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 up to $200,000 in total expenditures on the project if additional problems are found once work begins.
The council swore in new police sergeants. Patrolman Brandon Kreke 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 convert the former Salem TV building at 401 South College 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 of the current projects is completed. Once Leah Dellarcarpini is replaced as Economic Development Director, projects will resume.
The council approved the use of Bryan Memorial Park on April 23rd and 24th for a Bluegrass Festival. The Odd Fellows Lodge is organizing the festival as part of their 175th birthday celebration. However, the Lodge would like to once again make the event an annual one.
