The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 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 Council Member John Golden.
Mayor Samples called for roll call.
PRESENT: Council Members: John Sinnett, Linda Stuart
Nancy Siders, John Golden, Shawnette Stout, Crystal Ross and City Manager Ronnie Davis and City Attorney Sam Harrold
Approval of Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for October 26, 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.
Phase II – Wastewater System Project
In the absence of E.L. Robinson Representative Jeff Petry, City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Mr. Petry has moved forward looking for funding as request by Council at the last meeting.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project
In the absence of The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes, City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that they are just waiting for the CDBG Grant Applications to come out.
Sidewalk Project — City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that there were no new developments on the sidewalk project. At the previous meeting, The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes informed Council Members that he spoke with his contact at the WV DOH. The Thrasher Group submitted a Project Modification Directive (PMD) in April that the WV DOH is in the process of reviewing. Once the PMD is approved, an agreement to move forward with the final design will be issued and a request made for the City’s matching funds. After the agreement and funds are transferred a notice to proceed will be issued.
City Attorney’s Report– City Attorney Sam Harrold had nothing to report.
City Manager’s Report
1. City Manager Ronnie Davis presented Council Members with the Public Works Report for October 2021. Mr. Davis reported a 62% water loss for the month. Several leaks have recently been fixed.
2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that he will be placing an advertisement in the paper for bids on the demolition of the Varner/Shaffer building soon.
3. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the public works crew will start working on the back wall of the Van Horn Memorial Park. Derrick Nicholson will provide the equipment. The playground equipment has been ordered and should arrive soon. Mr. Davis stated that he’ll also have more information on the cost of the fence at the next Council Meeting.
City Clerk’s Report
1. City Clerk Kayla Nicholas presented Council Members with the financial summary for the month of October 2021. The General Fund revenues were approximately $124,000 with expenditures nearly $216,000. The Water Fund revenue was approximately $42,000 with expenditures nearly $67,000. The Sewer Fund revenue was approximately $50,000 with expenditures just over $72,000. The Outstanding Checks were nearly $406,000. The Liability Forecast is approximately $57,000.
2. City Clerk Kayla Nicholas presented Council Members with General Fund Budget Revision number two. A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve General Fund Budget Revision number two. 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.
Police Report — In the month of October, the Police Department conducted 338 hours of patrol; received 105 calls for service; and issued the following citations: 1 speeding, 1 no insurance, and 1 possession of marijuana. Four arrests were made.
City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that another full-time officer has been hired. The Police Department has received a private donation to purchase a K-9 for Chief Zahradnik.
EMS Report — The EMS Department took 123 calls in October 2021. Payments received were $26,245.80 with a total of $75,529.40 pending current and an outstanding total of $104,596.00.
Council Member Linda Stuart– Council Member Stuart reported on an economic conference that she recently attended. Mrs. Stuart commented about the information that was shared and how it could be utilized in Salem specifically in regards to outdoor recreation and cultural assets. Mrs. Stuart stated further that she would like to get the Economic Development Committee together and discuss what the City has to offer and how best to market these assets.
Council Members decided that the next meeting for November 23, 2021 would be cancelled. If need for a meeting would arise, a special meeting could be called. The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be held on December 14, 2021.
Mayor Samples adjourned the meeting at 6:36 pm.