South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Nov. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular November 4, 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 6:03 PM.

Council members present:

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farle

Council members absent:

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Jim Koehler

Others present:

City Manager Annette Sola

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

City Attorney Mike Jones

Recreation Director Jed Casburn

D.O.E.M. Director Andrew Strong

Retired Chief of Police Kyle Ambuehl

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps

Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Randy Vogt

Bruce Kropp, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Members of the Public

Chief of Police Susan Miller

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Assistant D.O.E.M. Director Shane Mansker

Members of the Salem Police Department

Members of the Miller and Humphrey Families

Dennis Rosenberger, Salem Times-Commoner

II. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Nicolas Farley offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments – None.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

No report.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes from the October 21, 2024 CDBG Grant Application Public Hearing and October 21, 2024 City Council Meeting;

(b) Approval of request to surplus equipment. Phones will be marketed and sold online;

(c) Mayoral Appointment to Historical Commission. Salem Community High School teacher Ivy Balla will be appointed to the Historical Commission with a term that ends 4/30/2027.

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

2. Swearing in of newly appointed Chief of Police, Susan Miller

Mayor Farley indicated this is a historic day for the City of Salem, as the first woman Chief of Police is sworn in, on the same day five years ago, the first woman Mayor was sworn in for the City of Salem. Susan Miller could not be more deserving of the position, as she has worked hard her entire career. Chief Miller’s grandmother, Virginia McAlexander held the Bible as Mayor Farley swore the new Chief in, and Chief Miller’s husband Greg switched out her Deputy Chief Badge to Chief.

3. Second reading of CY 2024 City of Salem Estimated Tax Levy

Mayor Farley indicated the Marion County Property Tax Levy request has been prepared by our Finance Director and is below. The levy tries to anticipate the City’s revenue needs for the next year. This year a levy request of 3.99% is being requested. This is the second reading of the proposed property tax levy for CY 2024.

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve the CY 2024 Marion County Property Tax Levy request of 3.99% as presented. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

City Manager Sola:

• indicated various positions have interviews scheduled and she is hoping to offer employment this week;

• indicated City Clerk Meador has been busy with multiple FOIA requests;

• indicated Steffanie Rakers’ mother passed away this evening and passed along thoughts and prayers to her family;

• indicated she will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday.

Public Works Director Sanders:

• indicated leaf vac has started;

• indicated the pump at the raw water intake has quit working, and repairs are forthcoming.

Finance Director Barrow: No report.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini: No report.

Recreation Director Casburn:

• indicated the Halloween costume contest was well attended, but the Fall Family night had low attendance.

City Clerk Meador: No report.

Chief Miller:

• indicated fifty-four pounds of unwanted medication was turned in to the Police Department during the drug take-back.

D.O.E.M. Strong:

• indicated his appreciated to Public Works Director for his diligence on the recent rainfall.

VII. Executive Session

1. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) – Personnel

Motion was made at 6:21 PM by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to enter into Executive Session after a five-minute break to discuss Personnel. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VIII. Return to Open Session

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to return to Open Session at 6:54 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

IX. City Attorney Report:

• indicated that a City Attorney’s report to discuss legal matters does not make sense on a Council agenda;

• indicated twenty housing demolitions are completed and five more are in process; one property owner consented to demolition.

X. City Council Member Reports

Councilman Bringwald:

• Indicated he found the speed sign out by the hospital.

XI. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2024_11-04.pdf