The Salem City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 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 gave the blessing.
Mayor Samples called for roll call. — PRESENT: Council Members John Golden (Arrived at 6:31 pm), Shawnette Stout, Timothy Jamison, Nancy Siders, Linda Stuart, City Manager Ronnie Davis and City Attorney Sam Harrold
A motion was made by Council Member Timothy Jamison to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for December 15, 2022. The motion was seconded by Council Member Shawnette Stout. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote with one member abstaining. Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Jamison – aye, Council Member Siders – abstained, Council Member Stuart – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Phase III – Wastewater System Project — In the absence of E.L. Robinson Representative Jeff Petry, City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Mr. Petry should be at the next meeting and that they are looking for funding. At a previous meeting, Council Members voted to proceed with the $10,400,000 Waste Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project and submit a grant application to IJDC.
Phase IV – Water System Improvement Project — In the absence of The Thrasher Group Representative Steve Haynes, City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that Mr. Haynes should be at the next meeting and the city is waiting for grant money to be awarded.
Sidewalk Project — There was nothing new to report.
Stormwater Project — No action was taken by Council.
City Attorney’s Report — City Attorney Sam Harrold stated that he has the deed prepared for the sale of 157 East Main Street to the Salem Baptist Church. Mr. Harold stated further that he has been working on some proposed leases for city owned properties in town.
City Manager’s Report
1. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that there is still a 60% water loss but they have fixed over five leaks and replaced 50 ft. of line on Ford Street.
2. City Manager Ronnie Davis informed Council Members that the Clarksburg Water Board has increased their water rate. Bennett and Dobbins, PLLC, the city’s accounting firm, has conducted a cash flow analysis and recommended a two tier rate increase approach. The first tier would start immediately with an increase of 8.1% and the second tier would start in October 2023 with an increase of an additional 2.3%. This would raise the water bill by $3.66 and $1.12 respectively. Council Members took no action and commented that they didn’t want to raise the rate.
3. City Manager Ronnie Davis requested Executive Session to discuss his agenda items regarding ‘Annexation’ and ‘Personnel Matters’.
4. City Manager Ronnie Davis introduced Nelson Law as the new Public Works Director. Mr. Law has his CDL license, and is licensed in Water and Waste Water.
5. City Manager Ronnie Davis was questioned about how many resumes were received for City Manager. Mr. Davis stated that three resumes were received and that he planned on giving them to Council in Executive Session.
City Clerk’s Report
1. City Clerk Kayla Nicholas presented Council Members with the financial summary for the month of December 2022. The General Fund revenues were approximately $79,000 with expenditures nearly $142,000. The Water Fund revenue was approximately $57,000 with expenditures nearly $56,000. The Sewer Fund revenue was approximately $55,000 with expenditures just over $50,000. The Outstanding Checks were approximately $33,000. The Liability Forecast is approximately $170,000.
2. Council Member Linda Stuart asked for an accounting of the required working capital reserve savings account for the Water Fund and Sewer Fund that was to begin in June 2022. City Clerk stated she would check with accountant.
Police Report — In the month of December 2022, the Police Department conducted 280 hours of patrol; received 102 calls for service; and issued the following citations: 1 speeding, 1 no registration, 1 expired registration, 2 expired motor vehicle inspection, 1 illegal parking, 1 contributing to a minor x 2, and an illegal occupancy. There were eight K-9 utilizations with five K-9 positive indications. Four arrests were made.
EMS Report — EMS Administrator Tony Hayes provided Council Members with the EMS Report for December 2022. The EMS Department took 106 calls. Payments received were $39,384.66 with a total of $64,486.62 pending current and an outstanding total of $176,883.57.
Public Sign-In Sheet
1. Mr. Joseph Hof expressed his concern and presented a letter to Council Members regarding the city owned property at 191 West Main Street that abuts his property. Mr. Hof is concerned that the property is settling and has the potential to cause property damage to his property and that West High Street could slip into his yard. Mr. Hof requested that it be addressed.
2. Mr. Geoffrey Steele criticized officials regarding last year’s water rate increase and meeting with the Harrison County Commission. Mr. Steele commented that the city didn’t request enough funding from the Harrison County Commission to keep from increasing the water rate.
Mr. Steele made the comment that the Police Department can’t be expected to provide 24/7 coverage when their budget gets cut.
A motion was made by Council Member Nancy Siders to go into Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Linda Stuart. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Jamison – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council went into Executive Session at 6:42 pm. — A motion was made by Council Member Shawnette Stout to return to Regular Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Jamison – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Council returned to Regular Session at 8:21 pm. — A motion was made by Council Member Shawnette Stout to approve the lease for signage on the Valley Street lot. The motion was seconded by Council Member Nancy Siders. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Golden – aye, Council Member Stout – aye, Council Member Jamison – aye, Council Member Siders – aye, Council Member Stuart – aye, Mayor Samples – aye.
Mayor Samples adjourned the meeting at 8:21pm.