.
• The job fair hosted by the City, Kaskaskia College and WJBD was pretty successful. Sixty individuals showed up wanting to be hired. The group is looking to offer another job fair in October.
Mayor Farley complimented the group on offering a great event, and added that he has been approached by HR Directors and Plant Managers saying this was the best job fair they have been involved in in a while.
• The Greater Salem Area Foundation swim night is Friday, June 25th, from 6:15 – 9:15 pm. The cost is $5.00, and all proceeds will go towards the Foundation.
Library Director Kim Keller reported the following:
• The library is offering two shows in July. The first show is a Mark Twain impersonator on July 6th at 6:00 pm and the second show is an Elsen Peters marionette show of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” on July 14th at 1:00 pm.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Koehler indicated the pool is doing very well, and the parks look great. “The community is booming”.
Councilman Bringwald indicated he has been approached by some constituents who are concerned about speeding on Ohio St. Bringwald asked if there could be more speed signs erected or heavier patrol of that street. The neighborhood is concerned about children’s safety. Councilman Morton suggested getting one of the flashing speed signs that shows you how fast you’re driving. Chief Reynolds indicated he will talk to his patrol officers about some extra patrols.
Councilman Morton asked when they will get the minutes of the Planning Session. City Clerk Quinn indicated she will send out draft minutes this week, and they will be on the July 6th meeting agenda for approval.
Morton indicated he would like to see an explanation of the water/sewer increase posted on the website and made available to the public.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to discuss, at 7:03 pm, motion was made by Councilwoman Trout and seconded by Councilman Morton 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_06-21.pdf
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