South Central Reporter

City of Salem City Council met Aug. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The regular August 18, 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:

Councilman Frank Addison

Councilman Royce Bringwald

Councilman Gerald Molenhour

Councilman Craig Morton (arrived 6:03 PM)

Mayor Nicolas Farley

Council members absent:

None

Others present:

City Manager Lisa Peck

City Attorney Matt Wilzbach

City Clerk Tabitha Meador

Finance Director Keli Barrow

Chief of Police Todd Boles

Economic Development Director Leah Dellicarpini

Recreation Director Jed Casburn

Gary Purcell, Marion County Treasurer

Drew Johnson, Chairman, Salem Theatre Board

Kerry Krutsinger, Vice-Chairman, Salem Theatre Board

Alex and Abby Williams

Bruce Kropp, WJBD-WSIQ Radio

Dennis Rosenberger, Salem Times-Commoner

Members of the Public

II. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

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

III. Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments – None.

IV. Mayor’s Report and Presentations

• indicated he attended the Historical Commission meeting, honoring Marion County historian Frank Brinkerhoff, as he is moving out of the area. He indicated Mr. Brinkerhoff’s departure is a loss to the community;

• indicated an update on the Theatre project would be later in the meeting;

• indicated he has challenged the Mayor of Centralia once again for the annual Shrine Game, which is next week. A fundraiser was held at the Salem Elks over the weekend, and all proceeds will go to the Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis;

• indicated that next year’s William Jennings Bryan birthday celebration will have a speaker from the Smithsonian;

• indicated that discussions regarding late utility payments was not codified into Code last year. He indicated this will be coming to Council soon, along with late fee structure adjustments.

V. City Council Action

1. Consent Agenda

(a) Approval of Minutes from the August 4, 2025 Regular Council Meeting

Motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Molenhour to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None.

Motion carried.

2. Continuation of Grocery Sales Tax

Mayor Farley indicated the 1% sales tax on groceries has been repealed by action by the State Legislature and Governor; municipalities are able to pass the 1% grocery tax locally. Mayor Farley indicated so far, 400 communities around the State are continuing with the tax, with others on the docket to be voted on. He further indicated this revenue is built into the budget, with anticipated income of $160,000 - $180,000 annually. City Attorney Wilzbach indicated the grocery tax may be rescinded in the future. Councilman Addison indicated that the 1% on a $300 grocery bill would be $3; and citizens would likely not sacrifice $3 on a grocery bill for cutting two police officers (used as an example of the loss of annual revenue). Mayor Farley indicated the grocery tax is also captured through visitors shopping in Salem, as well.

Motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the 1% grocery sales tax.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: Councilman Molenhour

Motion carried.

3. Approval of Special Use Permit for the continued use of apartments above the first story in B-2 zoning district requested by Abby and Alex Williams for 100 N. Washington

Mayor Farley indicated this Special Use Permit is for the continued use of apartments above the first story in the B-2 zoning district requested by Abby and Alex Williams for 100 N. Washington. He indicated the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at their August 12, 2025 meeting. Mayor Farley indicated this aligns with the Strategic Plan goals of more housing, and thanks the Williamses for investing in the community.

Motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Molenhour to approve the Special Use Permit for continued use of the apartments above the first story of 100 N. Washington.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

4. TIF agreement with Abby and Alex Williams for 100 N. Washington (PIN 11-00-008-245) Mayor Farley indicated this TIF agreement with Abby and Alex Williams is for 100 N. Washington (PIN 11-00-008-245) to reimburse $100,000 in TIF eligible expenses for their purchase, remodel, and revitalization of 100 N. Washington. He indicated they plan to invest monies in the building that will shore it up structurally and they also have plans to open a business in the first-floor retail space. Councilman Molenhour indicated a typo in the agreement, on page 4, section 1(a): should be Fifty instead of Five Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Addison to approve Ordinance 2025-32, authorizing a TIF 3 agreement with Alex and Abby Williams Holdings, LLC for 100 N. Washington, as amended.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Addison, Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

5. TIF agreement with Aaron Robb for 331 S. Hotze Road (PIN 11-16-200-044) Mayor Farley indicated this is a TIF 2 agreement with Aaron Robb for 331 S. Hotze Road (PIN 11-16-200-044) for $137,000 worth of TIF eligible expenses he incurred while constructing the building; the expenses will be reimbursed over an eight-year period at approximately $17,125 per year. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated this building is warehouse that serves Mr. Robb’s logistics and trucking business.

Motion made by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Ordinance 2025-23, approving a TIF 2 agreement with Salem Industrial Enterprises, Aaron Robb for 331 S. Hotze Road (PIN 11-16-200-044), as presented.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

6. TIF agreement with Aaron Robb for 2028 W. Main Street (PIN 11-09-300-036) Mayor Farley indicated this is a TIF agreement with Aaron Robb for 2028 W. Main Street (PIN 11-09-300-036) for $843,000 worth of TIF eligible expenses he incurred while constructing the building. The expenses will be reimbursed over a ten-year period at approximately $84,300 per year.

Motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Morton to approve Ordinance 2025-34, approving a TIF 2 agreement with Salem Industrial Enterprises, Aaron Robb, for 2028 W. Main Street (PIN 11-09-300-036), as presented.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: Councilman Molenhour

Motion carried.

7. Conversion of Inducement Resolution to TIF agreement with Shawn Garrett Mayor Farley indicated this is the conversion of the Inducement Resolution to a TIF 4 agreement with Shawn Garrett. The agreement reimburses 100% of the property tax increment generated by the improvements he will make to PIN 11-00-022-275 for eight years. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated this is an out building of the old Rollinson’s business. She indicated Mr. Garrett will own the building and create an entrance from Mitchell Street. She further indicated Mr. Garrett plans to add two more jobs.

Motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve Ordinance 2025-35, approving a TIF 4 agreement with Shawn Garrett, as presented.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

8. Community Partners Savings Bank Mortgage on the Theatre property in the amount of $50,000 Mayor Farley indicated the Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center wishes to borrow $50,000 in the form of a mortgage through Community Partners (Marion County) Savings Bank against the property. Mayor Farley indicated that as the City owns the building, Council approval is necessary. He further indicated the Theatre has taken out such mortgages in the past. Theatre Board Chairman Drew Johnson indicated the theatre is in Phase I of III for building renovations, Phase I being the seat replacements and painting of the foyer and theatre. Chairman Johnson indicated Phase II is planned for handicap assessable doors and upgraded HVAC; Phase III will be the renovation of the South Store, and refurbishment of the women’s restroom.

Motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Molenhour to approve Community Partners Savings Bank mortgage in the amount of $50,000 for the Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Addison, Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

9. Request approval of Accounts Payable

Following discussion, motion made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Molenhour to approve the Accounts Payable list, minus accounts payable to Molenhour Power Equipment, from 7/21/2025 – 8/15/2025 in the amount of $746,128.30.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

Motion made by Councilman Morton and seconded by Councilman Bringwald to approve the accounts payable to Molenhour Power Equipment from 7/21/2025 – 8/15/2025 in the amount of $806.37.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilman Molenhour

Motion carried.

VI. City Manager and Department Head Reports

City Manager Peck:

• indicated Marathon has changed the language on the $5000 grant for the City.

City Clerk Meador:

• indicated IML reservations are needed from Council members;

• indicated the Tourism Board will be hosting a flag-raising ceremony for the new flag at Kinney Blvd and Main Street on Tuesday at 5 PM.

Police Chief Boles:

• indicated one officer is finishing training, three entered the Academy today, and one graduates the Academy on Friday.

Finance Director Barrow: No report.

Recreation Director Casburn:

• indicated fall programs are ready to start with flag football and soccer starting this week.

Economic Development Director Dellicarpini:

• indicated Code Enforcement has been working on the condition of business signs on the main thoroughfare. She indicated that most have been fixed, taken down, or replaced like the Denny’s sign;

• indicated a few more downtown buildings have interest by developers;

• indicated she met with SCHS Superintendent Detering and SFPD Chief Cerny on July 15 in regards to the TIF 4 surplus property discussion, and has not heard anything back from them. She has sent the notes to the lawyers to draft the Intergovernmental Agreement.

Public Works Director Sanders: Absent.

VII. City Council Members Reports

Mayor Farley:

• commended Code Enforcement, as the town looks cleaner.

Councilman Addison:

• indicated he noticed an uptick in enforcement.

Councilman Molenhour:

• questioned if there were plans for the old carwash that is now an empty lot. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini indicated the property was acquired to construct a food truck space. She indicated the City had applied for a downtown placemaking grant through DCEO, but was not awarded this year. Economic Development Director Dellicarpini further indicated the intentions are to re-apply again, once the grant opportunity is open;

• questioned the future plans for a new police department. He expressed concern that the City will need a new police department and water plant all at once, in the future. City Manager Peck indicated a funding source is necessary; Mayor Farley indicated he has suggested waiting until the all the bonds are paid off by 2030. Councilman Molenhour indicated he has visited the current police department and acknowledged he does not know the cost of remodeling the current facility or building new. Councilman Addison indicated it was determined by previous administration that the current building was determined to be adequate for the foreseeable future.

Councilman Bringwald:

• indicated the soccer park is expanding and has had a lot of activity.

VIII. Executive Session

1. 5 ILCS 120/2(C) 6 – Potential Sale of Property

2. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)11 – Pending Litigation

Motion made at 6:59 PM by Councilman Bringwald and seconded by Councilman Molenhour to enter into Executive Session to discuss the potential sale of property and pending litigation, after a five-minute break.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

IX. Return to Open Session

Return to Open Session at 7:32 PM

X. Motion to Adjourn

Motion was made by Councilman Molenhour and seconded by Councilman Morton to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 PM.

Roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Molenhour, Councilman Bringwald, Councilman Morton, Councilman Addison, Mayor Farley

NAYS: None

Motion carried.

https://www.salemil.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif1161/f/minutes/cc_-_2025_08-18.pdf