South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Aug. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular August 21, 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

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent: None

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

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

• Mr. Lou Daniels, who resides at 327 E. Bryan Street, indicated to the City Council that his neighborhood has not been the same since his neighbors moved in 24 years ago.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

• Indicated the annual Shriner’s Football Game between Salem Community High School and Centralia High School will be held on Friday, August 25. Raccoon Grade School is conducting a ‘Pie in the Face’ fundraising contest between the Mayors of Salem and Centralia. Donation boxes are available at City Hall, SCHS, the Medicine Shoppe, and the ABC Pub. The loser of the contest will receive a pie in the face, thrown by the opposing mayor.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes – August 7, 2023

Motion was made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve the minutes of August 7, 2023 meeting, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. Nays: None. Motion carried.

2. Resolution for the Little Egypt Festival parade submittal.

Mayor Farley indicated this is an annual Resolution to for the temporary closure of U.S. Route 50 and State Route 37, and the detour route for the Little Egypt Festival on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Resolution 2023-07, authorizing a request be sent to IDOT for the closure of U.S. Route 50 and IL-37 on October 7, 2023 from noon to 5:00 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Presentation of annual audit report from Fick, Eggemeyer, & Williamson CPAs, PC for FY 23.

Auditor Curtis Stoll presented the FY23 audit. Mr. Stoll reported that the City of Salem has received the highest rated opinion. Additionally, he is pleased to report that the City of Salem is doing things the way they should be. Mayor Farley thanked Mr. Stoll for his presentation, and thanked the City’s Department Heads for keeping budgets tight and commended Finance Director Roth on her efforts.

4. Review of Accounts Payable lists for July 15 through August 18, 2023.

Following review, motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve the accounts payable list from July 15 through August 18, 2023. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Dept Head Reports

City Manager Barbee –

• indicated the next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, due to the Labor Day holiday;

• indicated the Strategic Planning session is scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2023;

• indicated there was a water leak above the bathrooms in City Hall this afternoon.

Police Chief Ambuehl –

• indicated the resealing of the Police Department’s parking lot began today;

• indicated Department plans for the Little Egypt Festival are being reviewed;

• indicated they are planning in advance of Deputy Chief Miller’s upcoming extended absence.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini –

• indicated she is working behind the scenes on projects.

Finance Director Roth – no report.

Public Works Director Sola –

• indicated she gave Councilman Bringwald a tour of the landfill, and that reporting will be submitted by the deadline of next Friday (September 1);

• indicated the sidewalk replacement on South Broadway should start tomorrow, but may be delayed due to extreme heat.

City Clerk Meador – no report.

VII. City Attorney Report – No report.

VIII. Executive Session – potential sale of real estate

5 ILCS 120/2 (C) (6) Sale of Real Estate

Motion was made at 6:24 PM by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Koehler to enter into Executive Session to discuss the potential sale of real estate. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Koehler, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Return to open session at 6:41 PM – no action to be taken.

IX. City Council Member Report

Councilman Koehler –

• indicated he’d like to help Mr. Daniels, if possible;

• indicated the Historical Commission would like to have the “Tales from East Lawn” at the Salem Community Theatre on Sunday, October 8;

• commended the organization of the recent Sidewalk Chalk contest held downtown;

• indicated he will be hosting a Bryan Festival meeting at his home on September 13.

Mayor Farley –

• further commended Michelle Barbee and her co-organizers of the Sidewalk Chalk contest for their successful event.

II. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2023_08-21.pdf