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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/8/2026 - City Council - Minutes - Regular CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM Regular Session, 6:30 PM, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153 WORK SESSION WORK SESSION IS CANCELLED FOR JUNE 8, 2026 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 (participated remotely); with Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor, presiding together with Chris Dorsey, City Manager (participated remotely); Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Rosie Jordan, Director of Finance; Chuck Van Allman, Director of Community Development; Mike Stevens, Director of Communications; and Jim Guynn, City Attorney. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Light read a request from Councilman Saunders to participate remotely in this meeting. Mr. Light noted that Councilman Saunders asked him to read the following request on his behalf. "In accordance with Section 2.2- 3708.3 B (1) of the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Remote Participation Policy of the City of Salem, I hereby request to participate remotely due to a temporary medical condition that prevents my physical attendance." Randy Foley motioned to accept the remote participation of Councilman Saunders. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: John Saunders Mr. Light noted that City Manager Dorsey was also participating remotely this evening as he was traveling to the Virginia Local Government Management Association conference and that he would be joining Mr. Dorsey for the conference the next day. Mr. Dorsey stated that they were doing a test stream of the meeting this evening. Council expressed appreciation that this was coming to fruition. 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. John Breen, 142 Bogey Lane, encouraged Council to take a more proactive role in addressing community issues, including consideration of an Architectural Review Board, housing rehabilitation and neighborhood improvement programs, and the abatement of nonconforming land uses. He also emphasized the importance of public engagement in discussions regarding stormwater management fees, housing initiatives, and long-range planning efforts. Mr. Breen noted that Council had been provided via email a document designed to prompt discussion to create an ARB and a list of the 41 Virginia communities who have an ARB. Council was requested to forward a request to the Planning Commission to consider the starting discussion document and list of communities they had been provided with and within 60 days issue a report to Council. Stella Reinhard, 213 N. Broad Street, expressed support for establishing an Architectural Review Board (ARB) to help preserve historic and architecturally significant structures throughout the city and to protect community character as redevelopment occurs. She encouraged Council to review ARB models used by other Virginia localities and move forward with implementation. Ms. Reinhard also emphasized the value of Salem's historic resources and cultural assets in supporting tourism and community identity. Additionally, she encouraged greater inclusion of citizens with relevant expertise in City planning and development discussions. B. Minutes Consider acceptance of the May 26, 2026, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes. The minutes were approved as written. 5. Old Business A. Amendment to the City Code - Chapter 106, Zoning Consider the ordinance on second 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 b etween townhouse groupings. (Approved on first reading at the May 26, 2026, meeting.) Mayor Turk noted that this item had been discussed at the previous meeting and citizen questions had been addressed, but asked Mr. Van Allman to confirm that this was basically allowing windows and doors on the side. Mr. Van Allman confirmed that this was accurate. He explained that currently they are allowed to put the structures within twenty feet of each other without windows and doors. This amendment just allows them to put windows and doors. He emphasized that they still must meet the fire rating for that distance. Mr. Light noted for clarification that town homes are the specific type of structure under consideration. Randy Foley motioned to adopt the ordinance on second reading amending 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. Hunte r Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 6. New Business A. 213 Rutledge Circle - Special Exception Permit Hold a public hearing and consider the request of DSB PROPERTIES LLC, property owner, for a special exception permit to allow a two -family dwelling on the property located at 213 Rutledge Circle (Tax Map #59-2-3.2). (Advertised in the May 21 and 28, 2026, issues of the Salem Times-Register.) (Planning Commission recommended approval.) Mayor Turk asked Mr. Van Allman to share any pertinent information on this item. Mr. Van Allman explained that duplexes in single-family residential districts require a special exception permit and noted that the surrounding area contains a mix of single- family and multifamily residential uses, making the proposed use consistent with existing development patterns. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. Barney Horrell, Brushy Mountain Engineering, representing the owner or DSB Properties, addressed Council. He noted that the owner was in attendance with him this evening and noted that Council had a concept plan included in the agenda packet. He emphasized that the request was for approval of the proposed duplex use rather than a final site plan. He noted that the property is an infill lot located in an area with existing single-family and multifamily housing and stated that the proposal is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan goals for infill residential development. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. Hunter Holliday motioned to approve the request of DSB PROPERTIES LLC, property owner, for a special exception permit to allow a two -family dwelling on the property located at 213 Rutledge Circle (Tax Map #59-2-3.2). Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None B. Resolution 1532 - SMART SCALE ROUND 7 FUNDING Consider adoption of Resolution 1532 in support of SMART SCALE Round 7 Funding Applications Mayor Turk requested Mr. Van Allman to share information on this item. Mr. Van Allman reported that the City has submitted two projects for consideration under the federal Smart Scale funding program, which may provide up to 100% reimbursement of eligible project costs. The proposed projects include improvements at the Lynchburg Turnpike/Texas Street area and an extension of the East Main Street improvement project from east of Parkdale Drive to just beyond Kessler Mill Road. He noted that project details would be further developed if funding is awarded. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt Resolution 1532 in support of SMART SCALE Round 7 funding applications. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Mayor Turk commented that that the City continues to pursue state and federal transportation funding opportunities through the Smart Scale program despite challenges in obtaining awards during the previous funding round. She noted that several Council members serve on the Transportation Planning Organization Board (TPO) and expressed hope that the City's submitted projects will be successful in the current funding cycle. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None C. Resolution 1533 in Support of Design and Limited Access Control Changes for I-81 Widening Project Consider adoption of Resolution 1533 in support of the Interstate 81 Widening project in the City of Salem. Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Van Allman provide information on this item. Mr. Van Allman explained that the proposed resolution relates to a continuing Interstate 81 improvement project. Although the City is not directly involved in project funding, state requirements call for support resolutions from localities adjacent to limited-access highways. He noted that the City has communicated concerns regarding the local impacts of traffic incidents and congestion associated with I-81. Anne Marie Green motioned to adopt Resolution 1533 in support of design and limited access control changes for the I-81 widening project. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Councilman Foley asked if Mr. Van Allman knew whether they were going to continue the wall on the northbound and/or southbound side from Exit 137. Mr. Van Allman responded that a noise analysis will be conducted later in the project development process, after the design is substantially complete, to ensure accurate evaluation and avoid the need for revisions resulting from design changes. He did indicate that it was likely that they would continue with the wall, but that he couldn't speculate as to the extent. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None D. Resolution 1534- Remote Participation Policy Consider approval of Resolution 1534 to adopt a Remote Participation Policy for Council member participation in Council meetings for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027. Mayor Turk asked Mr. Light if he had anything he would like to add on this item. Mr. Light explained that the Code of Virginia establishes parameters for remote participation in meetings by governing body members and requires local governing bodies to adopt a remote participation policy annually. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt Resolution 1534, the City's Remote Participation Policy. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None E. Fiscal Agent Contracts Consider approval of the Fiscal Agent Contracts for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Mayor Turk requested that Ms. Jordan provide background information on this item. Ms. Jordan stated that annual approval of the fiscal agent contracts is requested by Council. This evening, staff was requesting Council approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 fiscal agent contracts for the Court Community Corrections Program and Regional Alcohol Safety Action Program Board, as well as the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy. She noted that the City has served as fiscal agent for these entities for many years without issues and wishes to continue in that role. Randy Foley motioned to approve the Fiscal Agent Contracts as presented for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None F. Adoption of Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan and Appropriation Consider approval of Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan, authorization of staff to apply for additional available Individual Distribution and Gold Standard funding included in the Strategic Plan, and appropriation of funds received from the Opioid Abatement Authority. Audit-Finance Committee Councilman Foley, Chairman of the Audit Finance Committee, requested that Ms. Jordan provide information on this item. Ms. Jordan reviewed the City's participation in the national opioid settlement program and the establishment of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA). The City of Salem formally adopted to participate in the consolidated legal opioid settlements in order to receive its share of available funds. She noted that the City applied for and received a $45,000 OAA planning grant, matched with $5,000 in local opioid settlement funds already received, and contracted with Rulo Strategies, LLC, to develop an opioid settlement strategic plan. The completed plan was presented to Council at its April 27, 2026, work session. Staff is requesting Council approval of the Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan; authorization for staff to apply for and receive additional OAA Individual Distribution and Gold Standard Incentive funds; and appropriation of opioid settlement funds received in Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 to support implementation of the plan. Ms. Jordan noted that future opioid settlement revenues would be incorporated into the annual budget process. Randy Foley motioned to approve the Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan as a guiding document and to authorize staff to allocate funding across the strategic domains identified in the Plan to ensure efficacy and stewardship of all funds received from the OAA. Additionally, to authorize staff to apply for additional Individual and Gold Standard OAA funds specifically allocated to the City upon application. Lastly, to appropriate funds for Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 as specified in the Council report for this item. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Mayor Turk noted that Council had been working on this and had held work sessions to receive information. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None G. Appropriation of Funds Consider request to amend the School Operating Fund budget as approved by the School Board on May 12, 2026. Audit - Finance Committee Councilman Foley noted that at their May 12, 2026, meeting, the School Board amended the Fiscal Year 2026 School Operating Fund budget to increase revenues and expenditures by $1,705,149. Larger than anticipated enrollment in the STRIDE online program amounts to $1,323,906 while a State-funded bonus for all Standards of Quality (SOQ) positions totaling $381,243 accounts for the remainder of this change. Randy Foley motioned to approve this School Board amendment to their Operating Fund budget. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None H. Boards and Commissions Consider appointments to various boards and commissions. Mayor Turk noted that some of the appointments involve appointing Council members and that nominations would be needed to fill these positions. She requested that Mr. Light facilitate. Mr. Light stated that the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) requires that Council appoint two prime members and one alternate member for terms expiring June 30, 2029. He added that currently, Mayor Turk and Councilman Holliday are serving as the prime members and that Councilman Foley is serving as the alternate. This requires a motion for two prime members and an alternate for the TPO. Randy Foley motioned to appoint Mayor Turk and Hunter Holliday as prime members to the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) for three -year terms ending June 30, 2029. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None Randy Foley motioned to appoint Anne Marie Green as alternate to the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) for a three -year term ending June 30, 2029. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None Randy Foley motioned to reappoint Melton Johnson for a three -year term ending July 1, 2029, to the Fair Housing Board; to appoint Karita Knisely for a two -year term ending June 30, 2028, to the Roanoke River Blueway Advisory Committee; to reappoint Denise P. King for a three-year term ending June 30, 2029, to the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission; to appoint Anne Marie Green for a full four- year term ending June 30, 2030, to the Social Services Advisory Board; and t o reappoint Dr. Mike Maxey for a full four-year term ending June 30, 2030, to the Virginia Western Community College Local Advisory Board. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 7. Adjournment Mayor Turk requested that Assistant City Manager Light provide an update on current items in the City of Salem. Mr. Light provided an update on recent and upcoming activities and events in the City of Salem. Mr. Light announced that notice would be sent out tomorrow that the June 22, 2026, meeting of City Council will be canceled due to a lack of agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: H. Robert Light Renée Ferris Turk Clerk of Council Mayor