The Salem City Council Monday night will consider a proposal to provide WiFi in Bryan Memorial Park.
The proposal by Wabash Communications could provide WiFI at the Aquatics Center and near the stage and bathroom facility with repeaters to cover most of the shelters and parking areas on the south end of the park. City Manager Rex Barbee says the council would have to decide on which location or include both.
Wabash has agreed to pay up to $2,000 for equipment and construction costs with the city responsible for recurring charges for the service. The installation cost for both locations is estimated at $3,694 with a recurring cost of $121.90 a month.
Barbee says with the COVID-19 pandemic this could provide students one more access to the internet and also offer service to many who use the park for their lunch and dinner breaks as well as family functions at the pavilions The council will be asked to give first reading approval to the city’s nearly $1.3-million property tax levy. The usual request for the maximum increase of 4.99-percent allowed under tax caps is being trimmed to 2.5-percent this year. A second reading will be scheduled at the October 19th meeting. The council meeting begins at six Monday night at Salem City Hall.
