The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for its regular meeting Thursday, Nov. 13, during which the board held a public hearing for the annexation of the Church of Latter-day Saints and approved a resolution for the April 7 municipal election. Further, Mayor Greg Parker announced in his report that he will be running for reelection.
In attendance included Mayor Greg Parker, Alderman Nathan Kinsey, Rick Letchworth, John Whelan, and Catherine Dent.
The public hearing for the annexation of the Church of Latter-day Saints had no speakers.
The board tabled the request for utilities outside of city limits for Nancy Major to the meeting of Dec. 9, as City Attorney James Weber had not yet reviewed it.
The planning and zoning commission held a public hearing Nov. 4 regarding a conditional use permit on 402 South Pershing for the placement of a manufactured home. No public objections were heard at the hearing. The commission voted unanimously recommending approval to the board of aldermen. The board approved the conditional use permit.
Last meeting held Oct. 28, a representative with MRPC provided a presentation on an Enhanced Active Transportation Plan for Salem. Adoption of the plan does not commit the city to complete the project or dedicate funding toward it. All the plan does, explained City Administrator Sally Burbridge, is help with grant applications and proves the city has been considering projects. The board approved the plan.
As the April 7 municipal election is just around the corner, the board approved its annual resolution. Interested candidates may apply from 8 a.m. Dec. 9 to 5 p.m. Dec. 30, 2025. The April 7, 2026 election will decide a west ward alderman, east ward alderman, and mayor.
The board approved a request for street closure from Chamber Director Catherine Wynn, in order to close Fourth Street to vehicle traffic, from MacArthur Street, to Pershing, following the parade, Dec. 5. The closure is for the Christmas Parade, departing Grand Street at 6 p.m. Following the parade, several businesses and vendors will be present on Fourth Street for local shopping/open houses.
Reports of City Officials
Public Works Director Steve Paine
Paine discussed the Wastewater Treatment Plant mitigation project, which will help prevent future flooding events with concrete berries around the electric panels. Funding has not been set aside in the city’s budget for the mitigation project. Crew members have been running estimations for the costs of the project, projecting that it may cost around $20,000. FEMA, shared Paine, said the project may be eligible for reimbursement.
Wastewater treatment crew members have been reviewing its computer diagnostic equipment. Water department has been working on leaks and removing the scrap pile behind the water department—scrap is being taken to the scrap yard and money received will go back into the general fund. The electric department has been working on putting up the new storm sirens alongside the vendor. The street department has finished up the backside parking lot of the Healthy Dent County building. Pavement is planned for the spring. Construction department has been working on curb projects around town and concrete work around the park. Cemetery crew members have dug graves.
