REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 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 Member John Sinnett, Council Member Linda Stuart, Council Member Nancy Siders, Council Member John Golden, Council Member Shawnette Stout, Council Member Crystal Ross, City Manager Ronnie Davis, and City Attorney Sam Harrold
Approval of Meeting Minutes — A motion was made by Council Member John Golden to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for August 24, 2021. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote with one member abstaining. Council Member Sinnett – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – abstained, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Ross – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Phase II – Wastewater System Project — In the absence of E.L. Robinson Representative Jeff Petry, City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that they are trying to get the vacuum truck in to clean out the lines to allow for the camera.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project — 1. The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes informed Council Member that IJDC has approved the project estimates. 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.
2. The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes present Council Member with the Engineering Services Agreement for the project. A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to accept the Engineering Services Agreement from Thrasher for the project. 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.
Sidewalk Project — There were no new updates to report. City Manager Ronnie Davis stated that he would see if Jeff Gola is available for the next meeting.
City Attorney’s Report: 1. City Attorney Sam Harrold informed Council Members that the Shaffer family has been issued an order to tear down their building on West Main Street in 30 days.
2. City Attorney Sam Harrold informed Council Members that deeds have been prepared for the forfeited property on Water Street. The forfeited property includes 83, 94, and 96 Water Street owned by Kim Casinelli. A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to accept the forfeited property at 83, 94, and 96 Water Street. 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.
City Manager’s Report : 1. City Manager Ronnie Davis presented Council Members with the Public Works Report for August 2021. Mr.
Davis reported a 62% water loss for the month. 2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that no sealed bids were received on the ambulance. Mr. Davis stated that he would like to advertise the ambulance again without the $12,000 reserve. 3. City Manager Ronnie Davis requested an Executive session to discuss City Owned Property. 4. City Manager Ronnie Davis requested to purchase 50 tons of road salt for the Winter in the amount of $6,000. A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to purchase 50 tons of road salt for the Winter. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion was 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.
City Clerk’s Report — City Clerk Kayla Nicholas presented Council Members with the financial summary for the month of August 2021. The General Fund revenues were approximately $149,000 with expenditures nearly $141,000. The Water Fund revenue was approximately $39,000 with expenditures nearly $103,000. The Sewer Fund revenue was approximately $46,000 with expenditures just over $69,000. The Outstanding Checks were nearly $147,000. The Liability Forecast is approximately $73,000.
Police Report — In the month of August, the Police Department conducted 315 hours of patrol; received 90 calls for service; and issued the following citations: 1 unsafe/unsecured structure, 2 driving suspended, 1 no seatbelt, 1 trespassing, and 1 rubbish/high grass. Four arrests were made.
EMS Report — The EMS Department took 100 calls in August 2021. Payments received were $73,264.93 with a total of $52,710.08 pending current and an outstanding total of $99,454.53.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to go into Executive Session. 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.
Council Members went into Executive Session at 6:45 pm.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to return to Regular Session. 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.
Council Members returned to Regular Session at 7:15 pm.
Mayor Samples stated that finances were discussed in Executive Session.
City Manager Ronnie Davis stated that city owned property/land will be put out for bid and the that the city will have a right to refuse any and all bids.
A motion was made by Council Member John Sinnett to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.