Salem Mayor Nic Farley doesn’t like the idea of a second Tax Increment Financing Grant being approved to complete the demolition of the former Selmaville North Grade School.
Farley noted developer Dennis Grubaugh of Vandalia had already received $165,005 to help tear down the rest of the school and the city had a practice of not providing more than one TIF project per building.
“There is a procedure for us to do it and put a lean on the property. But what I am asking is if can we come up with an agreement where you buy the roll-offs and city employees would be able to demo the building and put it in those roll-offs and you haul it away. So we are both working without that big capital outlet.”
Grubaugh wanted another $120,150 in TIF money to complete the demolition but said he could work with the city. The issue was tabled for 90 days to determine if the city public works crew would also be capable of removing an old buried fuel tank filled with concrete.
Grubaugh also apologized for the property falling into disrepair.
“I didn’t intend it to get that way, but in the times we have tried to sell it we haven’t come up with a buyer who will take the bull by the horns and go with it. And to go in there and knock the rest of it down, it does cost money.”
Grubaugh said he originally left the gym portion of the building stand due to the interest of a potential buyer that fell through.
The council agreed to begin using the 2021 version of the International Building Codes and to change the ordinance to automatically update to the latest version. The city had still been using the 2006 version.
The council approved the purchase of 450 additional water meters with automatic readout capability before the end of the year to save $10,500. Public Works Director Annette Sola says with these meters the replacement project can be completed by the end of 2023. She says the replacement of the gas meters is more complicated and will take several more years to finish.
The Salem City Council reviewed a recommendation from the City Manager and Public Works Director to make a change in the title of Courtney Mitchell from Assistant to the Public Works Director to the position of Assistant Public Works Director. The change comes with a small increase in pay and a change from hourly to salary. The council expressed their appreciation for what Mitchell has provided in her current role and believes she is deserving of the change in title.
