The Salem City Council approved a $138,000 bid Monday night to complete the third of the four phase project to complete long deferred maintenance of the city hall building. Western Specialty Contractors was awarded the bid to complete masonry work. The council agreed to allow a total expenditure of up to $200,000 on the project if additional problems are found once the work begins.
The council swore in new police sergeants. Patrolman Brandon Creek and Detective Trent Swagger took the oath of office from Mayor Nic Farley. Police Chief Tyler Rose says the department is currently short two officers. A new hiring list is being completed, but after testing only three candidates remain. Rose was happy when ten applied, but the number was reduced to three during the testing process.
The council approved a special use permit to allow the former Salem TV building at 401 South College to be converted into a duplex with two one-bedroom units. Cory Thorsen is completing the conversion with a $60,000 investment and assistance from the city’s TIF program. The planning commission had already approved the permit.
Mayor Farley announced a moratorium on Tax Increment Financing District projects until an audit is completed of the current projects. Once Leah Dellarcarpini is replaced as Economic Development Director, projects will resume.
