South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular February 5, 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: Council members absent:

Councilman Royce Bringwald Councilman Craig Morton

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Jim Koehler

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Others present:

Interim City Manager Annette Sola Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl

City Clerk Tabitha Meador Deputy Police Chief Susan Miller

City Attorney Mike Jones Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini Finance Director Keli Roth DOEM Director Andrew Strong

Members of the SCHS Boys Bowling Team 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

• congratulated the Salem Community High School Boys Bowling team on their second consecutive State championship. Members and coaches of the team were present, and Mayor Farley read a Proclamation marking February 5, 2024 as “Salem Community High School Boys Bowling Team Day”;

• congratulated the Salem Community Theatre on the opening weekend of “Fools”;

• applauded Interim City Manager Sola on her first few weeks in the position.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes – January 16, 2024

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve the minutes of January 16, 2024 Council meeting, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

b. Approval of Special Council Meeting Minutes – January 22, 2024

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2024 Special Council meeting, as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

2. Request to proceed with new building at the Public Works maintenance building.

Mayor Farley indicated two buildings were demolished at the maintenance shed on Oak Park St in 2023. Bids have been solicited and a bid of $31,700.00 has been received by Built-Mor Buildings. All concrete work for the floor and electrical work will be completed at a total cost of $50,000.00. This will complete all necessary work on the buildings and provide much needed storage for the parks department. Motion made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the bid from Built-Mor Buildings for $31,700.00 and the total project not to exceed $50,000.00. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Request for approve the Landfill Monitoring Agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC.

Mayor Farley indicated Salem landfill has a total of 28 monitoring wells that must be surveyed and reports submitted every 2 years. Gonzalez Companies, LLC has agreed to provide this service at a total cost of $6,750.00. Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the professional service agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC for the 2024 Salem Landfill 2024 Monitoring Well Survey at a cost of $6,750.00 Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

4. Request to surplus two older vehicles from Public Works.

Mayor Farley indicated the City has two older flat-bed trucks that are no longer safe to use. Interim City Manager Sola indicated the two vehicles are parked at the City Maintenance Shed and have been used in the past at the landfill when in operation and the street department before being used as the leaf vac trucks. The dump bed is no longer safe to lift the heavy load from the leaf vac truck. The trucks will be listed for sale as is and we will accept bids on the trucks for 30 days prior to selling. Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by

Councilwoman Crouch to surplus the two older flat-bed trucks from the Public Works Department. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

Interim City Manager Sola -

• indicated the kitchen roof had fallen in and an insurance claim has been filed, but likely will not be covered due to “normal wear and tear”. The estimate for mold remediation is $9005. Estimates have also been received for fixing the roof. It is recommended for Interim City Manager Sola move forward with mold remediation and further repairs will be brought forth at the next Council meeting;

• indicated the agreement with AC Power has been signed, and the landfill solar project is moving forward.

Police Chief Ambuehl –

• indicated the in-car cameras have been installed and ID Networks will be at Salem Police Department conducting training, with Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Centralia Police Department participating. This training is provided through Marion County 911 .

DOEM Director Strong –

• indicated he, along with Chief Ambuehl, presented at the library about the upcoming solar eclipse. He will also be presenting about severe weather/solar eclipse preparedness at First Baptist Church this coming Saturday.

VII. City Attorney Report – No report.

VIII. City Council Member Reports

Councilman Koehler –

• Indicated the Bryan Home will be painted this week and will be open on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in honor of his birthday. A speaker from Illinois College will be attending.

IX. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2024_02-05_0.pdf