South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular January 2, 2024 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 Royce Bringwald

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

Councilman Jim Koehler

Others present:

City Manager Rex Barbee

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

City Attorney Mike Jones

Finance Director Keli Roth

Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lusch

Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl

Deputy Police Chief Susan Miller

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Public Works Director Annette Sola

Members of the Media and Public

II. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Farley offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments

• Mr. Neal Canon indicated he would like the City Council to consider gospel bands for the music portion for the 4th of July celebration.

• Mr. Ron George, who resides at 109 Lamar Dr, indicated his frustration with receiving utility bills late, and asks for a grace period to be considered.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

• indicated he would like to ask Department Heads for items to contribute to his upcoming State of the City address.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes – December 18, 2023

Motion was made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the minutes of December 18, 2023 meeting, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

2. Request for approval to an agreement for Professional Services with Gonzalez Companies, LLC under a 2024 MFT General Maintenance Section 24-00000-00-GM.

City Manager Barbee indicated this is a request for approval of an agreement for with Gonzalez Companies, LLC for professional services in conjunction with the upcoming 2024 General Maintenance, MFT oil and chip program for the City of Salem’s Public Works programs for maintenance of city streets. Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve the agreement for Professional Services with Gonzalez Companies, LLC under a 2024 MFT General Maintenance Section 24-00000-00-GM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Review and directive for activities for July 4, 2024 including selection of the date for the celebration and guidance on continuation of a live music concert on the stage in Bryan Memorial Park.

Mayor Farley indicated the 4th of July holiday is on a Thursday this year, and requested input from Council members and Department Heads on whether the celebration should be on Thursday or Saturday. After discussion, it was the consensus to keep both the music concert and fireworks as one event on Thursday, July 4, 2024. City Clerk Meador indicated frustrations with the previous music organizer and sought permission to work with Dug Drenckpohl, as he is local. Motion made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to set the music concert and fireworks for Thursday, July 4, 2024 and to allow City Clerk Meador to work with Dug Drenckpohl to organize the concert. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

Police Chief Ambuehl –

• indicated he will have 2023 Police Department statistics at the next Council meeting. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini – No report.

Public Works Director Sola – No report.

Finance Director Roth – No report.

City Clerk Meador – No report.

City Manager Barbee -

• thanked Council members and staff for their 2023 efforts and extended best wishes for 2024. VII. City Attorney Report – No report.

VIII. City Council Member Reports – None.

IX. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2024_01-02.pdf