The Salem City Council Monday night will discuss the request of a developer for additional tax increment financing money to tear down the remainder of the former Selmaville North School.
Dennis Grubaugh of Vandalia earlier received $165,005 in TIF funds to assist in title work and demolition of Phase One. He indicated that he left the gym portion due to a potential client that had plans for that section that later fell through.
Grubaugh is now requesting an additional $120,150 to cover the cost of demolition of the remaining gym structure, removal of concrete foundations, and a concrete filled fuel oil tank and some trees to make the property more appealing to any potential buyer. City Officials say the remaining gym building is not secured from entry and has seen the roof covering deteriorate. They have asked Grubaugh to demolish the remaining portion of the building.
City Manager Rex Barbee is recommending the TIF application not be approved as presented.
The council will be asked to adopt the 2021 version of the International Building Codes. The city is still using the 2006 version which has caused some frustrations from vendors who are used to complying with the newer version. A request is also being made to allow automatic update of the ordinance when new versions are released.
The council will be asked to complete the purchase of 450 additional water meters with an auto readout capability before the vendor implements a price increase on January 1st. The purchase cost of $74,050 is below what is budgeted and will save the city about $10,500 by purchasing before the end of the year.
A closed session is on the agenda to discuss and possibly act on personnel matters.
The meeting begins at six Monday night at Salem City Hall.
