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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/2026 - City Council - Agenda -RegularAgenda Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6:30 PM Work Session, 6:00 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 2.New Business A. Discussion Items City Administration Updates 3.Adjournment REGULAR SESSION 1.Call to Order 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.Awards & Recognitions A.Salem High School Girls Basketball Team Recognize the accomplishments of the Salem High School Girls Basketball Team. B.Salem High School - State Championship - Individual Debate Consider the adoption of Resolution 1529 honoring Salem High School Individual Debate members Dylan Hancock, Luke Stovall, and Kody Hinnant for their VHSL Class 4 State Championships. 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. B.Minutes Consider acceptance of the May 11, 2026, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes. 5.Old Business A.Resolution 1530 adopting the City's Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 Consider the approval of Resolution 1530 adopting the City's Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 B.Resolution 1531 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2027 Consider approval of Resolution 1531 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. C.Budget Appropriation Ordinances Individually consider on second reading the ordinances appropriating funds for: (a) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem operating budget and approval of the Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027 and: (b) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem capital budget and: (c) Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Salem City Schools 6.New Business A.Amendment to the City Code - Chapter 106, Zoning Hold a public hearing and consider the ordinance on first reading for the request of ABoone Real Estate Inc. to amend Chapter 106 Zoning, Article III Use and Design Standards, Section 106-304.17(G)(4) Townhouse, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA pertaining to separation between townhouse groupings. (Advertised in the May 7 and 14, 2026, issues of the Salem Times-Register.) (Planning Commission recommended approval). B.Abstract of Votes Receive the Abstract of Referendum Votes cast at the Special Election held on April 21, 2026. 7.Adjournment Item #: 3.B. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Salem High School - State Championship - Individual Debate Consider the adoption of Resolution 1529 honoring Salem High School Individual Debate members Dylan Hancock, Luke Stovall, and Kody Hinnant for their VHSL Class 4 State Championships. SUBMITTED BY:Rob Light, Assistant City Manager/Clerk of Council SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: This time has been set aside to recognize Salem High School Individual Debate members Dylan Hancock, Luke Stovall, and Kody Hinnant for their VHSL Class 4 State Championships. FISCAL IMPACT: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Item 3B 5-26-26 HighSchoolResolution 1529-Debate2026-Council CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM Work Session, 5:30 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 May 11, 2026, at 5:30 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 (absent); 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; Will Simpson, Assistant Director of Community Development/City Engineer; Mary Ellen Wines, Planning and Zoning Administrator; Max Dillon, Planner; Stephen G. Simon, Chief of Fire & EMS; Crystal Williams, Assistant to the City Manager; and Laura Lea Harris, Deputy Clerk of Council; Also present were Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Health Director, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District; Alexander Boone, President, ABoone, Real Estate, Inc.; and Court Rosen, Director of Development, ABoone Real Estate, Inc.; and the following business was transacted; Mayor Turk reported that this date, place, and time had been set in order for the Council to hold a work session; and 2.New Business A. Discussion Items 1) Receive a presentation/update - Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Health Director, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts 2) Discuss a request by ABoone Real Estate, Inc. to amend Chapter 106 Zoning, Article III Use and Design Standards, Section 106-304.17(G)(4) Townhouse, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA pertaining to separation between townhouse groupings. Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Health Director, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District, presented an update on the current health status of the City of Salem. She presented an overview of how the City of Salem ranks among Virginia localities. Dr. Morrow addressed the ten essential public health services and shared data specific to the ranking of the City of Salem in the state of Virginia. She addressed specifically cancer, heart disease and stroke, substance abuse, maternal and child health, and environmental health. The economic implications of public health were also discussed. Council was able to ask questions and discuss the information that was presented. Mary Ellen Wines, Planning and Zoning Administrator, presented an overview of the proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance 106-304.17(G)(4). Alexander Boone, President, ABoone Real Estate, Inc., and Court Rosen, Director of Development, ABoone Real Estate, Inc., were also present on behalf of ABoone Real Estate, Inc. She shared a definition of a townhouse and background on the zoning requirements for this type of development. Illustrations were also shown. Council was able to ask questions and discuss this request. The request will formally come before Council for a first reading at the next regular Council meeting. 3.Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Turk adjourned the meeting at 6:19 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 (absent); 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; Will Simpson, Assistant Director of Community Development/City Engineer; Mike Stevens, Director of Communications; and Jim Guynn, City Attorney. 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.Awards & Recognitions A.Salem High School - State Championship - Speech Team Consider the adoption of Resolution 1525 honoring the Salem High School Speech Team for winning the VHSL Class 4 State Championship. Mayor Turk shared that Council would like to recognize the Salem High School Speech team for winning the Virginia High School League Class 4 State Championship. She asked that the Speech team, Coach Mark Ingerson, and Assistant Coaches Elliott Petry and Rachel Wurster come forward. Mayor Turk read Resolution 1525 for those present. Randy Foley motioned to adopt Resolution 1525 honoring the Salem High School Speech Team for winning the VHSL Class 4 State Championship. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None The team members were each presented a copy of the resolution and a Salem Championship pin. City Council expressed congratulations and pictures were taken of the team and Council by Mike Stevens. B.Salem High School - State Championship - Wrestling Consider the adoption of Resolution 1526 honoring Salem High School Wrestler Jake James for his VHSL Class 4 State Championship. Mayor Turk shared that Council would like to recognize Salem High School wrestler Jake James for winning a Virginia High School League Class 4 State Championship. She asked that Jake and Coach Lawrence Van Liew come forward. Mayor Turk read Resolution 1526 for those present. Jake and Coach Van Liew were each presented with a copy of the resolution and a Salem Championship pin. City Council expressed congratulations, and pictures were taken by Mike Stevens. Randy Foley motioned to adopt Resolution 1526 honoring Salem High School wrestler Jake James for winning his VHSL Class 4 State Championship. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None 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. schools, public safety services, parks, community events, affordable housing, and walkable neighborhoods. Emphasis was placed on the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry and the need for greater public participation in local government, particularly among younger residents. Recommendations included improving public access to information, expanding opportunities for citizen involvement on boards and committees, enhancing communication through town halls and interactive website tools, and creating a Citizen Academy program to educate residents about City government and encourage civic engagement. B.Minutes Consider acceptance of the April 27, 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. City Manager Dorsey provided an update on recent and upcoming activities and events in the City of Salem. C.Financial Reports Consider acceptance of the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the eight months ending February 2026. The Financial Reports were received. 5.Old Business There was no Old Business this evening. 6.New Business A.Public Hearing for Lease of Property Hold a public hearing and consider the leasing of an approximate +/- 0.203- acre tract located in and owned by the City of Salem, Virginia, being Tax Map # 107-6-5. Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Dorsey provide information on this item. Mr. Dorsey explained that the parking lot property near Thompson Memorial Drive and Calhoun Street was originally included in a 20-year economic incentive nominal rate of $1 per year. The agreement expired in February 2026. Staff worked with the new property owners, with assistance from Bob Rotanz, to negotiate a new lease agreement. Based on comparable parking lot rental rates in the area, the City agreed to lease approximately 22 parking spaces at a rate of $55 per space, totaling $1,210 per month or $14,520 annually. The proposed lease term is five years and includes a six-month cancellation clause should the City need to terminate the agreement. The City Manager also noted that a typographical error in the agenda memorandum referencing the February 27, 2026, meeting date should have read February 27, 2006. City Manager Dorsey noted that he had misspoken earlier and that this lease was for a five-year term, not a three-year term. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. John Breen, 142 Bogey Lane, asked to confirm that the City Attorney would formally review and sign the proposed lease agreement to confirm its legality, noting need for the parking spaces created any undue leverage in negotiating the lease terms with the new owners and expressed hope that the agreement was entered into voluntarily and at a fair market rate. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. Randy Foley motioned to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute a lease agreement with M&B Hospitality, LLC for utilization of the noted parcel as a parking lot, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None B.Public Hearing on the Effective Real Estate Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2027 Hold a public hearing on the effective real estate tax rate for Fiscal Year 2027. Mayor Turk requested that Ms. Jordan share information on this item. Ms. Jordan noted that, per the Code of Virginia, any time reassessment increases by more than 1%, it is required that a public hearing be held on the effective tax rate increase. The calculated increase was 8.74%. The effective tax rate increase was advertised in Cardinal News on May 1, 2026, as required by Code. Part of that requirement is that a public hearing must be held on that tax rate increase as part of the budget process. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing and noted that no vote was required. C.Tax Rates Resolution Consider the adoption of Resolution 1527 to levy the following tax rates for Fiscal Year 2027: a) Real Estate tax rate of $1.16 per $100 assessed valuation b) Personal property tax rate of $3.40 per $100 assessed valuation c) Machinery and tools tax rate of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation Mayor Turk asked Ms. Jordan to share some information on this item. Ms. Jordan explained that, as part of the annual budget process, City Council is required to establish tax rates for real estate, personal property, and machinery and tools taxes for Fiscal Year 2027. The proposed resolution sets the real estate tax rate at $1.16 per $100 of assessed value, reflecting a two-cent reduction from the previous rate. The personal property tax rate would remain at $3.40 per $100 of assessed value, and the machinery and tools tax rate would remain at $3.20 per $100 of assessed value. Adoption of the resolution establishing the FY2027 tax rates was requested by Council this evening. Mayor Turk noted that the City had reduced the real estate tax rate by two cents in the previous fiscal year, from $1.20 to $1.18 per $100 of assessed value, and was proposing an additional two-cent reduction to $1.16 for FY2027. She emphasized that the reductions were possible based on current budget conditions, while acknowledging that future financial needs may not always allow for additional decreases. A public hearing on the proposed rates was held this evening. Council was asked to approve the tax rates as outlined in the resolution included in their meeting packets. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt Resolution 1527 to levy the tax rates for Fiscal Year 2027. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None D.Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 Hold a public hearing on the City of Salem proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Mayor Turk asked Ms. Jordan for information on this item. Ms. Jordan stated that the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget was presented to City Council on April 11, 2026. Notice of the budget and public hearing was advertised in Cardinal News on April 30 and May 7, 2026, and the proposed budget, including webpage. The public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget was being conducted as part of the annual budget process. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing and noted that no vote was required on this item this evening. E.Salem City Schools Budget Consider adoption of Resolution 1528 approving the Salem City Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Mayor Turk asked Ms. Jordan for information on this item. Ms. Jordan noted that Council was being asked this evening to adopt Resolution 1528, which approves the Salem City Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The School Board approved the proposed budget on March 19, 2026, and later amended it on April 14, 2026, to address budget balancing adjustments. The budget was made t to approve the School Division budget for FY2027. Anne Marie Green motioned to adopt Resolution 1528 approving the Salem City School budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None F.Review of Budget Adoption for Fiscal Year 2027 Review of budget adoption for Fiscal Year 2027. Mayor Turk requested Ms. Jordan to provide information on this item. Ms. Jordan stated that adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is required under Section 8.3 of the City Charter and must be completed prior to July 1, 2026. She noted that the proposed budget was originally presented to City Council in April and that this presentation provided an overview of budget revisions made since that time. Ms. Jordan reviewed specific changes made to the proposed budget since the Budget Work Sessions, as detailed in the agenda packet for this evening. She noted changes to the expenditure side in the budgets for the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, and Electric Fund. She also noted changes to the Capital Improvement Plan Enterprise Funds. Mayor Turk noted that no vote was required on this item. G.Budget Appropriation Ordinances Individually consider on first reading the ordinances appropriating funds for: (a) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem operating budget and approval of the Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027 and: (b) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem capital budget and: (c) Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Salem City Schools Ms. Jordan explained, at the request of Mayor Turk, that the budget process requires two readings of the annual appropriation ordinances and that the current presentation constituted the first reading. The first ordinance pertains to the appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, including approval of the schematic list of positions and the employee pay scale for FY2027. The ordinance includes appropriations for the General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Civic Center Fund, Electric Fund, and Catering Fund, along with corresponding revenue and expenditure summaries. The ordinance also contains the schematic list of positions, including minimum, midpoint, and maximum salary ranges, as well as the proposed updated pay scale for FY2027. She noted that this information relates to the first ordinance under consideration this evening. Randy Foley motioned to adopt the first ordinance for the Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem operating budget, including approval of the Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None Ms. Jordan explained that this is also the first reading of the second ordinance, which appropriates funds for the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital project budget. This also eliminates the need to bring this information back during the year when the projects are ready to start. She listed the specific appropriations which were being requested, totaling $5,472,000. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt the second ordinance on first reading, appropriating $5,472,000 for the City of Salem Capital budget. Randy Foley s econded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None Ms. Jordan noted that this was the first reading of the third ordinance, appropriating funds for the Salem City Schools for Fiscal Year 2027. She noted that this included the Operating Fund, Grant Fund, and Cafeteria Fund. The total appropriations for the schools were $71,081,235. Anne Marie Green motioned to adopt the third ordinance on first reading, appropriating funds for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the Salem City Schools. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Absent: John Saunders Nays: None Abstaining: None 7.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: H. Robert Light Renée Ferris Turk Clerk of Council Mayor Item #: 5.A. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Resolution 1530 adopting the City's Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 Consider the approval of Resolution 1530 adopting the City's Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 SUBMITTED BY:Rosemarie Jordan, Director of Finance SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: The Fee Schedule is adopted each fiscal year as part of the budget process. The Fee Schedule includes the fees charged by the City, excluding taxes. Rates for taxes are approved in a separate resolution. There are no proposed fee changes. The Fee Schedule is attached for your approval. FISCAL IMPACT: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approving the attached resolution adopting the Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Resolution 1530 Fee Schedule 2.Fee Schedule FY2027 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, MAY 26, 2026: RESOLUTION 1530 WHEREAS, the City of Salem establishes rates and fees, regulated by the Code of Virginia, Salem City Code and locally elected officials of the City for the benefit of its residents and businesses; and WHEREAS, the City will provide reliable services at rates and fees for citizens and businesses that are competitive with other municipal entities; and WHEREAS, tax rates are approved in a separate resolution by City Council, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, that the City's Fee Schedule is hereby adopted in compliance with the above codes and terms and conditions, copies of which are attached, and that the rates and fees are adopted for use on all services rendered on or after July 1, 2026. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: John Saunders – H. Hunter Holliday – Byron Randolph Foley – Anne Marie Green – Renée F. Turk – ATTEST: H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia Item #: 5.B. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Resolution 1531 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2027 Consider approval of Resolution 1531 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. SUBMITTED BY:Rosemarie Jordan, Director of Finance SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: The adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is being requested to fulfill our legal requirement of adoption per the City Charter in Section 8.3. This step must be completed before July 1 of each year to meet this requirement. The adoption will include all City funds, Salem City Schools and the Capital Improvement Plan. Approval of the budget is for informative and fiscal planning purposes only and does not actually commit or appropriate funds for expenditure. The commitment of funds will not occur until the approval of the second reading of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriation ordinance on May 26, 2026. Attached is the list of changes that have been made to the budget since its presentation on April 13, 2026, to City Council. FISCAL IMPACT: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Resolution 1531 adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Resolution 1531 adopting FY27 budget 2.Changes Proposed to Final for Council FY2027 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, May 26, 2026: RESOLUTION 1531 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF SALEM BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 WHEREAS, Section 22.1-93 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, provides that the governing body of the City shall prepare and approve an annual budget; and WHEREAS, said budget shall be prepared and approved for informative and fiscal planning purposes only; and WHEREAS, the budget contains a complete itemized and classified plan of all contemplated expenditures and all estimated revenues for the ensuing year; and, WHEREAS, a brief synopsis of said budget was published as required by the provisions of Section 15.2-2506 of the State Code, and the public hearing as required thereon was held on May 11, 2026; NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Salem Virginia that the budget for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 is hereby adopted. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2026. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: John Saunders – H. Hunter Holliday – Byron Randolph Foley – Anne Marie Green – Renee F. Turk – ATTEST: _________________ H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia General Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Expenditure Budget Originally Presented $ 119,166,386 10-028-2180-58004 City Sheriff Motor Vehicles and Equipment 13,000 10-029-2210-55450 Commonwealth Attorney Lease Offset (2,000) 10-030-3110-52100 Police FICA 38,972 10-012-3325-57030 Finance RVJDC Juvenile Placement Program (3,662) 10-030-3510-53180 Police Veterinary Services 1,000 10-012-9107-55656 Finance McAfee Knob Shuttle (10,000) 10-012-9110-59500 Finance Contingency (2,310) 10-080-8110-58004 Economic Development Motor Vehicles and Equipment (35,000) - General Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 119,166,386$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 9,793,691$ 51-012-0024-58010 Meter Readers Depreciation (1,513) 51-012-0024-55889 Meter Readers Billing and Collection Credits 1,513 51-012-0026-52200 Utility Billing VRS Retirement 36,000 51-012-0026-52300 Utility Billing Health Insurance 20,000 51-012-0026-55889 Utility Billing Billing and Collection Credits (56,000) 51-051-0021-53191 Production Billing and Collection Costs 13,871 51-051-0021-59500 Production Contingency (13,871) - Water Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 9,793,691$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 9,549,171$ 52-052-0031-58014 Sewer Infrastructure Improvements (550,000) 52-052-0031-59449 Sewer Transfer to Sewer Capital Fund 550,000 52-052-0031-53191 Sewer Billing and Collection Costs 13,872 52-052-0031-59500 Sewer Contingency (13,872) - Sewer Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 9,549,171$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 54,585,514$ 54-054-0010-85635 Transmission - Operation Capacity Charges (8,098,000) 54-054-0010-85651 Transmission - Operation Capacity Charges 8,098,000 54-054-0010-85640 Transmission - Operation ARR Credits 360,000 54-054-0010-85652 Transmission - Operation ARR Credits (360,000) 54-054-0014-89030 Customer Service Customer Billing/Collection 27,744 54-054-0015-89993 Adminstrative & General - Oper Contingency (27,744) - Electric Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 54,585,514$ Water Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Sewer Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Electric Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Item #: 5.C. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Budget Appropriation Ordinances Individually consider on second reading the ordinances appropriating funds for: (a) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem operating budget and approval of the Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027 and: (b) Fiscal Year 2027 City of Salem capital budget and: (c) Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Salem City Schools SUBMITTED BY:Rosemarie Jordan, Director of Finance SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: This is the second reading of three ordinances to appropriate funds for Fiscal Year 2027 for the City of Salem operating and capital budgets, Salem City Schools categories, and approve the City of Salem Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027. The Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) were presented to City Council on April 13, 2026. The operating budget reflects the tax rates adopted at the City Council meeting on May 11, 2026. The proposed budget was advertised in Cardinal News on April 30, 2026, and May 7, 2026. A public hearing was held on the budget on May 11, 2026, to receive oral comments from the public concerning the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and capital budget. Attached for your approval are three budget appropriation ordinances for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027. In order to separate Salem City Schools funding from City funding and more clearly distinguish the appropriations of City Council, City staff has divided the appropriation into three ordinances. Each ordinance will be voted on separately. City staff has included a list of changes that have been made to the budget since the presentation on April 13, 2026. The total City budget for Fiscal Year 2027 is $251,765,156, which includes the following funds: General, Water, Sewer, Civic Center, Catering, Electric, Debt Service, and Schools. The total excludes transfers. The budget is recommended to be appropriated in three separate budget ordinances. (a) The first budget ordinance provides funding in the amount of $175,211,921 in Fiscal Year 2027 for the City’s operations budget. The ordinance also approves the City’s Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027. (b) The second budget ordinance provides funding in the amount of $5,472,000 in Fiscal Year 2027 for the City’s capital budget. (c) The third budget ordinance provides funding in the amount of $71,081,235 in Fiscal Year 2027 for Salem City Schools. FISCAL IMPACT: Approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget appropriation ordinances provides funding for City and School operations, transfers, and capital budgets effective July 1, 2026. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends individual approval of the second reading for the three Fiscal Year 2027 budget appropriation ordinances. Staff also recommends approval of the attached Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027. The first reading of the three ordinances was held on May 11, 2026. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Budget Appropriation Ordinance 5-11-26 2.FY27-Personnel- List of Positions 3.FY27-Personnel-Pay Scale 4.Changes Proposed to Final for Council FY2027 5.Civic Center Updated CIP 5.7.26 6.Sheriff Updated CIP 5.7.26 7.Ordinance for Capital Appropriation FY2027 8.School Budget Appropriation Ordinance 5-11-26 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 OPERATIONS BUDGET AND APPROVAL OF THE SCHEMATIC LIST OF POSITIONS AND PAY SCALE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 FOR THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA. WHEREAS, upon notice duly published in the newspaper, a public hearing was held on May 11, 2026, concerning the adoption of the annual budget for the City of Salem for Fiscal Year 2027; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, approved said budget on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.3 of the Charter of the City of Salem and Chapter 25 of Title 15.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended; and WHEREAS, the first reading of this appropriation ordinance was held on May 11, 2026 and the second reading of this ordinance was held on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.3 of the Charter of the City of Salem. NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the following appropriations are hereby made from the respective funds for the period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, for the functions and purposes indicated: Appropriation Amount Revenues: Carryover 216,142$ Property Taxes 57,294,585 Other Local Taxes 31,193,000 Permits, Privilege Fees and Regulatory Licenses 413,440 Fines and Forfeitures 105,000 Revenue from Use of Money and Property 5,405,116 Charges for Services 4,091,757 Miscellaneous Revenue 636,496 Payment in Lieu of Taxes 3,314,000 Revenue from the Commonwealth - Categorical 13,587,995 Revenue from the Commonwealth - Non-categorical 2,894,357 Revenue from the Federal Government 14,498 Total General Fund Revenues 119,166,386 Debt Service Fund 5,383,417 Water Fund 9,793,691 Sewer Fund 9,549,171 City of Salem, Virginia Fiscal Year 2027 First Reading May 11, 2026; Second Reading May 26, 2026 Appropriation Amount Civic Center Fund 8,025,213 Electric Fund 54,585,514 Catering Fund 1,215,034 Total Revenue 207,718,426 Less: Transfers (32,506,505) Total Net of Transfers 175,211,921$ Expenditures: General Government 16,060,426 Judicial Administration 3,351,897 Public Safety 25,488,580 Public Works 16,244,807 Health and Welfare 8,338,840 Education 27,533,581 Parks, Recreation and Culture 9,186,507 Community Development 3,772,596 Transfers to Other Funds 4,502,047 Debt Service 3,044,415 Contingency 1,642,690 Total General Fund Expenditures 119,166,386 Debt Service Fund 5,383,417 Water Fund 9,793,691 Sewer Fund 9,549,171 Civic Center Fund 8,025,213 Electric Fund 54,585,514 Catering Fund 1,215,034 Total Expenditures 207,718,426 Less: Transfers (32,506,505) Total Net of Transfers 175,211,921$ 2. The City Manager may authorize or delegate the authorization of the transfer of any unencumbered balance or portion thereof from one department to another within the same fund. 3. That all funded outstanding encumbrances at June 30, 2026 are re- appropriated to the 2027 fiscal year to the same department and account for which they are encumbered in the previous year. 4. That the City Council approves the City of Salem Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale. The Schematic List of Positions and Pay Scale included as part of this ordinance are effective July 1, 2026. 5. That the budget, along with the list of changes, contains a complete itemized and classified plan of all contemplated expenditures and all estimated revenues for the ensuing year This ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2026. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: John Saunders – H. Hunter Holliday – Byron Randolph Foley – Anne Marie Green – Renée F. Turk – Passed: Effective: /s/ Renée F. Turk Mayor ATTEST: H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia Range Range Range Range Minimum Midpoint Maximum 20 35,325.39$ 45,923.01$ 56,520.62$ 21 37,091.66$ 48,219.16$ 59,346.66$ 22 38,946.24$ 50,630.12$ 62,313.99$ 23 40,893.55$ 53,161.62$ 65,429.69$ 24 42,938.23$ 55,819.70$ 68,701.17$ 25 45,085.14$ 58,610.69$ 72,136.23$ 26 47,339.40$ 61,541.22$ 75,743.04$ 27 49,706.37$ 64,618.28$ 79,530.19$ 28 52,191.69$ 67,849.20$ 83,506.70$ 29 54,801.27$ 71,241.66$ 87,682.04$ 30 57,541.34$ 74,803.74$ 92,066.14$ 31 60,418.40$ 78,543.93$ 96,669.45$ 32 63,439.33$ 82,471.12$ 101,502.92$ 33 66,611.29$ 86,594.68$ 106,578.07$ 34 69,941.86$ 90,924.41$ 111,906.97$ 35 73,438.95$ 95,470.63$ 117,502.32$ 36 77,110.90$ 100,244.17$ 123,377.43$ 37 80,966.44$ 105,256.37$ 129,546.31$ 38 85,014.76$ 110,519.19$ 136,023.62$ 39 89,265.50$ 116,045.15$ 142,824.80$ 40 93,728.78$ 121,847.41$ 149,966.04$ 41 98,415.22$ 127,939.78$ 157,464.34$ 42 103,335.98$ 134,336.77$ 165,337.56$ 43 108,502.77$ 141,053.61$ 173,604.44$ 44 113,927.91$ 148,106.29$ 182,284.66$ 45 119,624.31$ 155,511.60$ 191,398.89$ City of Salem, Virginia Pay Scale for Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Expenditure Budget Originally Presented $ 119,166,386 10-028-2180-58004 City Sheriff Motor Vehicles and Equipment 13,000 10-029-2210-55450 Commonwealth Attorney Lease Offset (2,000) 10-030-3110-52100 Police FICA 38,972 10-012-3325-57030 Finance RVJDC Juvenile Placement Program (3,662) 10-030-3510-53180 Police Veterinary Services 1,000 10-012-9107-55656 Finance McAfee Knob Shuttle (10,000) 10-012-9110-59500 Finance Contingency (2,310) 10-080-8110-58004 Economic Development Motor Vehicles and Equipment (35,000) - General Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 119,166,386$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 9,793,691$ 51-012-0024-58010 Meter Readers Depreciation (1,513) 51-012-0024-55889 Meter Readers Billing and Collection Credits 1,513 51-012-0026-52200 Utility Billing VRS Retirement 36,000 51-012-0026-52300 Utility Billing Health Insurance 20,000 51-012-0026-55889 Utility Billing Billing and Collection Credits (56,000) 51-051-0021-53191 Production Billing and Collection Costs 13,871 51-051-0021-59500 Production Contingency (13,871) - Water Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 9,793,691$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 9,549,171$ 52-052-0031-58014 Sewer Infrastructure Improvements (550,000) 52-052-0031-59449 Sewer Transfer to Sewer Capital Fund 550,000 52-052-0031-53191 Sewer Billing and Collection Costs 13,872 52-052-0031-59500 Sewer Contingency (13,872) - Sewer Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 9,549,171$ Expenditure Budget Originally Presented 54,585,514$ 54-054-0010-85635 Transmission - Operation Capacity Charges (8,098,000) 54-054-0010-85651 Transmission - Operation Capacity Charges 8,098,000 54-054-0010-85640 Transmission - Operation ARR Credits 360,000 54-054-0010-85652 Transmission - Operation ARR Credits (360,000) 54-054-0014-89030 Customer Service Customer Billing/Collection 27,744 54-054-0015-89993 Adminstrative & General - Oper Contingency (27,744) - Electric Fund Expenditure Budget-Adjusted 54,585,514$ Water Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Sewer Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 Electric Fund Budget Changes for FY2027 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA WHEREAS, upon notice duly published in the newspaper, a public hearing was held on May 11, 2026, concerning the adoption of the annual budget for the City of Salem for Fiscal Year 2027; and WHEREAS, City Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, approved said budget on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.3 of the Charter of the City of Salem and Chapter 25 of Title 15.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended; and WHEREAS, the first reading of this appropriation ordinance was held on May 11, 2026, and the second reading of this ordinance was held on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of section 7.3 of Charter of the City of Salem NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, as follows: 1. That the following appropriations are hereby made from the respective funds for the period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, for the functions and purposes indicated: Appropriation Amount Revenues: Transfer from General Fund to Capital Projects Fund 2,192,000$ Transfer from Water Fund to Water Capital Fund 1,200,000 Transfer from Sewer Fund to Sewer Capital Fund 2,080,000 Total Revenue 5,472,000$ Expenditures: Capital Projects Fund 2,192,000$ Water Capital Fund 1,200,000 Sewer Capital Fund 2,080,000 Total Expenditures 5,472,000$ City of Salem, Virginia Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Projects Appropriations First Reading May 11, 2026; Second Reading May 26, 2026 2. That the City Manager may authorize the transfer of any unencumbered balance or portion thereof from one project to another so as to provide for the completion of a capital project. 3. That all funded outstanding capital encumbrances at June 30, 2026, are re- appropriated to Fiscal Year 2027 to the same account for which they are encumbered in the previous year. 4. That appropriations designated for capital projects will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year but shall remain appropriated until the completion of the project or until the City Council, by appropriate action, changes or eliminates the appropriation. Upon completion of a capital project, staff is authorized to close out the project and transfer to the funding source any remaining balances. This section applies to appropriations for capital projects at June 30, 2026, and appropriations in the 2027 fiscal year budget. This ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2026. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: H. Hunter Holliday – Anne Marie Green – Byron Randolph Foley – John Saunders – Renee F. Turk – Passed: Effective: /s/ Renee F. Turk Mayor ATTEST: H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 SALEM CITY SCHOOLS WHEREAS, upon notice duly published in the newspaper, a public hearing was held on May 11, 2026, concerning the adoption of the annual budget for the City of Salem for Fiscal Year 2027; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia approved said budget on May 11, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.3 of Salem City Code and Chapter 25 of Title 15.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and WHEREAS, the first reading of this appropriation ordinance was held on May 11, 2026, and the second reading of this ordinance was held on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.3 of the Salem City Code. NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia as follows: 1. That the following appropriations are hereby made from the respective funds for the period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 for the functions and purposes indicated. Salem City Schools First Reading May 11, 2026; Second Reading May 26, 2026 Appropriation Amount Revenue State Revenue, excluding Sales Tax $34,771,942 Sales Tax 4,607,685 Federal Revenue 3,528,821 Local Revenue 24,813,041 Other Revenue 643,609 Food Service 2,716,137 Total School Fund Revenue Budget $71,081,235 Expenditures Instruction $51,123,590 Administration, Attendance and Health 4,086,376 Pupil Transportation 2,676,227 Operations and Maintenance 4,430,502 Food Service 2,716,137 City of Salem, Virginia FY 2027 Appropriation Amount Debt Service and Fund Transfers 2,828,026 Technology 3,220,377 Total School Fund Expenditure Budget $71,081,235 2. That all funded outstanding categorical encumbrances at June 30, 2026 are re-appropriated to the 2027 fiscal year to the same category for which they are encumbered in the previous year. This ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2026. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: John Saunders – H. Hunter Holliday – Byron Randolph Foley – Anne Marie Green – Renee F. Turk – Passed: Effective: /s/ Renee F. Turk Mayor ATTEST: H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia Item #: 6.A. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Amendment to the City Code - Chapter 106, Zoning Hold a public hearing and consider the ordinance on first reading for the request of ABoone Real Estate Inc. to amend Chapter 106 Zoning, Article III Use and Design Standards, Section 106-304.17(G)(4) Townhouse, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA pertaining to separation between townhouse groupings. (Advertised in the May 7 and 14, 2026, issues of the Salem Times-Register.) (Planning Commission recommended approval). SUBMITTED BY:Maxwell Dillon, Planner SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: In the City of Salem, townhouse developments are permitted by right in the RMF Residential Multi Family and RB Residential Business District zoning designations, and by Special Exception Permit in the RSF Residential Single Family, DBD Downtown Business District, TBD Transitional Business District, and CBD Community Business District. Regardless of the zoning district, each townhouse development is required to meet the Use and Design Standards specified in Section 106-304.17 of Salem's Zoning Ordinance, which prescribes additional regulations related to items including, but not limited to minimum lot size/frontage, maximum density, setback/buffer yards, and spacing between unit groupings. The applicant is requesting a text amendment related specifically to Chapter 106- 304.17(G)(4), which currently requires a minimum 40-foot separation be provided between groupings of townhouse units, unless both facing walls contain no windows, doors, or balconies in which case the separation can be reduced to 20 feet. A similar separation standard is a requirement for multi-family structure spacing in the RMF Residential Multi-Family and RB Residential Business zoning districts, likely stemming from the intent of satisfying previous building codes and establishing ample separation between non-single family residential structures. While sometimes thought of as multi-family developments, the townhouse use is defined in Salem’s Zoning Ordinance as a “grouping of three or more attached single family dwellings in a row…”. As such, the a reduction from the currently required 40-foot separation to 20-feet is reasonable, with future townhouse developments still adhering to applicable building and fire codes. Furthermore, regional localities Roanoke County and Botetourt County both require a 20-foot separation between townhouse groupings, and Roanoke City does not require any separation. Ultimately, the remainder of Section 106-304.17. (Townhouse Use and Design Standards), and specifically Section 106-304.17(B)(2) which designates the maximum density of a townhouse development (10 units per acre) will remain in effect to govern relevant site design and development. Salem’s built-out environment renders efficient infill development paramount to the accommodation of housing needs in the future, and this proposed code adjustment allowing for flexibility in unit group spacing supports that objective without sacrificing standards that protect surrounding land uses. FISCAL IMPACT: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommend consideration of the ordinance on first reading for the proposed Code amendment. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Text Amendment - Townhouse application 2.Applicant Letter of Proposal for Text Amendment 3.PC April 15 2026 minutes 4.Council meeting notification letter ABoone 5.Legal ad 5.7 6.Legal ad 5.14 7.Zoning Text Amendment Sec._106_304.17.___Townhouse. Application Data for Application Number: Z26-30060 Application Type Application Sub-Type Applicant Location Zoning Applicant Address Property Owner CITY OF SALEM Owner Address PO BOX 869 SALEM, VA,24153 Question Answer Please provide a detailed description of the work associated with this application. Text amendment to the Townhouse Use and Design Standards for reduction in group spacing distance. Year Built Property Description Number of Stories Number of Rooms Number of Bedrooms Number of Bathrooms Type of Roof Type of Exterior Type of Basement Finished Square footage of Primary Building Lot Size Acres Lot Size SQFT Zoning Classification Legal Description PID Please advise Current Zoning type Please advise current use Please advise future use Please advise designation from the future land use map Is the building or parcel in a district currently designated as historic If yes, describe the proposed measures for meeting the standards of the Department of Historic Resources Tax Parcel Application Information This Special Exception/Use Not Provided For is being requested in order to? Text amendment to the Townhouse Use and Design Standards for reduction in group spacing distance. Describe in detail how you plan to develop the property for the proposed use and any associated uses Describe why the proposed use or exception is desirable and appropriate for the area See attached letter. What measures will be taken to assure that the proposed use or exception will not have a negative impact on the surrounding vicinity? Is the subject property located within the Floodplain District? If yes, describe the proposed measures for meeting the standards of the Floodplain Ordinance Have you provided a conceptual plan of the proposed development, including general lot configurations and road locations? Are the proposed lot sizes compatible with existing parcel sizes in the area? 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM Work Session, 5:30 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 meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers Conference Room, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, at 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, there being present the following members of said Commission, to wit: Denise P. King, Reid Garst, Jackson Beamer, Mark Henrickson, and Nathan Routt, constituting a legal quorum, with Chair King, presiding; together with Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Deputy Executive Secretary, ex officio member of said Commission. Charles Van Allman Jr., Director of Community Development; Maxwell S. Dillon, Planner, Jim Guynn, City Attorney; and the following business was transacted: Chair King reported that this date, place, and time had been set in order for the Commission to hold a work session. The work session meeting was called to order at 5:47 p.m. A discussion was held on the following items: 2.New Business A. Items for the April agenda 1. Zoning Text Amendment - Townhomes B. Items for the May agenda 1. 213 Rutledge Circle – two family dwelling 3.Adjournment Chair King adjourned at 6:29 p.m. 2 REGULAR SESSION 1.Call to Order A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, there being present the following members of said Commission, to wit: Denise P. King, Reid Garst, Jackson Beamer, Mark Henrickson, and Nathan Routt, constituting a legal quorum, with Chair King, presiding; together with Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Deputy Executive Secretary, ex officio member of said Commission, Charles E. Van Allman Jr., Director of Community Development; Maxwell S. Dillon, Planner, and Jim Guynn, City Attorney, and the following business was transacted: Chair King called the April meeting of the City of Salem Planning Commission to order at 6:33p.m. Reporting that this date, place, and time had been set in order for the Commission to hold a public meeting. A.Pledge of Allegiance B.Roll call Mr. Routt - Here Mr. Henrickson - Here Mr. Beamer - Here Mr. Garst - Here Chair King – Here 2. Consent Agenda A.Minutes Consider acceptance of the minutes from the March 11, 2026, work session and regular meeting. Chair King asked the Commission if anyone had any questions, additions, or comments. Hearing none, the minutes were accepted. 3. Reports A. Site Plan and Subdivision Plat approvals Max Dillon referenced a one-page report included in the agenda packet acknowledging the number of approved site plans and subdivisions over the past month. The report shows one site plan approval located at 416 Electric Road and two subdivision approvals. One being the Steelton Mill 3 Subdivision and the other located at 432 Chestnut Street. Chair King asked the Commission if anyone had any questions, additions, or comments. Hearing none the site plan and subdivision plat report was accepted. 4. Unfinished Business – none 5. Public Hearing Item Hold a public hearing and consider the request of ABoone Real Estate Inc. to amend Chapter 106 Zoning, Article III Use and Design Standards Section 106-304.17(G)(4) Townhouse of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA pertaining to separation between townhouse groupings. Proper legal notice has been given, and the property owner has been notified of said hearing. Chair King asked if the applicant’s representative was present and able to provide information Court Rosen, 3934 Electric Road, Roanoke, addressed the Commission regarding the current language within the referenced section of the code which requires a minimum 40-foot separation be provided between townhome groupings, though the minimum separation may be reduced to 20 foot if both facing walls contain no windows, doors, or balconies. The proposal is to revise the standard to a minimum 20-foot separation between groupings of town house units. Mr. Rosen noted that this issue arose during work on the Newman Project. He emphasized that the proposed amendment would not affect the approved density of the Newman development. Instead, maintaining the 40-foot requirement would force the layout to expand outward, reducing planned green and open space. He stated that the 20-foot standard is consistent with current building codes and is already used in nearby jurisdictions, including Roanoke County, Montgomery County, and Botetourt County. He added that the existing 40-foot requirement likely reflects an older building code predating modern fire-resistance standards. Adopting this amendment, it allows better use of the land and to keep it compact and preservation of green space which is important for communities. He mentioned the 20-foot proposed separation between groupings is also consistent with today’s development trends and the way communities are designed. It is not a consideration for Newman Drive, but development costs have skyrocketed and when houses are pushed apart, it increases infrastructure which is a big increase in costs up front. It is also a big increase in cost of long-term maintenance for municipalities, which is the reason communities are really tending to go to the 20-foot separation between townhouse groupings. He noted that Chris Burns can answer any engineering questions you may have. Mr. Garst asked whether the number of townhomes in the Newman Project would remain unchanged, noting that the number is controlled by proffer. Mr. Rosen confirmed that the unit count is fixed by the concept plan. Chair King reiterated for the record that the amendment would not increase the number of townhomes permitted on the Newman property. Mr. Rosen added that the density of the Newman project will not be affected one way or the other. The 40-foot separation pushes things out and it requires a lot more mass grading, it is just not what would be good for the community. 4 Chair King stated that at least one phone call had been received from a resident in the Newman Drive area under the impression that this hearing was a request to increase the number of town home units, and they were told that was not true. She asked if anyone else had any questions and if so please come forward. Mr. Henrickson asked Mr. Burns to address some concerns with that end unit having a minimum of 10 feet of property line setback; meaning that a property line would run between the units. Mr. Chris Burns, Westwood Professional Services, 1208 Corporate Circle, Roanoke, confirmed that a property line would run between the units and stated that building code requires only a 5-foot separation. Mr. Henrickson expressed concern about the lack of an easement between units and with a building that big and that long, he thinks there should be some sort of easement in between. Mr. Burns stated that part of the research we did was asking what emergency services need to get through there if there was an emergency or a fire and 20 feet was reasonable. Chair King stated that was something that had been confirmed by the Fire Captain and the Fire Marshal also. She stated that Mr. Henrickson, referring to an easement concerns her. She noted there is a difference between having an access easement and having the ability for emergency services to be able to get to the property and maybe that is something to discuss in the site plan regarding getting rescue or whatever is needed back there. Not an open access easement for just anybody to go through the property. Mr. Burns stated that with the way town homes are built and the building code, you have firewalls between each unit, so they are treated the same as single family structures as far as building code and the separation from property lines and firewalls on the end units. Mr. Light asked Mr. Dillon whether the amendment would affect density allowances for future townhome projects. Mr. Dillon explained that there is another stipulation in the city’s Use and Design standards that restricts the density of any town home project to 10 dwelling units per acre, which would prevent developers from increasing density simply by reducing separation distances. Chair King asked if there was anyone that would like to come forward and speak on this matter, and to please state your name and address for the record. The public hearing was opened at 6:42 PM. Kathryn Chrisfield, 948 North Mill Road, asked whether the 20 acres designated for development in the Newman Project could later be used to request additional units if the separation requirement were reduced. Chair King explained the number of units have already been proffered which means they cannot arbitrarily change the number of units. 5 Mr. Garst added that the proffer is legally binding on the property regardless of ownership. Chair King explained that the number of units is controlled by proffer and cannot be changed without restarting the full approval process. Mr. Rosen stated that open space will be conveyed to a home association. There will be 171 homeowners and there can be something written into the declaration of conveyances, conditions, and restrictions that the land remains open space or some mechanism legally to do that. Mr. Garst stated that the HOA could address Mr. Henrickson’s concerns about structures such as a wall or fences in between those units. Mr. Rosen agreed, stating all that is included, he is certain there will be language which will permit only certain fences of certain sizes and certain areas behind the townhomes. That normally would get addressed in conveyances, conditions, and restrictions. Mr. Garst stated that this should allow for more compact footprint allowing for more green space. He asked if the 40-foot separation would affect the cost. Mr. Rosen explained that about 15 units being impacted out of 171 units is fairly negligible, it is dealt with during the mass grading phase. It will add costs and they will absorb that costs to finish 171 proffered units. They simply feel it is better for the neighborhood and the new neighborhood to have more green space available. Chair King asked if anyone else would like to speak on this matter, please come forward. Elizabeth Roberts, 566 Parkdale Drive, asked how many acres are going to be taken up if there will be 20 feet instead of 40 feet between the units. Mr. Rosen answered that the exact amount of acreage would have to be checked. He mentioned that the original concept plan that was presented before the Planning Commission showed the town home units 20 feet apart. There are only slight changes to the roads to make them work and be safer. There is no actual change in the layout because the original concept plan already showed 20-foot between the units. Chair King stated that along with the staff doing a lot of research work the Commission has done a lot of research work also. She could not find a single jurisdiction that had 40-foot width anymore. She was surprised to find that in some cases jurisdictions do not have any regulation of width between town home buildings. Chair King asked if there was anyone else who would like to speak, seeing no one, she closed the public hearing at 6:48PM. Mr. Garst made a motion to recommend approval as written. Mr. Beamer 2nd the motion. 6 Roll Call Mr. Routt aye Mr. Henrickson nay Mr. Beamer aye Mr. Garst aye Chair King aye Chair King stated for the record that Planning Commission members would like to encourage City Council members to see about the revising of the entire town house code. 6. Other Business – None 7. Adjournment Chair King stated there was no additional business for the Planning Commission and the meeting was adjourned at 6:48p.m. April 21, 2026 ABoone Real Estate, Inc. 3934 Electric Road SW, Suite A Roanoke, VA 24018 RE: Use and Design Standards for Townhouses To Whom It May Concern: You and/or your agent shall appear before City Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.in the Council Chambers, First Floor, Salem City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia for consideration of your formal request for a text amendment to the Use and Design Standards for Townhouses. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our office at (540) 375-3016. Sincerely, H. Robert Light Assistant City Manager/Clerk of Council Page 1 of 3 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE, AND REORDAIN CHAPTER 106, ZONING, ARTICLE III, USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS, SECTION 106-304.17 TOWNHOUSE OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA PERTAINING TO SEPARATION BETWEEN TOWNHOUSE GROUPINGS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, THAT SECTION 106- 304.17 OF CHAPTER 106, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA BE AMENDED, REVISED, AND REORDAINED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: Chapter 106 ZONING ARTICLE III – USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS Sec. 106-304.17. Townhouse. (A)Intent: The following minimum standards are established in recognition that common-wall single- family dwellings on individual lots of record are a viable housing alternative to conventional detached single-family dwellings. These standards are intended to allow flexibility in unit arrangements, unit size and yard space, thereby allowing the creation of efficient and economical housing arrangements. (B)Townhouse Development Standards: The following minimum standards refer to the overall design of the site, and not to individual townhouse lots. 1. Applicants for townhouse developments shall submit a site plan in accordance with section 106-400 of this chapter. The site plan shall include a master plan that defines the entire townhouse development. The party submitting the site plan shall not commence development until the plan has been approved by the city. Approval of a final subdivision plat, pursuant to the provisions of the Salem Subdivision Ordinance is required prior to the sale of any townhouse lot. 2. The minimum development size for any townhouse development shall be 15,000 square feet. The maximum density of any townhouse development shall be ten dwelling units per acre. 3. The minimum frontage for a townhouse development shall be 60 feet on a public street. 4. Along public rights-of-way, the setback for the townhouse groupings shall be as specified in article II. Setback areas shall be free of all physical improvements, including parking areas, except for the following: Pedestrian walkways and sidewalks. Privacy fences in rear yards. Accessory buildings in rear yards. Retaining walls. 5. When buffer yards are required between zoning districts of different intensities, plantings shall be installed as specified in the 25-foot, or greater, buffer yard requirement found in section 106-402.3. No individual townhouse lot lines shall extend into any required landscape buffer. 6. A minimum 25-foot setback shall be established between townhouse groupings and adjacent properties that are zoned AG or RSF. Setbacks between townhouse groupings and adjacent properties of other zoning classifications shall meet the requirements of the underlying zoning district for the property. Where required, this area shall be professionally landscaped with a Page 2 of 3 combination of trees and shrubs, and shall remain free of all physical improvements, including parking areas, except for: a. Pedestrian walkways and sidewalks. b. Privacy fences in rear yards. c. Accessory buildings in rear yards. d. Retaining walls. 7. No townhouse unit shall have a private driveway connecting to a public street. 8. All townhouse developments shall be served by public water and sewer. 9. A homeowners' association shall be created for each townhouse development. The homeowners' association shall be responsible for the perpetual maintenance of all commonly owned areas and facilities including, but not limited to, open space, required buffer yards, common areas, private streets and parking areas, and stormwater management facilities within the townhouse development. (C)Minimum Townhouse Lot Requirements: 1. Individual townhouse lots may front on either public or private streets, parking areas, or other commonly-owned areas within the development. 2. There shall be no minimum lot size for individual townhouse lots. Each townhouse lot shall be large enough to accommodate the footprint of the unit, any required yards, and any amenities intended for the exclusive use of that unit, such as private parking areas or patios. No required townhouse yard may contain any parking area not intended for the exclusive use of that unit. Individual townhouse lots may extend into the 25-foot landscaped setback at the perimeter of the development, however they may not extend into any required buffer yard. 3. The minimum width for any townhouse unit shall be 16 feet. (D)Minimum Townhouse Yard Requirements: 1. Townhouse Unit: Front Yard: (a) The minimum front yard for any townhouse unit fronting on a public street shall be as specified in article II, District Regulations. (b) The minimum front yard for any townhouse unit not fronting on a public street shall be ten feet. Rear Yard: The minimum rear yard shall be ten feet. Side Yard for End Units: The minimum side yard for end units shall be ten feet. (E)Maximum Height of Structures: 1. The maximum height of any townhouse unit shall be three stories or 45 feet. (F)Maximum Building Size: 1. Accessory Structures: No accessory building shall exceed 100 square feet in size. (G)Grouping of Townhouses: 1. Townhouses shall be attached in groups of three to 12. 2. The facades of townhouses shall be varied by staggered front yards and variations in design and materials. No more than four abutting townhouses shall have the same front yard depth and the Page 3 of 3 same architectural treatment of facades and roof lines. The front yard stagger, when required, shall be a minimum of two feet. 3. All townhouses shall be arranged such that only the front or side of any unit shall face a public street. If site characteristics require that the backs of townhouses face a public street, then vegetative screening shall be required per the provisions of this chapter. Such vegetative screening shall be located within a common area, and not on any townhouse lot. 4. A minimum 4020-foot separation shall be provided between groupings of townhouse units. This minimum separation may be reduced to 20 feet if both facing walls contain no windows, doors or balconies. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect ten (10) days after its final passage. Upon a call for an aye and a nay vote, the same stood as follows: John Saunders – H. Hunter Holliday – Byron Randolph Foley – Anne Marie Green – Renee F. Turk – Passed: Effective: /s/ Renee F. Turk Mayor ATTEST: H. Robert Light Clerk of Council City of Salem, Virginia Item #: 6.B. AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA HELD AT CITY HALL MEETING DATE:May 26, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Abstract of Votes Receive the Abstract of Referendum Votes cast at the Special Election held on April 21, 2026. SUBMITTED BY:Benjamin Leeson, Director of Elections and General Registrar SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: Per the Code of Virginia, a certified copy of the Abstract of Votes from each election must be received and formally recorded. FISCAL IMPACT: None STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that Council receive the Abstract of Referendum Votes for the Special Election held on April 21, 2026. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Abstract of Votes April 21.2026