REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 10, 2021
The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Salem City Hall, 229 West Main Street Salem, WV.
Mayor James Robert Samples called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Mayor Samples asked for a volunteer to give the blessing. The blessing was given by Mayor Samples.
Mayor Samples called for roll call. PRESENT: Council Members John Sinnett, Council Linda Stuart, Nancy Siders, John Golden, Shawnette Stout andCrystal Ross, City Manager Ronnie Davis, City Attorney Sam Harrold
Approval of Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for July 27, 2021. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Public Sign-In Sheet: Mr. Donald Stamm informed Council Members that he, along with the help of his nephew and the Rivera family, has cleaned up the Lower Dog Run Dam area by maintaining the grass. Mr. Stamm stated that the plans are to continue maintaining Lower Dog Run Dam but that he would like to clean up the Upper Dog Run Dam area as well. Mr. Stamm stated further that he has plenty of equipment and just needs volunteers.
Phase II – Waste Water System Project: Mayor Samples stated that an Executive Session is needed to discuss the Phase II Waste Water System Project.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to go into Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council Members went into Executive Session at 6:06 pm.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to return to Regular Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council Members returned to Regular Session at 6:35 pm.
Mayor Samples stated that finances were discussed in Executive Session.
Phase III – Water System Improvement Project
1. Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt presented Council Members with Pay Requisition # 22 in the amount of $23,484.99. This will be the final draw down and close out the grant. A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders approving Pay Requisition # 22 in the amount of $23,484.99. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
2. Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt also presented Council Members with the Final Performance Report.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project: Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt informed Council Membersthat the grant applications have not been released yet so it is unclear when it will be due. The Preliminary Engineering Report has been submitted. IJDC has accepted the Preliminary Application. The project came in at $3.1 million with proposed funding in the amount of $2 million from CDBG, $1 million from IJDC, and the City’s contribution of $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds. The Phase IV Water System Improvement Project will entail replacing the 8-inch cast iron line from the entrance of Dog Run at East Main Street to Harbert Funeral Home.
Sidewalk Project: There were no new updates to report.
City Attorney’s Report: City Attorney Sam Harrold had nothing to report.
City Manager’s Report
1. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the water loss for July 2021 was 60%.
2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Insure America Representative Steve Haning will meet with Council Members at 5:00 pm on August 24th to discuss life insurance.
3. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Municipal Court was held earlier with the property owners of the burnt houses on 83 Water Street, 239 West Main Street, and 94 and 96 Water Street. The property owners of the burnt houses on 83 Water Street and
239 West Main Street plan to clean up the properties themselves. The property owner of 94 and 96 Water Street is unsure of what she’ll be doing. She doesn’t have the funds to clean up the property and may sign over the property to the City. The property owners will be back in Municipal Court on September 9th.
4. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the playground equipment at the park has been inspected and two pieces will be removed that are no longer safe. Mr. Davis stated that money will be spent soon on basketball equipment for the parks.
5. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that there will be work done on the rail trail through Salem in the near future.
6. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the City has received the first payment of the American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $335,856.13.
7. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Feline Excavation will be starting demolition of the houses on Main Street this week and that the Public Works crew will be boarding up the old Methodist Church.
City Clerk’s Report: City Clerk Kayla Nicholas presented Council Members with the financial summary for the month of July 2021. The General Fund revenues were approximately $95,000 with expenditures nearly $197,000. The Water Fund revenue was approximately $38,000 with expenditures nearly $57,000. The Sewer Fund revenue was approximately $45,000 with expenditures just over $57,000. The Outstanding Checks for July were nearly $348,000. The Liability Forecast is approximately $103,000.
Police Report: Chief Adam Zahradnik provided Council Members with the Police Report for the month July 2021. The Police Department conducted 305 hours of patrol; received 103 calls for service; and issued the following citations: 1 speeding, 2 driving suspended, 1 no proof of insurance, 1 expired MVI, 1 improper registration, 2 shoplifting, 1 littering, 1 disturbing the peace by noise, 1 possession less than 15 grams, and 1 possession of heroin. Five arrests were made.
EMS Report: The EMS Department took 139 calls in July 2021. Payments received were $54,378.46 with a total of $103,822.31 pending current and an outstanding total of $149,297.61.
Council Member Stuart
Council Member Linda Stuart stated that the next ‘Coffee with a Cop’ w: ll be held at 5:00 pm on August 24th prior to the Council Meeting at 6:00 pm.
Mayor Samples adjourned the meeting at 6:59 pm.