The Salem City Council Monday night will consider finalization of a no-cost lease for the Greater Salem Area Foundation and its Mission Salem Group to utilize the former Save-A-Lot building. Mission Salem and possibly Sleep in Heavenly Peace are looking for space to perform construction projects for residents in the area. The lease would remain in place until the city is ready to convert the building into the new police station.
The council will be asked to approve the purchase of one new vehicle for the Salem Police Department to replace two high mileage vehicles that will be sold or traded in as part of the purchase. The low bid is from Veto Enterprises for a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe at a cost of $37,982. If it is no longer available, the council will be asked to purchase a 2021 Explorer from Schmidt Ford for $44,815. There will be an additional cost of $8,500 for either vehicle to have additional equipment installed.
The council will also be asked to purchase a new mini-excavator with implements and to trade in an existing small excavator. The new unit will allow crews to access more areas for service to the residents. The lone bid came from Bobcat of Effingham for a 2012 Cat excavator at a cost of $35,858.
The council will review applications from businesses within the downtown TIF district who have made application for matching grants to make building improvements.
The council will be asked to seat Janelle Smith on the tourism board. A closed session is on the agenda to open a sealed bid for the purchase of ten acres of Industrial Park property. Prior to the six pm meeting, a public hearing will be held at 5:55 on vacating a section of Mills Cart Road between North Hotze and Interstate 57.
