The Salem City Council Monday night decided not to move forward on the sale of Edith Kell Park on the city’s south side.
The decision came after a neighbor complained how a proposed mobile home park being considered for the property would be a detriment to the neighborhood.
Other council members noted the only maintenance cost was mowing the property.
After the vote, Mayor Nic Farley explained what the indefinite tabling of the issue of surplusing the park property means.
“I think the council tonight decided that they didn’t want to explore the idea of surplusing that land to further expand any trailer park development. There may be opportunities in the future for development in that region but at this time they didn’t feel like that was an appropriate use of that space.”
The only no vote came from Councilman Craig Morton who felt it was best to get the property back on the tax rolls. The city earlier removed all the outdated
playground equipment and all that remains is a basketball goal.
The council was told the first fitness station along the Bryan Park Walking Trail was mostly completed and could be used. The fitness station is one part of a major park improvement project planned for this summer that includes the inclusive playground. Finance Director Keli Barrow anticipates the company putting together the playground will be doing so shortly, but they have not yet given her a date. The city has already completed prep work for the installation.
City Manager Rex Barbee announced the Salem Historical Museum in the 100 block of South Broadway was scheduled to open on July 16th.
Barbee also reported the leak in the city’s high-pressure natural gas line northwest of Sandoval has now been completed. The contractor, USDI, has indicated the cost will be closer to $30,000 than the $50,000 originally estimated.
The council approved increasing the cost of bulk water at the Salem Water Treatment Plant from 25-cents for 80 gallons to $1.00 or $12.50 for 1,000 gallons.
The council gave approval to Becky Carpenter-Timmerman to utilize the city’s parking lot at West McMackin and South Walnut as overflow for vendors at her Historic Farmers Market.
Salem Public Works crews have cleared the way for the Inclusive Playground in Bryan Memorial Park. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
