South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met May 16

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.

Council members present: 

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Councilman Jim Koehler

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilwoman Amy Troutt

Councilman Craig Morton

Others present: 

City Manager Rex Barbee City Attorney Mike Jones

City Clerk Bev Quinn Asst. to the Public Works Director Courtney Mitchell Chief of Police Sean Reynolds Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador Finance Director Keli Barrow 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 – None.

IV. MAYOR’S REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS 

Mayor Farley reported that he participated in a great meeting with members of the public on development of a soccer complex. The members are interested in forming a 501c3 organization that will be comprised of members of the soccer organization. Additionally, the City and soccer volunteers are working with the Little League Association on leasing and developing a site south of the Little League Complex. Farley thanked all of the volunteers involved.

Mayor Farley congratulated all area graduates, and reported that SCHS prom was a success. Farley also congratulated YMCA/Rec Director Jed Casburn for putting on a great disc golf tournament over the weekend.

V. City Council Action 

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes – May 2, 2022

Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the minutes of May 2,2022, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Councilwoman Troutt abstained. 

2. Appointment of Frank Addison to Planning Commission 

Mayor Farley indicated he has two openings on the Planning Commission, and he would like to appoint Frank Addison, who has been serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill one of the open positions, as he would be a good addition to the Commission. Motion as made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the mayor’s appointment of Frank Addison to the Planning Commission. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 

3. Purchase of Itron Electronic Water Meter Radio Transmitters 

City Manager Barbee indicated the Public Works Department is requesting approval of a budgeted item purchase for 800 Electronic radio transmitters for water meters along with some through-the-lid antenna connections. The equipment is being ordered from United Systems and the lead time on the pieces requested is currently about six months out. Total cost for the 800 Itron water meter ERTs and 240 through the hole kits is $79,968.00 from United Systems. Councilman Morton asked how many more years before this project is complete. Asst. to the Public Works Director Mitchell responded that the project is about 75% done. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the purchase of 800 electronic radio transmitters and 240 through-the-hole kits from United Systems in the amount of $79,968.00. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 

4. Property Transfer to Coventry Crossing (from prior sale) 

Mayor Farley indicated the City had previously agreed to a sale of real estate to Coventry Crossing for ground near their property. The portion surveyed and transferred in the original agreement was based on the eastern portion of the tract, due to a photo that was provided. The original request included a section near the entrance to the property, but was omitted from the original transfer. The entrance portion is now ready for transfer to Tracy and Becky Timmerman dba Coventry Crossing. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Koehler to transfer ownership of the strip discussed to Coventry Crossing. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 

5. Ordinance – First Reading – Video Gaming Licensing and Fees 

Mayor Farley indicated the ordinance being presented is to adopt a terminal fee for video gaming machines. The City did not institute a fee when video gaming became legal in Illinois, but Governor Pritzker has just approved an increase in the amount a municipality may charge from $25.00 to $250.00 per terminal. Farley added that he is proposing exempting fraternal organizations from the terminal fee, and this may serve as a deterrent for entities that just want video gaming.

Councilman Koehler asked if the City has to charge the maximum fee. City Manager Barbee responded that most of the municipalities he spoke with are charging the maximum fee. This will be brought back for a second reading at the next meeting.

6. Approval of Accounts Payable - April 16 – May 13, 2022 

Finance Director Keli Barrow indicated the DBS invoice was inadvertently left off of this list, but has since been added. The amount is their normal fee, $28,003.00, excluding any additional surcharge. City Manager Barbee added that he had offered DBS $0.50/customer per month, which was half of what DBS requested, and the offer was rejected. Barbee indicated he asked Mr. Simmons of DBS to submit some facts and figures justifying the additional charge, but he has

not gotten back with him. This will be placed back on a future agenda when that information is received. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to approve the Accounts Payable as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 

VI. CITY MANAGER AND DEEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS 

City Manager Barbee – 

• congratulated Sgt. Greg Wright on his retirement and congratulated local graduates on their graduations;

• indicated Jed Casburn, YMCA/Rec Director is working on putting together a sand volleyball league; • indicated he was approached by Somer Real Estate regarding renewal of their listing contract for the two acres on Kinney Blvd. In December, Council had suggested that we go through the process (lottery) to include additional real estate firms when it was time to renew. Mayor Farley indicated he supports using a lottery system on re-listing. City Councilmembers concurred. • Added that he will be out of the office Thursday and Friday, but will be accessible by phone.

Asst. to the Public Works Dir. Mitchell – 

• indicated they are currently filling the pool, and everything is going smoothly. The pool is fully staffed, although they are looking for some additional lifeguards. Morning swim starts next Monday.

VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.

VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS 

Councilman Koehler – 

• indicated there were a lot of people utilizing the park over the past week including the disc golf tournament, walkers, sand volleyball, and school picnics.

Mayor Farley - 

• offered a “hats off” to City Council and the Parks Department for the improvements in the Bryan Park as it is looking very good. Asst. to the PW Dir. Mitchell responded that all the departments put their other projects to the side and got the park done by the grant deadline. Mayor Farley responded that it does not go unnoticed. Mitchell added that the new shelter to be installed where the tee-pee was demolished is in and ready to be installed.

• mentioned that he will be presenting a proclamation declaring May as “Small Business Month” at the Chamber lunch this Thursday. Farley added that May is also “Older Americans Month”, and he will be presenting a proclamation later this month, and he has been contacted by the ladies of the American Legion regarding a proclamation declaring May 21st as Poppy Day.

IX. MOTION TO ADJOURN 

Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 pm. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_2022_05-16_0.pdf