City of Salem City Council met June 6.
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
Council members absent: None
Others present:
City Manager Rex Barbee
City Attorney Mike Jones
City Clerk Bev Quinn
Asst. to the Public Works Director Courtney Mitchell
Public Works Director Annette Sola
Chief of Police Sean Reynolds
Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch
Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador
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 Family Fun Day was a great event, and was well attended.
V. City Council Action
1. Consent Agenda
(a) Approval of Minutes – May 16, 2022
Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the minutes of May 16, 2022, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
2. Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Mayor Farley indicated he would like to make the following appointments:
− Planning Commission - Greg Jones
− Library Board - Jennifer Dice
− Zoning Board of Appeals - Jason Smith
Mayor Farley indicated he has spoken with the candidates, and they are all willing to serve, and will be assets to their respective Boards and Commissions. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the mayor’s appointments, as outlined. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mayor Farley added that he still has one open position on the Tourism Board, one position open on the Library Board, and two positions open on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
3. Authorize Bid Approval for Gas Line Replacement Project in Lakewood Estates Area
City Manager Barbee indicated the Public Works Department solicited bids for a gas line replacement for the Lakeview Dr. and Circle Dr. area. One bid was received from Utility Safety & Design in the amount of $208,600.00 for the installation portion of the project. Materials were purchased earlier when price increases and availability were discussed. The complete project will be at the $295,000.00 budgeted. Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Troutt to award the bid to USDI for the gas line replacement project in the amount of $208,600. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, councilman Koehler, councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
4. Second Review of DBS Disposal Service for Surcharge
City Manager Barbee indicated DBS Disposal has requested a surcharge of $1.00/household per month to offset rising costs in his fuel, lubricants transfer fees and miscellaneous expenses for picking up trash in Salem. The Council had previously countered with a $0.50 per household surcharge, but DBS indicated that did not cover his expenses, and he was considering opting out of his contract. DBS had indicated once diesel fuel costs go down to below $4.75/gal., he would remove the surcharge. Barbee added that a detailed list of the increased cost figures was provided to Council members in a separate communication. City Manager Barbee recommended approval of the $1.00 per household surcharge.
Discussion ensued regarding the contract, and that DBS management thought they had left a codicil in that would permit them to implement a surcharge, but they had not. Councilwoman Troutt expressed concern that the increase is not budgeted, and asked where the extra expenses will come from, since we are not looking at implementing an increase for our customers at this time. Mayor Farley concurred, and indicated it’s not fair to other vendors, but he feels the City is over a barrel in this case, and this is something we need to look at in the future. Public Works Director Sola indicated this is not a one vendor issue, and they are seeing increases across the board with “take it or leave it” letters on chemicals, materials, etc. Sola added that she thinks the City will be forced to increase rates.
Councilwoman Troutt suggested retroactively paying the $0.50/household that had previously been approved for the past two months, and paying the $1.00/household from this point forward, for a specific period of time. Consensus during discussion was to approve the $1.00/household surcharge for the next 90 days, and then review the expenses and the effect on the budget prior to October 1. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the $1.00/household surcharge for the next 90 days, and to reevaluate by October 1st. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: Councilman Morton. Motion carried.
5. First Reading – Changes to Ordinance under Chapter 7 for East Lawn Cemetery Fees and Rules
Council was provided with a document that shows the proposed changes to the current Chapter 7 language of City Ordinances concerning operation of the East Lawn Cemetery. Changes are to the cost of grave lot sales, openings, disinterment and weekend rate differentials. Also included are changes to the rules regarding placement of additional ornamentation other than on specific dates for Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc. The addition of ornamentation around a grave site throughout the year creates additional work for mowing crews. Also included are internment rates for cremains and the cost to open and reopen the proposed Columbarium for cremated remains. Pictures were provided to show the extent of some grave ornamentations currently being experienced at East Lawn Cemetery.
Dir. Sola indicated the current state of the cemetery is a “maintenance nightmare”, because the additional items that people are placing on graves have to be removed, the ground mowed or weeded, then the items have to be put back. Several photos were shown providing examples of the additional items being displayed graveside. Director Sola indicated once the ordinance is changed, they will give people some time to make the necessary changes. Mayor Farley indicated this is a case where the City will need to OVER-communicate the changes. Farley indicated this will be brought back for a second reading.
6. Enactment of Ordinance on Terminal Fee Structure for Video Gaming Machines for 2023
Mayor Farley indicated the Council had previously discussed implementing a terminal fee of $250.00 per video gaming machine. City Attorney Mike Jones has prepared an ordinance based on those discussions, and Mayor Farley is recommending approval. Farley added that this will not take effect until June of 2023, in conjunction with issuance of the next year’s liquor licenses, giving businesses time to budget accordingly. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2022-10 implementing a video gaming terminal fee of $250.00 per machine. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
7. Authorization for Disc Golf Tourney by Salem Disc Golf in Bryan Memorial Park
Adam Staddler indicated he is requesting permission to hold a disc golf tournament on Saturday, June 18th, in Bryan Park. There will be a $25.00 entry fee, and they are expecting 30-40 participants. Staddler added that he has invested $350.00 in prizes. Staddler indicated a portion of the proceeds will go towards replacing some of the baskets, as the chains are not regulation and are rusting. Replacement of all the baskets with PDGA sanctioned baskets will cost approximately $10,000. Mayor Farley indicated he had been discussing holding a joint two-day tournament with the mayor of another city, and it fell through, because our baskets are not PDGA approved. Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to allow Adam Staddler to utilize the disc golf course in Bryan Park for a tournament on June 18, 2022. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mayor Farley indicated he appreciates the local disc club bringing visitors to our city. Councilwoman Troutt added that this might be a good project for the Tourism Board.
8. Authorization of Transfer of Business District Developmental Incentive Agreement from MPH Hotels to Diya Salem Hotels, LLC for the Remainder of the Original Agreement
Mayor Farley indicated MPH is selling the Holiday Inn to Diya Salem Hotels, LLC, and this is just a transfer of business district benefits to the new owner. Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve transfer of the Business District Development Incentive Agreement from MPH Hotels to Diya Salem Hotels, LLC for the remainder of the agreement. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
9. Request for Subrogation of Lien Instrument on Salem American Legion Property
City Manager Barbee indicated the American Legion had approached the City about adding to and restructuring their loan with the City, but the funding source for their loan was the Revolving Loan Fund, which has been discontinued since that time. The Legion is working with their bank on a new loan, and because liens are date specific, rhw City would become first position on the mortgage. We are currently in second position, and if we subrogate we will remain in second position. Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve subrogation of the lien instrument on Salem American Legion property. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
VI. CITY MANAGER AND DEEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
City Manager Barbee –
• indicated Family Day in the Park was a great success, with the fishing derby starting at 7:00 am, and the rest of the events running from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Barbee added there was a lot of church participation, with groups giving out free food, face painting, and games, and the City provided bounce houses. Barbee offered a “hats off” to Jed Casburn for organizing the event.
Economic Development Dir Meador –
• indicated plans for the July 4th event are going well, and Poss Music Works has added local band “Lakeside” to the lineup. Other groups performing that day are John Spicer, Greg Klyma, Taylor Steele and the Love Preachers, and Chain Station.
• Indicated the Greater Salem Area Foundation will be hosting its annual Swim Night fundraiser this Friday, June 10th. The entry fee is $5.00, and includes a hotdog, drink and some kind of sweet.
Chief Reynolds –
• Announced his intent to retire at the end of his tour of duty on August 19, 2022. Chief Reynolds letter is shown below:
Chief Reynolds indicated one of the best parts of his position has been seeing people he had contact with grow and mature into citizens to be proud of, several of whom have approached him and thanked him for his earlier intervention. Reynolds added that although he will only be working for a couple more months, his door will remain open.
Mayor Farley thanked Chief Reynolds for his service, and indicated Salem has been very lucky to have him and he has had a huge impact on the community. Farley added that he respects Chief Reynolds immensely, and appreciates his commitment to the city.
City Manager Barbee indicated the City will put out a notice of the open position, and hopes to have some information for Council by the second meeting in July.
Chief Reynolds received a standing ovation from all present.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – No report.
VIII. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilman Morton -
• asked if we have an update on the storage containers in town. City Manager Barbee Indicated he would have something by the next meeting.
• asked if we could have a “dog swim” at the Aquatic Center. Public Works Director Sola responded that that would not be a good idea, as they could damage the edges of the pool.
Councilwoman Troutt
• thanked Chief Reynolds for his service and for always being very professional.
• congratulated Dir. Annette Sola on her recent marriage.
IX. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion was made by Councilwoman Troutt and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 pm. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Troutt, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_2022_06-06.pdf
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