Meg Hibbert
Contributing writer
At the Nov. 15 meeting, Council unanimously approved setting a $68,147 bond and $2,200 bond for erosion, sediment control, landscaping and physical improvements for East Main Storage.
Director of Community Development Chuck VanAllman explained the project will raze the former Givens Book Store, Layman Candy Co. and other structures at the corners of 1637 and 1641 E. Main Street and 11-15 Dalewood Ave.
In addition to appointing two School Board members, Salem City Council took care of routine business during the meeting. Council unanimously approved:
- Appropriating a $12,000 rebate from the Virginia Tourism for co-operative advertising; funds will be used for additional advertising;
- Amending the Salem School Operating Fund budget and School Grant Budget to increase revenues and expenditures by $2.09 million;
- Accepting and appropriating Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant funds of $111,900 and $29,840 to purchase a property in the flood plain and demolish the structure; the grant requires a local match of $7,460;
- Appropriating $5,000 from a Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program from the Virginia Tourism Corporation; a $5,000 local match is required, and will be used by the Salem Visitors Center to highlight Salem’s Antique Trail;
- A certificate of public conveyance for Spartan VIP Limousine, requested by Jordan Johnson Sneed; no one spoke at the public hearing;
- A donation of $694.84 to the Salem Band Boosters equal to admissions taxes from the Sept. 24 Blue Ridge Regional High School Band Competition sponsored by the Boosters;
- Renewing a lease to Charles William Johnston for Salem Municipal Golf Course for one year; the city retains 10 percent after the $16,000 for fees, and has the advantage of protecting green space in the city, Assistant City Manager Rob Light told Council;
- Set a $58,608 bond for erosion and sediment control, landscaping and physical improvements for Lakeside Golf Center; VanAllman told Council the existing golf center is being revamped and moved closer to the road;
- Appointed Andy Raines to another 3-year-term on the Salem School Board, and Stacey Danstrom to her first term on that board. They were among four candidates. See the Nov. 17 Salem Times-Register for the complete article on School Board appointments.
All five Councilmembers were present at the Nov. 15 meeting. Newly elected Councilman Hunter Holliday was in the audience. He will be sworn in later to start a term in January 2023, along with current Councilman Randy Foley. Councilman John Saunders, who was edged out by Foley by 11 votes, will serve his term through the end of this year.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. after a 15-minute closed session to discuss School Board Member appointments.
