The Salem City Council Tuesday night agreed to appropriate $188,022 for design and construction engineering costs of Maverick Street that would open up the southwest quadrant of the I-57 and West Main Street for development. The new street would begin on West Main at the south exit ramp from I-57 and travel east of Salem Tire and then make a 90 degree turn to connect to Hotze Road.
Mayor Nic Farley says a truck stop is still a goal for the land south of Salem Tire.
“We get all the costs in and see how everything is going to be, I could see us starting within the next 24 months for sure. We have had conversations with developers, but we are not ready to release any information just yet.”
The council also approved an amended TIF-4 agreement with Glen Henderson doing business as Salem Tire, Inc to remodel and renovate his commercial structures while working with the city on Maverick Street. The TIF will reimburse Salem Tire for expenses totaling $90,000 of the project.
The council also approved two other TIF-4 Agreements. One would allow Cory Thorson, doing business as T-Squared Holdings, to be reimbursed up to $10,000 of the cost of converting the vacant Salem TV building at 401 South College into two single bedroom apartments. The other TIF-4 agreement would provide the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce $7,000 towards the cost of replacing the roof on their building.
The council also approved a $362,879 bid from Haier Plumbing of Okawville to replace a troublesome waterline on Deer Path and Meadowlane. The bid was under budget.
Ricardo Salgado was granted a special use permit to use the second floor of the former Clark Engineering and Purple Elephant building at 2524 South Broadway for residential unit.
The council approved the annual two-cent property tax levy for building maintenance and equipment allowed under state law.
The council approved the sale of a vacant lot at 420 East Church to the high bidder, a neighboring property owner Jeff and Pam Webster for construction of a garage.
The council tabled a request from Salem Gas ‘n go at 500 South Broadway to trade their Class C liquor license to a Class A license that would allow on-site consumption of liquor and video gaming. The mayor and most of the council expressed their opposition to approving any more video gaming. City Attorney Matt Wilzbach says they have the right to reject the license request.
A two-year contract with 20/20 Technical Advisors, LLC for IT Service Support and Cloud back up at the police department was approved.
