City of Salem

The City Council meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered previous meeting minutes and most Accounts Payable. Specific actions involved approving accounts payable to Molenhour Power Equipment. Several General Maintenance Bids (P2026-01) were awarded for seal coat, aggregate (CA-6 and CA-15), and bituminous patching mixture. The Council ratified the Planning Commission's recommendations to grant Special Use Permits for dwelling units above 118 W. Main St. and 120 W. Main St. to Jered Gambill. The purchase of two walkable floats for the pool was approved. The acquisition and subsequent authorization for the sale of real estate located at 404 W. Schwartz St. were approved. Additionally, Ordinance 2026-03, a Downtown TIF Agreement with Jered Gambill regarding properties on W. Main St. and Walnut, was approved. Department reports noted the upcoming retirement of a city employee, updates on youth soccer registration, and the final meeting with TASC before operational status.

The primary focus of this budget workshop was the review of the General Fund for the FY2027 Budget. Key discussion points included flat revenues, with a notable decline in the personal property replacement tax and state use tax projections. Expenditures over revenue totaled $495,000, requiring funds from reserves for City Hall repairs and mandated Police Pension transfers. Departmental efforts to mitigate shortfalls were reviewed, such as Library cost-sharing, a body cam grant for the Police Department, and departmental expense reductions, including eliminating a sergeant position through attrition and cutting part-time leaf vacuum personnel. Increased electricity costs, projected at an 18% increase across departments, were highlighted, particularly for Street Lighting. The budget also addressed increased costs for City Attorney professional services, new window infill at City Hall, and economic development priorities, including housing demolition goals and incentive programs. The council also discussed passing credit card processing fees onto customers, and budget items for the Cemetery and Animal Control.

Key agenda items for the City Council meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from previous meetings and accounts payable totaling $309,143.65. Council consideration was required for the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 Police Responder K-9 Vehicle using budget surplus funds. Additionally, the approval of the FY2026 LE Bodycam Grant Agreement, awarding $104,662.18 over five years for cameras and data storage, was on the agenda. The council reviewed Ordinance 2026-05, which amends the TIF Intergovernmental Agreement with Selmaville School District 10, conditional on receiving a letter of support for TIF 3 extension, and potentially reimbursing the district up to $22,133.08 for a capital expense. A discussion was held regarding the potential implementation of fees for credit card processing at the Salem Family Aquatic Center. The meeting also included provisions for Executive Sessions to discuss Personnel and Litigation matters, with potential subsequent action items.

The meeting addressed participation in the upcoming "Christmas on Broadway" event, where the commission plans to distribute peppermints. A significant discussion centered on the potential taking over of the One Room School House; concerns were raised regarding liability and deed transfer, leading to tabling the matter until discussions with the City of Salem officials, including the City Manager and City Attorney, are completed. The commission agreed to keep the museum open on the Saturdays following Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plans for "Christmas with The Bryans" event were discussed, including actor participation, reserving space for the Antique Car Club, and providing refreshments via Quinn Realty. The commission also discussed a potential sidewalk sale in the spring. A separate item concerning an organ from the Meador family was viewed, but the commission took no action on acquiring it.

The primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and collection of input for the Comprehensive Plan Update, led by Jim Arndt, CEO of Arndt Municipal. Key discussion points included capturing the vision for the City, simplifying the Zoning Ordinance/Code, and updating the Zoning Map. Committee members provided feedback on the strengths of Salem, such as its business community and transportation access; weaknesses, including struggling downtown businesses and infrastructure/drainage challenges; potential opportunities like supporting North American Lighting and addressing housing quality; and threats such as the condition of streets and the potential departure of NAL. Goals for the next ten years involved simplifying zoning and considering the Rail to Trails program.