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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/23/2026 - City Council - Minutes - Regular CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM Work Session, 5:45 PM Council Chambers Conference Room, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153 Regular Session, 6:30 PM, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153 WORK SESSION 1. Call to Order A work session of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers Conference Room, City Hall, 114 N. Broad Street, Salem, Virginia, on March 23, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., there being present the following members of said Council to wit: Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor; Anne Marie Green, Vice-Mayor; Council members; Byron Randolph Foley, H. Hunter Holliday, and John Saunders; with Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor, presiding; together with Chris Dorsey, City Manager; Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Rosie Jordan, Director of Finance; Laura Lea Harris, Deputy Clerk of Council; Garrett Cole, Vice-President of GDS Associates (participated remotely); Justin Hey, Senior Project Manager with GDS Associates (participated remotely); and Alice Wolfe, General Manager of Blue Ridge Power Agency (participated remotely); and the following business was transacted; 2. New Business A. Discussion Items Review of potential City membership in American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and resulting electric supply portfolio project opportunities from Garrett Cole, Vice-President of GDS Associates and Alice Wolfe, General Manager of Blue Ridge Power Agency. Garrett Cole, Vice-President of GDS Associates, presented a review of potential City membership in American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and resulting electric supply portfolio opportunities. Justin Hey, Senior Project Manager with GDS Associates, and Alice Wolfe, General Manager of Blue Ridge Power Agency, were also available to respond to questions. Discussion was held, and Council asked questions on the presentation. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Turk adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. REGULAR SESSION 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was called to order at 6:30 p.m., there being present the following members to wit: Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor; Anne Marie Green, Vice-Mayor; Council members: Byron Randolph Foley, Hunter Holliday, and John Saunders; with Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor, presiding together with Chris Dorsey, City Manager; Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Rosie Jordan, Director of Finance; Chuck Van Allman, Director of Community Development; Clark Ruhland, Communications Specialist; and Jim Guynn, City Attorney. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Awards & Recognitions There were none this evening. 4. Consent Agenda A. Citizen Comments Comments from the public, limited to five minutes, on matters not already having a public hearing at the same meeting. Donna Crotts,307 North Broad Street, summarized key points from and referenced a 1998 newsletter from the Salem Historical Society. She urged Council to take proactive steps to preserve Salem’s historic homes and structures before additional losses occur. She offered to circulate the original newsletter and make copies available. Mrs. Crotts noted that Vice Mayor Green’s residence is included among historically recognized structures listed in the publication. She expressed appreciation for local preservation efforts. including the Preston Place Preservation Foundation and its members for efforts to save Preston Place. She also thanked City Council for listening to concerned citizens and emphasized the importance of supporting historic preservation initiatives. Mrs. Crotts concluded by reiterating the importance of learning from past preservation challenges and taking action to protect remaining historic resources. B. Minutes Consider acceptance of the March 9, 2026, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes. The minutes were approved as written. Mayor Turk requested that the City Manager provide an update on current items in the City of Salem. Mr. Dorsey provided several updates to Council. He noted the following events: • March 11: Attended “Good Morning VBR” regional networking event at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport with participation from multiple localities. Emphasis placed on regional economic development and encouraging the use of the local airport (“Fly ROA”) to support expanded flight options. • March 13: Attended ribbon cutting and open house for the Kim Kyu -sik Center for Korean Studies at Roanoke College. The event was well attended, including family members of Kim Kyu-sik and representatives from the Korean Embassy. • March 13: Attended ribbon-cutting ceremony for new skate park and pump track at Wasena Park. • March 13–15: NCAA Division II Softball Tournament held at Moyer Sports Complex; event drew strong attendance. • March 17 & 19: Community Development hosted FEMA flood map open houses; both sessions were well attended by residents reviewing updated flood zone information. • March 18: Attended Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Annual Awards Breakfast at Salem Civic Center; Carey Harveycutter was recognized as Salem Citizen of the Year. • March 18: Participated in ceremonial “Wash Down/Push-In” event for new fire engine at Fire Station No. 1, continuing longstanding fire service tradition. • March 20–22: NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship held at the Cregger Center at Roanoke College; Denison University won the championship over the University of Scranton. Mayor Turk encouraged citizens to check Salem, VA | Official Website for events in the City of Salem. C. Financial Reports Consider acceptance of the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the six months ending December 31, 2025. The Financial Reports were received. 5. Old Business There was no Old Business this evening. 6. New Business A. Taxicabs Hold public hearing in accordance with Section 98-94 of THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, and award Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the next twelve (12) months, beginning April 1, 2026. Date set for public hearing at February 9, 2026, meeting. (Advertised in the March 5, 2026, issue of the Salem Times-Register.) Mr. Light provided a brief explanation of this action taken yearly by Council. He noted that City Council is required, per City Code, to annually award certificates of public convenience and necessity for taxicab services (excluding ride-sharing companies) for a 12-month period beginning April 1. Two applications have been received from existing providers: Reid Taxi and B. Early Cab Service. The next step is to conduct a public hearing. Following the hearing, Council will award, at its discretion, certificates to one or both applicants. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. Randy Foley motioned to award Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to the two applicants who were identified. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None B. Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Annual Presentation Council will receive the annual presentation from the Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission by Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley -Alleghany Regional Commission, presented an overview of the Commission's projects and accomplishments during 2025 as well as ongoing work. He shared that the Commission is one of 21 state-designated planning districts that convene local governments to address regional issues, including transportation, environmental concerns, community development, and opioid response. The Commission also serves as a liaison to state and federal agencies and advocates for regional priorities at the state and federal levels, including recent efforts related to childcare and workforce development. Mr. Holmes emphasized the importance of participation by local elected officials and staff in regional planning efforts, noting active involvement by City of Salem representatives. He highlighted key initiatives, noting that strategic planning priorities included greater focus on implementation of adopted plans and enhanced technical support for localities. Mr. Holmes concluded with an invitation for continued collaboration and feedback from Council. C. 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report Presentation and receipt by Council of the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report. Denise P. King, Chair of the City of Salem Planning Commission, presented the Planning Commission's 2025 Annual Report, as required per state code. She noted that the report was included in the Council Agenda packet. She also noted the attendance of Planning Commissioner Mark Henrickson this evening. Chair King outlined Commission activities, noting significant time and effort devoted to planning, review, and public engagement functions. She highlighted the development and recent adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Chair King also noted that the report included summaries of site plan reviews (handled by Community Development staff), subdivision plat approvals (it was noted that due to changes in state code, this would now be handled administratively, and the Planning Commission would be kept apprised), and zoning permit activity for 2025. Appreciation was expressed for Community Development staff support. This report was presented for informational purposes; no action was required by Council. Mayor Turk noted that the Planning Commission report was received for the record. D. Delegation of Authority to Staff for Electric Energy Supply Congestion Risk Management Actions - Resolution 1521 Consider delegating authority to the Electric Utility Director, Interim Electric Utility Director, or Finance Director to execute actions necessary to manage congestion risk for the City's energy supply. Assistant City Manager Light reported on the City’s electric procurement process for a new 31-month contract beginning June 1, noting that the anticipated energy supply has been secured. He also noted that Council had previously approved an agreement with AEP Energy Partners to participate in auction revenue rights (ARRs), which generate monthly bill credits that may be converted into financial transmission rights (FTRs). Mr. Light explained that transmission congestion costs are projected at approximately $3.2 million over the contract period. Council was requested this evening for authorization to utilize up to 75% of projected congestion costs (maximum $2.4 million) to acquire or convert to FTRs as a cost-control strategy. GDS Associates, Inc. will continue to evaluate transactions as they come through. Council action was requested to delegate authority to the Electric Utility Director, Interim Electric Utility Director, and the Director of Finance to approve FTR transactions, subject to collaborative review. Mayor Turk noted that the City’s electric procurement strategy has been under active development for approximately two and a half to three years, involving close coordination among the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Finance Director, and Electric Department leadership. Throughout this process, staff and consultants have evaluated various electricity purchasing options in an effort to better manage and stabilize costs, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in energy markets and rising utility expenses. The overarching objective is to secure the most cost -effective approach for the benefit of Salem residents. She reiterated the need for delegated authority to allow timely decision-making in executing the City’s procurement strategy. Anne Marie Green motioned to adopt Resolution 1521, delegating authority to the Electric Utility Director, Interim Electric Utility Director, or Finance Director to execute actions necessary to manage congestion risk for the City's energy supply. John Saunders seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None E. Opioid Settlement - Resolution 1522 Adopt Resolution 1522 approving the City's participation in the proposed combined settlement agreement resolving opioid-related claims against Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies); J.M. Smith Corporation; Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; Morris and Dickson Co.; North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; and United Natural Foods, Inc. (Including its subsidiaries Supervalue and Advantage Logistics). Mayor Turk requested Mr. Guynn, City Attorney, to provide information on this item. Mr. Guynn reported that the proposed action is part of an ongoing series of opioid - related settlements, noting that this settlement involves a group of smaller pharmacy entities consolidated into a single agreement. As with prior settlements, the exact amount of funds to be received by the City is not yet known, although estimates have been discussed; a definitive allocation has not been determined at this time. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt Resolution 1522 approving the City's participation in the proposed combined settlement agreement resolving opioid -related claims against Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies); J.M. Smith Corporation; Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; Morris and Dickson Co.; North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; and United Natural Foods, Inc. (Including its subsidiaries Supervalue and Advantage Logistics). Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None F. Approval of Donation to The Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. - Resolution 1523 Consider approval of a donation to The Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. in the amount of $35,000 in order to provide support for initial basic expenditures. Mayor Turk requested City Manager Dorsey to provide background information on this item. City Manager Dorsey reported on the status of efforts related to Preston Place, describing the action as one of the final steps in an ongoing process. The Salem Historical Society has transferred ownership of Preston Place to the Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. Council had previously approved funding to assist the Historical Society with museum facility needs, including roof repairs and potential HVAC improvements. As part of the transition, the Preston Place Foundation has submitted a proposed initial operating budget of approximately $70,000 to support startup expenses, including utilities, maintenance, and part-time staffing, and has requested seed funding to begin operations as a nonprofit organization. Mr. Dorsey noted that the required documentation has been provided. Mayor Turk expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the property. Council also expressed support and confidence in the Foundation’s stewardship of Preston Place. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt Resolution 1523 for a donation to the Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. in the amount of $35,000 to provide support for initial basic expenditures. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 7. Adjournment Mayor Turk thanked all in attendance this evening. She also expressed appreciation to staff for all of their work to prepare the agenda items for this evening. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: H. Robert Light Renée Ferris Turk Clerk of Council Mayor