The Salem City Council has approved two downtown tax increment financing district projects.
The council awarded $25,000 to Crescendo Properties, LLC owned by Tracy and Becky Timmerman to replace doors and windows and work to slow water intrusion to the former post office and library building at West Main and Maple Street.
The council approved a $10,000 request from Daniels Wilzbach PC to replace windows and doors in their building and to help improve the look and shore up the historic structure.
At the request of Mayor Nic Farley, the city council tabled a request from MRI Ready Mix and Construction of Effingham to purchase six acres of land on South Hotze south of Henderson Lane to construct a new facility. The company bid $5,000 per acre. The Salem location would be in addition to their current Effingham operation.
The council approved a new three-year contract with the operating engineers’ union that represents public works employees. There is a 2.75 percent wage increase for the first two years and three percent the third. There will also be a bump in pay for those who have a specific title or license.
The council agreed to cancel an earlier agreement for use of Flock license reader cameras due to a change in contract terms that were concerning to the Mayor. A public comment was also raised encouraging the city not to enter the agreement due to invasion of property.
The council approved two agreements to assist Knapp Oil in completing an environmental cleanup for their property and adjoining roadways at 500 South Broadway.
The council approved the purchase of a $25,000 fireworks display for over the Salem Reservoir on the 4th of July from the same vendor as in the past. A contract for Christmas decorations on light poles along Main and Broadway was also renewed.
Public Works Director Travis Sanders announced work would begin next week on planting 100 new small trees in Bryan Memorial Park. The city earlier received a grant for the project.
