City of Salem City Council met April 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Salem City Council was convened in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Farley at 6:00 pm
Council members present:
Mayor Nicolas Farley
Councilman Jim Koehler
Councilman Royce Bringwald
Councilman Craig Morton
Councilwoman Amy Troutt (via phone)
Council members absent: None
Others present:
City Manager Rex Barbee
Public Works Director Annette Brushwitz
City Attorney Mike Jones
City Clerk Bev Quinn
Finance Director Keli Barrow
Chief of Police Sean Reynolds
Deputy Chief of Police Susan Miller
Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador
Library Director Kim Keller
Members of the Media and Public
II. PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Koehler offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
DeWayne Collier first thanked Mr. Lowery for his service to our country, and added that it is the service of the military that allows others the right to come and speak at meetings like this.
Mr. Collier then addressed City Council, and indicated they will be making a decision on an offer for 14 acres of land for the purpose of developing a Cannabis craft grow facility, but it is not too late to stop the project. Mr. Collier indicated he is a “God-fearing Christian conservative”, and read from the Bible, 1 Corinthians Chapter 6, verses 19-20, as follows: “ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Collier added that substance abuse is not honoring your body, and Marijuana is a “gateway drug”. Collier added that there is big difference between medicinal Marijuana and craft grow. Collier indicated it seems like the City is rushing into this, and if it was such an economic boon, why isn’t the Economic Development Director pushing development.
John Erickson indicated he is troubled that it seems like every time the City Council looks for a way to generate revenue, it’s through escapism with liquor, video gaming, and now Cannabis. Erickson added that he will be very disappointed if the City Council votes for this, as Salem doesn’t need any more escapism.
David Belfiore indicated he has stepped in to help Mr. Lowery in this endeavor, and will be acting as the COO for the project. Belfiore indicated he was adopted at 13, his father is a pharmacist, and he joined the military to get away from this small town, but it draws him back. Belfiore added that he has been working as the finance manager for an auto group in St. Louis. Mr. Belfiore indicated this project is personal to him, and his passion is veterans. Belfiore indicated people may object due to religious or personal feelings, but he’s a numbers guy. Belfiore indicated Cannabis has allowed him to be a high-functioning person in a high level position. The median income in Salem is $20,000. The median income for a lead grower is $57,000. Craft grow takes talent and focus to develop high-value product. Belfiore ended by saying Salem is not a retirement community, that this project is a start, and Salem has to start thinking outside of the box.
Mayor Farley thanked everyone for their comments and the respectful way they were presented.
IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Farley indicated he recently attended a SWIMA meeting, as a guest, which includes mayors from Vandalia to the metro-east, and it was a very good meeting.
Mayor Farley indicated this is National Library Week, and Bryan-Bennett Library will be hosting the following events:
• April 5, 2022 – 5:00 – 7:00 pm – Reception
• April 5, 2022 – all week – Golden Ticket Search (adults who check out a book with a golden ticket in it will be given a small prize)
• April 7, 2022 – 5:30 – 6:00 pm – Evening Story Time (books in the reading basket are “Stretchy and Beanie” and “Feathers for Lunch”)
• April 8, 2022 – 10:00 am Regular Story Time
V. CITY COUNCIL ACTION
1. Consent Agenda
(a) Approval of Minutes – March 21, 2022
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the minutes of March 21, 2022, as written. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Councilwoman Troutt abstained. Motion carried.
2. Review and approval of bid on bituminous patch mix for street resurfacing City Manager Barbee indicated RFPs were sent out to six vendors and bids were received from two. General Contractors bid $83.00/ton plus handling, bringing their bid to $97.00/ton for a total of $38,800. Jax Asphalt bid $91.00/ton plus handling, bringing their bid to $115.00/ton for a total of $46,000. City Manager Barbee indicated both bids met specs, prices are good through 12/31/2022, and he is recommending award to General Contractors.
Councilman Koehler asked if the City will be hit with increases due to gas prices. Public Works Director Brushwitz indicated expected gas prices have been factored into these submittals, and the prices are locked in. Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to award the bid for bituminous patch mix to
General Contractors in the amount of $38,800. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
3. First Reading – Request to change the ordinance pertaining to the fees charged for installing gas tap services to residential locations.
City Manager Barbee provided the following:
Request for changes to Section 20-43 of the ordinance regarding the fees for providing gas tap services to residential customers. Currently the fee is a flat charge of $900.00. With some newer homes having multiple furnaces and requesting multiple meters in addition to some longer runs for gas lines we have expended more on some installs than the $900.00 covers. The proposed fee structure would be based on the length of the service line, the size of the meter requirement, the BTU’s needed to adequately service the residential property’s needs, and the installation method (boring or trenching). The Gas Department shall inspect the property and plans prior to installation to determine the cost of providing the service based on the following information; The fee for each gas tap will be determined under the following basis:
(1) Length of service line
(2) Meter size needed
(3) Amount of BTU’s needed
(4) Installation type (trenching or boring)
The minimum charge for any gas tap service will be $900.00. The fee for a larger size tap or running greater distance than fifty (50) feet, or both, shall be based upon the actual labor and materials expended in the making of such tap. The city will maintain the responsibility of running the line from the main to the meter. These changes should prevent us from incurring more expenses on the installation than we are receiving tap fees.
Upon application the gas superintendent will inspect the project and the tap size will be determined.
When gas is removed by the city at the request of the property owner, the removal shall be $450.00 or time and material; whichever is cheaper. After one year of removal a full tap fee will be charged.
City Manager Barbee indicated this change will only impact those residential projects that are of a larger scale or set back further from the road. Some of the taps that the Gas Dept. have installed for $900.00 have actually cost up to $3,000.00. Councilman Koehler responded that this proposal is a good idea, as the tap fee should cover the cost of installing the tap. City Manager Barbee indicated this would be presented for a second reading at the next meeting.
4. Review and approval of proposed SRO agreement with SCHS and Salem Elementary 111 City Manager Barbee indicated the proposed agreement has not yet been presented to the school boards, although Dr. Detering and Dr. Foppe have indicated they are in favor of the agreement. The proposed agreement is the same as the previous one, except that the schools will be covering a greater percentage of the cost. Barbee indicated approval should be made subject to approval by both school districts.
Councilman Koehler indicated he thinks this cooperative agreement has been a very good thing. Mayor Farley indicated his agreement, and added that he has heard nothing but positive comments from the community. Farley added that having trained officers in our schools is very important in this day and age, and he is very proud of the Salem Police Department’s SRO program. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the SRO agreement as presented, subject to approval by both school boards. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
5. Proposed sale of tract in the Salem Industrial Park
A sealed offer for purchase of real estate was received and opened by City Manager Barbee. The offer is from Landing Zone Realty, LLC in conjunction with hometownheros.com for 39.59 +/- acres, subject to survey, for $149,000. The offer is based on the purchaser acquiring financing within seven days of acceptance, with a 30- day commitment subject to licensure, including City Council approval, State of Illinois Approval, and receipt of a Special Use Permit. The offer is represented by Jeff Dunahee Realty. City Manager Barbee indicated City Council has the opportunity to discuss this further in closed session. Mike Hammond of Dunahee Realty indicated the offer will be excluding the roads and detention pond. City Manager Barbee indicated there will be a survey prior to closing.
6. First Reading – 2022/2023 Non-General Fund Portion of Budget
City Manager Barbee provided the following summary of the non-General Fund budgets:
Finance Director Barrow added that the expected revenues are $42,000 less than expected expenditures, but the City has reserves to cover these overages. City Manager Barbee indicated there will be a Public Hearing at the next meeting on the FY23 budget, with action during the meeting.
VI. CITY MANAGER AND DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
City Manager Barbee reported –
• the Daffy-Dill Garden Club Dig-Up Day will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Bryan Statue area. The club will be giving away plants free, and will be on hand to provide direction. Those wanting plants must bring their own digging tools;
• City Hall will be closed on Good Friday, April 15th;
• leaf vac service is being extended one more week;
• cemetery clean-up took place today;
• reminded those present of National Library Week.
Public Works Director Brushwitz reported –
• cemetery clean-up is finished, and flowers can be placed back on graves;
• residents may notice their tap water has a different odor, as the Water Plant has changed chemicals;
• hydrant flushing will begin on 4/15.
Finance Director Barrow reported –
• revenue reports will be sent out tomorrow. City Manager Barbee thanked her for all of her work on the budget.
City Clerk Quinn –
• indicated the Planning Commission hearing for the Special Use Permit for the Cannabis Craft Grow project will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Salem Community Activities Center (cafeteria).
VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilman Koehler reported –
• Chuck’s Place is making a name for itself in the Southern Illinois Tourism Burger Bracket for Best Burger in Southern Illinois, and encouraged everyone to vote;
• indicated there has been a $100 reward offered to help in identifying those who vandalized the park restrooms. City Manager Barbee added that PW Dir. Brushwitz has built some additional security items into her budget for the park, including automatic locks for the restrooms;
• this weekend is the All Class Reunion. City Manager Barbee mentioned there will be a Hall of Fame Ceremony, with 14 graduates being inducted for business success outside of SCHS.
Councilman Bringwald reported –
• that he visited the Historical Museum this week, and they are constantly rotating displays and putting new items out – very nice;
• in PTO news, there will be a meeting at Hawthorn School on 4/6 at 5:30 pm to discuss fundraising events.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) – Sale of Real Estate
Motion was made at 6:51 pm by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing sale of land after a 5-minute break. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
Return to open session at 7:28 pm.
X. COUNCIL ACTION (cont.)
a. Sale of Real Estate
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to accept an offer of $5,800 per acre (exact acreage to be determined by survey) with the buyer putting down $500.00 in earnest money, paying for the survey, paying all closing costs (buyer’s and seller’s) and closing within 18 months, contingent upon the permitting conditions outlined in the offer. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
XI. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 pm. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_2022_04-04.pdf
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