South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met July 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular July 3, 2023 meeting of the Salem City Council was convened in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nicolas Farley at 6:00 pm

Council members present:

Councilman Jim Koehler

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Others present:

City Manager Rex Barbee

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

City Attorney Mike Jones

Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl

Finance Director Keli Roth

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Public Works Director Annette Sola

Assistant Public Works Director Courtney Mitchell

DOEM Director Andrew Strong

Animal Control Facility Director Steffanie Rakers

Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch

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

• applauds the efforts of the Bicentennial Committee and the event in the Park and read a resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives and a letter from the Governor commending the Bicentennial;

• presented a mayoral proclamation at the D.A.R. dedication of the “Never Forget” garden during the Bicentennial Celebration;

• indicated fireworks will be on Tuesday, July 4 at 9 PM.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes – June 19, 2023

Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the minutes of June 19, 2023, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. Nays: None. Motion carried.

2. Request from Michelle Barbee to exclusively use the municipal parking lot on the 200 block of W. McMackin Street for a sidewalk chalk contest in conjunction with the Farmers Market with Becky Carpenter Timmerman.

Mayor Farley indicated Michelle Barbee is requesting permission for exclusive use of the municipal parking lot in the 200 block of West McMackin (west of the Fire Station), for a sidewalk chalk art contest. The event is open to all ages and separate categories are planned. Each contestant or team will be using a 10’ x 10’ square space for their art design. They are also requesting permission to have food trucks and live music on site for their event. The event would be planned for Saturday, August 12, 2023 with a rain date for Sunday the 13th. Ms. Barbee indicated that she has volunteers lined up and people are excited about the idea. She intends to advertise within a 50-mile radius to bring people to town. Mayor Farley recommends coming back to the City Council if street closure become necessary, due to anticipated size of the event. Motion by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the exclusive use of the municipal parking lot on the 200 block of W. McMackin Street for a sidewalk chalk contest on Saturday, August 12, 2023, with a rain date of Sunday, August 13. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Request to renew contract with Calgon Carbon for granular activated carbon for the 7 water filters at the water treatment plant.

Mayor Farley indicated the contract for Calgon Carbon is up for renewal. The new contract amount is $39,816.00 per year, which is $9,816.00 more than what is currently budgeted. Public Works Director Sola indicated this is paid on a monthly basis and we do not pay until the new filters and carbon are installed. At this point, she believes we will not go over budget because we are waiting on a date for the installation to begin, likely in September. Next year’s budget will be adjusted to the new rate. Calgon is the only company that is available for this process so we are not able to price this with a different supplier. Motion by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the renewal contract with Calgon Carbon for granular activated carbon in the amount of $39,816.00. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

4. Request to hold a “Pooch Plunge” for dogs on the final day of the pool season. Limited participation and fees will be collected to participate. Proceeds will go to Animal Control.

Mayor Farley indicated this event is at the request of Councilman Morton. The event will have rules in place for attendance, and pre-registration is required, along with proof of rabies, distemper, and parvo vaccines from a licensed veterinarian. The event would be scheduled for the last day of the pool season, on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Animal Control Director Rakers indicated the proof of vaccines must be enforced for the safety of the dogs. Animal Control Officer Lusch indicated the number one concern is public safety, and that includes both humans and dogs. Councilman Bringwald indicated that he does not think it is a good idea, and cited health, safety, and welfare concerns. Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the “Pooch Plunge” to be held at the Salem Family Aquatic Center on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: Councilman Bringwald. Motion carried.

5. Review of the FY2023 Budget Amendment to show overages for adjustments, prior to auditor review.

Mayor Farley indicated that Finance Director Roth provided the following explanation of the FY23 Budget Amendment:

02: Emergency Management $4,500

Siren testing and batteries.

03: Garbage $50,000

Required monitoring and collection fee increase.

10: Police Pension $75,000

Retiree pensions are higher than anticipated.

17: Gas Fund $520,000

Wholesale price higher than budgeted.

20: Video Gaming Fund $50,000

Higher transfer to Police Pension due to higher gaming revenues.

Upon review, motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2023-12, amending the FY23 Budget, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Dept Head Reports

City Manager Barbee –

• compliments the Bicentennial Committee, Public Works, Little Egypt Golf Cars, and the volunteers for the successful Bicentennial Celebration; the cannon was impressive and drew a crowd;

• attended a meeting in Effingham with Police Chief Ambuehl, DOEM Director Strong, and Telecommunications Officer Draper in regards to planning on the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.

Police Chief Ambuehl –

• indicated that IDOT is making an effort with construction in regards to the solar eclipse;

• indicated he will be reaching out to downtown business owners over safety issues;

• indicated the Police Department parking lot will be resealed on July 10;

• indicated the School Resource Officers have attended both Illinois and National Association of SROs trainings;

• indicated the body cameras are operational and implementation is going well.

DOEM Director Strong –

• indicated that planning is underway for the solar eclipse. IEMA, IDOT, and ISP are preparing, and IEMA will have a command post in Salem. It is expected there will be an influx of visitors the weekend prior, as the solar eclipse is on a Monday;

• indicated the Jeep is back in service, after repairs were made after the accident;

• indicated there are more issues with tornado sirens. At last test, three of the five were not functioning. Further, the entire county-wide system needs upgraded, as repairs have been incongruent since 2001.

Economic Director Dellicarpini –

• indicated that Code Enforcement Officer has been showing her the ropes of code enforcement;

• indicated she has talked with Planning Commission Chairman McCullum in regards to zoning issues;

• indicated she has met with a local manufacturing manager who cited concerns of housing, electricity costs, and childcare;

• indicated the HR Directors will be meeting once again, after a three-year hiatus, the first meeting will be this Friday.

Public Works Director Sola –

• indicated the front of City Hall is congested with the waterline replacement project, and on Wednesday and Thursday, the lobby will be closed due to limited access. This is the last of the main trunkline installation, and will start tying in services. A local contractor will be replacing the sidewalk thereafter;

• indicated the Water Plant is operating on a temporary pump, until JK Trotter can switch projects;

• indicated patches have been made to Whittaker Street, but any further repaving would require re-engineering;

• requests feedback from the use of the oil and slag that is being used this season on City streets.

Finance Director Roth –

• indicated she is working on audit preparation and auditors will be on site July 11 and 12, 2023;

• indicated she will close out June this week.

City Clerk Meador –

• thanked the Bicentennial Committee and volunteers for the successful event, and thanked the Public Works crews for having the park in showcase order;

VII. City Attorney Report – No report.

VIII. City Council Member Report

Councilman Koehler –

• indicated he is not in favor of repairing the old sirens, due to their age and condition. Mayor Farley indicated that costs are being explored.

IX. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 pm. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2023_07-03.pdf