South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met July 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PUBLIC HEARING ON REBUILD DOWNTOWNS and MAIN STREETS GRANT APPLICATION

I. Call to Order

The Public Hearing for the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant application was convened in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall. Mayor Nicolas Farley called the meeting to order at 12 Noon.

Council members present: :

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Jim Koehler

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Craig Morton

Others present:

Interim City Manager Annette Sola

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Members of the Public and Media

II. Public Comment

− Brooke Frederick, South Central Regional Planning and Development Commission indicated the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant program opened in 2022, and the State still has funds to expend. The grant opportunity has an award limit of $2,000,000. The City of Salem is applying for $2,019,013 to develop the vacant parcel on the corner of McMackin Street and Maple Street into a food truck venue. If awarded, the City would be responsible for 25%, plus the overage of $2,000,000, resulting in $519,013 of City funds. Letter of support for the project are important for the submission, and may be submitted to herself or Leah Dellicarpini, City Economic Development Director.

− Phyllis Hunzicker raised concerns with the affect of this development on downtown businesses, and stated there are 8-10 vacant buildings, including one her daughter owns.

III. Adjournment

The public hearing for the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant application was adjourned at 12:10 PM.

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Immediately after Public Hearing

I. Call to Order

A Special Meeting of the Salem City Council was held in the Council Chambers of Salem City Hall on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Farley immediately following the Public Hearing on Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant Application.

Council members present:

Councilman Royce Bringwald Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Jim Koehler Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Craig Morton

Others present:

Interim City Manager Annette Sola

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Members of the Public and Media

II. City Council Action

1. Approval of Resolution 2024-04 – support and commitment of local funds for the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street grant application.

Mayor Farley recognized Brooke Frederick of South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission who explained the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street Grant opportunity is open through the State of Illinois. The grant award is capped at $2,000,000, with the City contributing 25% and remainder above the capped limit. Mayor Farley indicated development of the lot on McMackin Street would bring people downtown. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated she has reached out to various community organizations for their support and the venue will be modeled after “The Flock” in Alton. The future of the developed space would include the private sector to oversee the administration of the venue.

After further discussion, motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Resolution 2024-04, support and commitment of local funds for the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street grant application. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

III. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to adjourn the meeting at 12:18 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2024_07-09_-_special_meeting_-_grant_resolution.pdf