REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Salem City Hall, 229 West Main Street Salem, WV.
Mayor James Robert Samples called the meeting to order at 7:30 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 Linda Stuart, Nancy Siders, John Golden, Shawnette Stout, Ronald Racey Jr., City Manager Ronnie Davis, City Attorney Sam Harrold
ABSENT: Council Member John Sinnett was excused.
Mayor Samples swore in Mr. Ronald Racey Jr. as Ward 3 Council Member.
Approval of Meeting Minutes : A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve the Council Meeting Minutes for February 8, 2022. Mayor Samples wanted to make it known that Council Member John Sinnett was excused for this meeting as well. The motion was seconded by Council Member Linda Stuart. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Second Reading of an Ordinance Entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND WATER RATES FOR THE CITY OF SALEM AND CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
A motion was made by Council Member Linda Stuart to approve the Second reading of an ordinance entitled: An Ordinance to Amend Water Rates for the City of Salem and Chapter Seventeen. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Approval of Water Tariff No. 17 — A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve Water Tariff No. 17. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Second Reading of an Ordinance Entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SEWER RATES FOR THE CITY OF SALEM AND CHAPTER SEVENTEEN — A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve the second reading of an ordinance entitled: An Ordinance to Amend Sewer Rates for the City of Salem and Chapter Seventeen. The motion was seconded by Council Member Linda Stuart. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Approval of Sewer Tariff No. 11 — A motion was made Council Member Linda Stuart to approve Sewer Tariff No. 11. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice
vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Salem VFW Post 9151 — Canteen Manager Mark Younkin and Quarter Master Bill Hooper were not available and requested prior to the meeting that they be placed on the March 22, 2022 agenda.
Phase III – Wastewater System Project — E.L. Robinson Representative Jeff Petry presented Council Members with a brief update on the treatment plant expansion. Mr. Petry informed Council Members that they are doing a lot of background research at the plant right now. Mr. Petry stated that the total cost of the treatment plant expansion, which will double the plant capacity, is $10,400,000. The city is pursuing funding and has submitted an Economic Development Administration (EDA) application. The EDA grant can provide up to 80% of funds so, the City has requested $8 million in funds. An application has also been submitted to the DEP Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The goal is to have a 100% grant funded project however; those are few and far between.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project
1. Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt presented Council Members with the CDBG application.
2. Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt presented Council Members with a resolution that authorizes Mayor Samples to sign all pertinent documents related to the project. A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
3. Region VI Representative Sheena Hunt presented Council Members with Amendment #1 to the Engineering Service Agreement. A motion was made by Council Member Linda Stuart to approve Amendment #1 to the Engineering Service Agreement. The motion was seconded by Council Member John Golden. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Stuart – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Racey Jr. – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Sidewalk Project — No new updates were provided. At a previous meeting, The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes informed Council Members that he exchanged emails with his contact Josh Vincent at the Department of Highways. Thrasher should be receiving the agreement from the State in order to proceed with the final design soon.
City Attorney’s Report — City Attorney Sam Harrold had nothing to report.
City Manager’s Report
1. City Manager Ronnie Davis opened the sealed bids for the demolition of 107 and 109 West Main Street. There were only two bids: Enviroclean LLC placed a bid of $34,500 and Reclaim Company, LLC placed a bid of $47,980.
2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the bank has started to charge a dormant charge fee on Rainy Day Fund account. There hasn’t been any activity. Mr. Davis would either like to move a nominal amount of funds in or out of this account.
3. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the boiler blew up at the Armory. Mr. Davis stated that it will cost $40,000 to replace but that won’t fix the cooling issue. Mr. Davis commented that he would like to put a unit in each room along with the restrooms so, 16 total are needed. The Coal Severance Fund has $26,000 that has already been allocated to the Community Center. Mr. Davis is going to bring back quotes at the next meeting. Mr. Davis stated further that the heating and cooling units that were removed from the red barn were taken to the armory.
Public Sign-In Sheet
1. Mr. Don Myers presented Council Members with four petitions. Mr. Myers was instructed to deliver those petitions to City Attorney Sam Harrold.
2. Resident Joseph Hof informed Council Members that the vacant City owned lot at 191 West Main Street was vandalized on February 10, 2022. Mr. Hof presented a plywood sign with several pieces of paper attached to it. Mr. Hof alleged that a City Employee posted the sign on the vacant lot and that the City Manager allowed it. Mr. Hof requested that the police department investigate the vandalism and that the City Manager step down. Mr. Hof requested that Council Members hold a hearing if the City Manager didn’t step down.
Mayor Samples adjourned the meeting at 8:07 pm.