South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Dec. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular December 16, 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

Councilman Jim Koehler

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Others present:

City Manager Annette Sola, virtual attendance

City Attorney Mike Jones

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

Police Chief Susan Miller

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Recreation Director Jed Casburn

Bruce Kropp, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Dennis Rosenberger, Salem Times-Commoner

Cole Wimberly, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Members of the 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

• thanked those for coming to the City Christmas party and all who put it together;

• indicated the downtown Christmas and Christmas with the Bryan’s were well-attended events;

• indicated this is City Attorney Mike Jones’ last meeting and presented him with a gift and plaque of appreciation on behalf of the City. City Attorney Jones stated that he is humbled that forty-four years ago the City gave him the opportunity. He indicated he worked with nine City Managers, six Mayors, six Chiefs of Police, five City Clerks, and four Public Works Directors, and enjoyed most of all of it.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes from the December 2, 2024 Council Meeting

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

2. Request approval of Mayoral appointment

Mayor Farley indicated he would like to appoint Jill Combs of the next City Treasurer, as Cindy Eller is retiring at the end of the year.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to appoint Jill Combs as City Treasurer. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Request approval of an ordinance ratifying and reapproving the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the execution of a First Amendment to the TIF District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of Salem and CEPT Properties, LLC and Air Apply, LLC

Mayor Farley indicated this ordinance ratifies and reapproves the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement and authorizes the execution of a First Amendment to the TIF District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of Salem and CEPT Properties, LLC and Air Apply, LLC that was previously agreed upon on October 7, 2024. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated the ordinance is a housekeeping item; previously, the contract was approved without the ordinance. She further indicated the first amendment allows for reimbursement for the acquisition of property. Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Ordinance 2024-59, an ordinance ratifying and reapproving the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the execution of a First Amendment to the TIF District Sale and Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of Salem and CEPT Properties, LLC and Air Apply, LLC. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. ABSTENTIONS: Councilman Morton. Motion carried.

4. Request approval of Accounts Payable from November 18, 2024 – December 13, 2024 Following review, motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to approve the Accounts Payable list from November 18, 2024 through December 13, 2024. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager Report

City Manager Sola: deferred to Department Heads.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini: No report.

Finance Director Barrow:

• indicated Department Heads have started working on budgets;

• indicated the review of utility rates will be presented at the second Council meeting in January.

Public Works Director Sanders:

• indicated the leaf vac is running;

• indicated that the streets that have had the sewer lines replaced are being maintained until permanent repairs can be made.

Recreation Director Casburn:

• indicated he is pleased with both days of the Christmas events.

City Clerk Meador:

• indicated the 2025 meeting dates for City Council and Boards and Commissions have been posted;

• indicated tobacco licenses are due to be renewed; 10 of 15 license holders have completed the process.

VII. City Council Members Reports

Councilman Koehler:

• wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and a happy retirement to Mr. Jones.

VIII. Executive Session

1. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) – Personnel

Motion was made at 6:13 PM by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to enter into Executive Session after a five-minute break to discuss Personnel. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

IX. Return to Open Session

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Koehler to return to Open Session at 6:59 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

X. City Council Action Continued

5. Action on Personnel

Mayor Farley indicated that Tyler Rose has been named Deputy Chief of Police, starting on December 17, 2024. Mayor Farley further indicated that he regretfully accepts the retirement of Police Chief Susan Miller for personal reasons, effective January 3, 2025.

Mayor Farley indicated Arndt Municipal Support, Inc can conduct the search for the next Chief of Police, as outlined in the contract, for a cost of $21,500.

Motion made by Councilman Koehler and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve the contract with Arndt Municipal Support, Inc to conduct the search for the next Chief of Police for a cost of $21,500. Roll call vote: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

XI. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Koehler, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2024_12-16.pdf