South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Jan. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular January 21, 2025 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:

Councilwoman Tracy Crouch

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Craig Morton

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

Councilman Jim Koehler

Others present:

City Manager Annette Sola

City Attorney Matt Wilzbach

City Clerk Tabitha Meador Acting

Chief of Police Tyler Rose

Public Works Director Travis Sanders

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Recreation Director Jed Casburn

DOEM Director Andrew Strong

Frank Addison, Planning Commission Chairman

Dr. Brad Detering, SCHS Superintendent

Bruce Kropp, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Members of the Public

Dennis Rosenberger, Salem Times-Commoner

II. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Councilman Bringwald offered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments

• Cathy Marble, who lives 1893 feet outside City limits on Route 50 East, expressed concerns of the proposed water rate increase, and how that may affect residents outside City limits.

• Dr. Brad Detering, Superintendent of Salem Community High School, expressed concern regarding the two TIF-4 Inducement Resolutions on the agenda. Dr. Detering indicated that it seems the steps are out of order, as TIF-4 has not been created yet, and approving agreements ahead may over-commit the TIF district.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

• indicated it is cold outside and encouraged all to be mindful of gas consumption. He further indicated warming shelters may be available, if needed.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes from the January 8, 2025 Council Meeting

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

2. Request approval of Resolution R2025-01 & R2025-02 TIF 4 Redevelopment Projects

Mayor Farley indicated these are two separate resolutions: R2025-01, Micah Mulvany for a residential development project at the southeast corner of town, and R2025-02, Glen Henderson, Salem Tire Center, Inc. for a commercial development expansion project. The two resolutions identify the City’s interest and willingness to assist through TIF funds in moving forward with both projects. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated the Resolutions do not commit to any terms; the Resolutions show intent to work with the developers, if TIF-4 is created. City Attorney Wilzbach indicated the Resolutions do not guarantee TIF-4, only that if the TIF-4 District is created, then these agreements would be included. Mayor Farley indicated the projects are in line with the City’s Strategic Plan. Motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Resolution R2025-01 Proposed Salem Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4 Micah Mulvany Redevelopment Project Inducement Resolution. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Resolution R2025-02 Proposed Salem Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4 Glen Henderson & Salem Tire Center, Inc Redevelopment Project Inducement Resolution. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

3. Request approval of utility adjustment for water and trash collection

Mayor Farley indicated the requested proposal is a 2.5% increase in the water/sewer rate and a $1.00 per month increase in the garbage rate. Chemical costs and infrastructure updates are the two main increases that the water department continues to deal with. A 2.5% increase will help offset some of these costs. If an average home uses approximately 3,000 gallons of water per month, the increase will be roughly $1.50 per month. An increase of 2.5% each year done annually in January should eliminate the need for a much larger increase down the road as costs continue to rise. In April 2025, the trash collection will turn to totes that will be distributed to each customer and will be picked up on the normal schedule. As outlined in the garbage contract, the cost will also increase at that time. The $1.00 increase will help offset the increase and will continue to help support the deficit in the landfill budget due to additional testing requirements and grounds maintenance.

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve the implementation of an annual January 1st 2.5% water/sewer rate increase and a one-time $1.00 (one dollar) increase to the monthly trash collection fee. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

4. Request approval for July 4th celebration

Mayor Farley indicated Recreation Director Jed Casburn is requesting approval to contract with Sojourn Rocs to play music at the July 4th celebration in Bryan Memorial Park. Recreation Director Casburn would like to block the road in front of the Aquatic Center and allow food trucks to park in this area. In addition, a flatbed trailer will be pulled along the north fence of the tennis courts and the band will play from that area from 6 to 8:30 PM. This will eliminate the traffic from the stage area to the reservoir and would allow for the food truck vendors to stay open through the fireworks display. The cost of the contract with Sojourn Rocs for the evening is $2,000.00. City Manager Sola indicated Landers has agreed to donate the flatbed trailer for the event. She further indicated that having the music event near the Aquatic Center will eliminate the need for the crowd to move from the stage to the reservoir for fireworks.

Motion made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Recreation Director Casburn to proceed with the event as presented and secure a contract with Sojourn Rocs for the July 4th Celebration for a cost of $2000.00. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

5. Request approval of Accounts Payable

Following discussion, motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by

Councilwoman Crouch to approve the Accounts Payable list from December 16, 2024 – January 17, 2025. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

City Clerk Meador: No report.

Finance Director Barrow:

• indicated Department Heads are working on budgets. She further indicated the first reading of the FY2026 budget is scheduled for March 17, the second presentation April 7, and approval scheduled for April 21.

Public Works Director Sanders:

• indicated previously approved roof repairs have been put on hold due to weather;

• indicated Landers donated resources to set the pumps at the east lift stations.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini: No report.

Recreation Director Casburn: No report.

Acting Police Chief Rose: No report.

DOEM Director Strong:

• thanked City Manager Sola and Finance Director Barrow for their time in meeting to discuss the EMA budget.

City Manager Sola:

• indicated thirty-five applications have been received for Chief of Police. Jim Arndt will be conducting the initial phone interviews, prior to interviews with the selection committee.

• indicated forty-two applications for City Manager have been received.

VII. City Council Members Reports – None.

VIII. Executive Session

Motion made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to enter into Executive Session for the purpose to discuss the semi-annual review of closed session minutes and the possible acquisition of real estate. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

IX. Return to Open Session

Return to Open Session at 7:30 PM

X. City Council Action Continued

6. Request approval of Executive Session minutes for the meeting dates: 7/1/2024, 8/19/2024, 9/3/2024, 9/16/2024, 11/4/2024, 12/2/2024, 12/16/2024

Motion made by Councilwoman Crouch and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the Executive Session minutes for the meeting dates: 7/1/2024, 8/19/2024, 9/3/2024, 9/16/2024, 11/4/2024, 12/2/2024, and 12/16/2024 and to keep them closed. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

7. Request approval of Resolution R2025-03

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to approve Resolution R2025-03 Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

8. Request approval of donation of land

Motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to table acceptance of the donation of land. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

XI. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilwoman Crouch to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 PM. Roll call vote: AYES: Councilwoman Crouch, Councilman Morton, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2025_01-21.pdf