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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/24/2026 - City Council - Minutes - Regular CITY COUNCIL MINUTES City Council Amended Agenda Monday, August 24, 2026, 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 August 24, 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, and H. Hunter Holliday; 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; Jim Guynn, City Attorney; Crystal Williams, Assistant to the City Manager; and Laura Lea Harris, Deputy Clerk of Council; 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 Architectural Review Board Discussion Discussion of Vacant City Council Seat Mayor Turk acknowledged the death of Councilman John Saunders over the weekend. She stated that the Work Session this evening was for Jim Guynn, City Attorney, to present information from the State Code and the City Charter on the procedure to fill the vacant Council seat and noted that the purpose of this session was to receive information from the City Attorney and not to make decisions. Mr. Guynn outlined the procedure and timeline required for filling the vacant Council seat. He will file a Petition for Writ for a Special Election with the Circuit Court, with the special election to be held in conjunction with the November 2, 2027 , General Election. Council must appoint an interim Council member within 45 days of the vacancy. Applicants must be registered voters of the City of Salem. At least seven days prior to the interim appointment, Council must announce the names of all persons being proposed for the interim appointment at a public meeting . The interim appointee will serve until the November 2, 2027, special election held on the same day as the general election, at which time the voters will elect a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, ending December 31, 2028. Council discussed the process and associated dates. Council members expressed a preference that the interim appointee not be a current candidate for a Council seat in the upcoming general election. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Turk adjourned the meeting at 6:14 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, and Hunter Holliday; 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 Mayor Turk recognized the recent passing of Councilman John Saunders and honored his years of service to the City of Salem on behalf of Council. She reflected on his dedication to the City, strong work ethic, commitment to excellence, integrity, thoughtfulness, and willingness to serve others. Mayor Turk recognized Mr. Saunders as a valued colleague and friend who was deeply committed to the Salem community and whose service and counsel were highly respected. She expressed appreciation for his contributions during his time on Council and acknowledged the lasting legacy of service he leaves to the City. Council extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to his family and observed a moment of silence in his memory. 3. Awards & Recognitions A. Recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day Presentation of a proclamation recognizing August 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day. Mayor Turk noted that Mark Chadwick, CEO of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, was in attendance this evening. Mayor Turk requested that Bailey Medeiros, Director of the Roanoke Valley Collective Response, come forward. She read a proclamation by Council recognizing August 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day. The proclamation was presented to Ms. Medeiros in recognition of the observance and its importance to the community. Pictures were taken of Ms. Medeiros and Council by Mr. Ruhland. 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. Jaelin Vernon, President, and Ashlyn Davis, Vice-President of Community Service, Salem High School DECA Club, 400 Spartan Drive, thanked Council for its continued support of Salem City Public School facilities, including Spartan Field. They explained that DECA uses Spartan Field for its annual Powderpuff football game, which raises approximately $2,000–$3,000 annually to support the organization’s Christmas Cheer community service project, providing holiday gifts to students and families in need. They requested that Council reconsider the current Spartan Field concessions agreement, which permits only Salem Catering to sell concessions at events. They asked that nonprofit organizations be permitted to sell concessions and retain the proceeds for fundraising purposes, noting similar arrangements at other City and school facilities. They stated that allowing DECA and other nonprofit organizations to participate would provide additional funding for community service initiatives. Mayor Turk asked to clarify whether DECA was requesting an exception to allow the organization to sell concessions solely at this year’s Powderpuff game or was requesting a change to the current policy to allow other nonprofit organizations to sell concessions at Spartan Field events. Ms. Vernon responded that, in the immediate future, they would like to be permitted to sell concessions at future Powderpuff games and, if possible, requested that the City consider revising its policy to allow nonprofit organizations generally to sell concessions at Spartan Field events. Mr. Dorsey stated that the current concessions arrangement was established, in part, due to difficulties in securing volunteers and nonprofit organizations to staff concession operations for all events. He indicated that he would review the existing contract to determine whether accommodations could be made for certain games while ensuring concession operations are adequately staffed. Mayor Turk commented that this information was helpful and asked Mr. Dorsey if the City could consider allowing a nonprofit organization to operate concessions for a specific event if the organization could provide the required number of volunteers. Mr. Dorsey indicated that the matter would be reviewed in consideration of the reasons for the current concessions arrangement. Cynthia Munley, 426 Roanoke Boulevard, addressed Council regarding citizen involvement in City decision-making, referencing the 1998 rezoning and development of the Elizabeth Campus, preservation of green space, and placement of a water tower. She expressed concerns that citizens’ input has not always been adequately considered and encouraged greater transparency, responsiveness, and engagement between City leaders and residents. She indicated she would continue her comments at a future meeting. Mayor Turk invited Ms. Munley to send a copy of her full comments and noted that Council would review them. Ms. Munley stated that she would return to a later meeting in order to publicly complete her comments. Donna Crotts, 307 N. Broad Street, expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of Councilman John Saunders. She then addressed stormwater management and future development, advocating for proactive planning and preservation of remaining green space. She cited the environmental and public benefits of undeveloped land, including stormwater absorption, flood reduction, water supply protection, and wildlife habitat. She expressed concerns about the long -term public costs associated with development and impervious surfaces, including impacts to infrastructure, utilities, public safety, and insurance, and encouraged the City to prioritize redevelopment of existing vacant or paved properties rather than development of open green space. Tessa Warner, 745 Virginia Avenue, shared ideas for improving recreational and community opportunities for children and teens. Suggestions included developing one or more splash pads, creating a bike skills loop, establishing a teen center with recreational and educational activities, and providing a skate park accessible to Salem youth. She encouraged City leaders, parents, and young residents to work together to expand opportunities for Salem’s youth. Mayor Turk thanked the citizens for coming this evening to speak and commented that citizens are welcome to come and speak to Council. B. Minutes Consider acceptance of the August 10, 2026, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes. The minutes were approved as written. City Manager Dorsey provided an update on recent and upcoming activities and events in the City of Salem. He noted that school has started and urged citizens to drive carefully and follow the speed limit. He also noted that applications for the School Board are currently being accepted and that the public hearing will be held for this appointment at the September 14th meeting. Mr. Dorsey shared that the kickoff for the next Habitat for Humanity house was this past Friday and that the property for this construction on Chapman Street was donated by the City of Salem earlier in the year. Mayor Turk noted that Jennifer Rogers and Mark Henrickson, both active with the Habitat for Humanity program, were in attendance this evening. She thanked them both for their work. Vice-Mayor Green noted that this project was in her neighborhood. Mr. Dorsey also noted that the visitation, funeral service, and Celebration of Life for Councilman Saunders would be held this Thursday at the Salem Civic Center. Mayor Turk encouraged citizens to check the City website and the Salem Times- Register for events and activities in the City of Salem. C. Financial Reports Consider acceptance of the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the eleven months ending May 31, 2026. The Financial Reports were received. 5. Old Business A. Stormwater Utility Consider an ordinance on second reading to amend, revise, reordain, and enact Chapter 30, Environment, by adopting additional sections 30 -189 through 30-199, Article VI, Stormwater Utility Fee of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA. (Approved on first reading at the August 10, 2026, meeting.) Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Van Allman provide information on this item for anyone who was not in attendance at the previous Council meeting. Mr. Van Allman explained that the City has significant stormwater infrastructure needs, including repairs, replacement of aging drainage systems, maintenance of infiltration facilities, and construction of new infrastructure. He stated that a dedicated stormwater funding source would allow these needs to be addressed without competing with other priorities within the General Fund and noted that stormwater utilities are commonly used by localities throughout Virginia. Mayor Turk commended the stormwater planning process, noting that the committee had worked for more than a year and included input from public meetings and various stakeholders. She stated that addressing the stormwater issue is necessary and that a stormwater fee would provide the funding mechanism, emphasizing that the proposed charge is a fee rather than a tax. Mr. Van Allman reiterated that this is a fee, similar to water and sewer fees. Randy Foley motioned to adopt the ordinance on second reading to amend the sections identified in the Mayor's item introduction as specified in the Council agenda packet. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None B. Use Not Provided For Permit The petition of The Preston Place Preservation Foundation Inc., property owner, for a Use Not Provided for Permit for outdoor gatherings of less than 500 people on the property located at 1936 West Main Street (Tax Map #138 - 2-7). (Advertised in the July 23 and 30, 2026, issues of The Salem Times- Register.) The public hearing was held at the August 10, 2026, Council meeting. Mayor Turk noted that the public hearing for this item was held at the August 10th meeting and that a motion to approve this item was needed this evening if that was the direction that Council desired to go. Hunter Holliday motioned to approve a Use Not Provided For Permit for outdoor gatherings of less than 500 people on the property located at 1936 West Main Street (Tax Map #138-2-7) with the following conditions: 1. An updated site plan shall be submitted for review illustrating both the existing parking configuration and the proposed parking lot expansion. Any future site development shall require submission and approval of an amended site plan. 2. The existing brownstone parking surface shall be properly maintained through the removal of grass, weeds, and other vegetation. Routine maintenance shall preserve the approved brownstone surface, and standard gravel shall not be substituted. 3. Because the City's standard parking requirements do not apply to a Use Not Provided For Permit, a parking overflow and traffic management plan, together with any supporting documentation, including parking agreements or property owner authorizations, shall be submitted to and approved by the City prior to the operation of any special event. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Councilman Foley reiterated opposition from the previous meeting to the proposal, citing concerns about increasing the allowable attendance at the site to 499 people. He stated that the originally proposed limit of 200 or fewer attendees was more appropriate for the site. Mayor Turk asked Mr. Van Allman to confirm that events anticipating attendance exceeding the site’s available parking capacity would be required to submit a parking plan to Community Development for review and approval. Mr. Van Allman responded affirmatively and explained that permit approval necessitates a review of site safety issues and compliance with all applicable ordinances, requiring increased scrutiny. Mayor Turk commented that an event had already been held at the site with 300 or more attendees. She noted that she had a problem with limiting the amount of funds that the organization could earn in order to help sustain Preston Place or limiting Preston Place’s ability to function and be successful. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: Randy Foley Abstaining: None 6. New Business A. Abstract of Votes Receive the Abstract of Votes cast at the Republican Primary for United States Senate held on August 4, 2026. The Abstract of Votes was received by Council. Mayor Turk noted that no action was required on this item. B. Vacancy on Salem City Council Review next steps in filling a vacant seat on Salem City Council. Mayor Turk noted that this item had been discussed in this evening's Work Session, but that Council would be reviewing with the public the next steps in Virginia for filling the current vacant seat on Salem City Council. She asked Mr. Guynn to provide information for the public on the process according to Virginia State Code and the Salem City Charter. Mr. Guynn reviewed the legal process for filling the vacancy. He stated that, within 15 days of the vacancy, the City must petition the Circuit Court for a Writ of Special Election. The special election is expected to be held in conjunction with the November 2027 General Election. Mr. Guynn explained that the applicable filing deadline for the current election year had passed, so the vacancy could not be filled by special election this year. Mayor Turk reiterated that the reason this special election could not be held this year was due to the requirement of State Code that there must be 81 days before the next election. Mr. Guynn explained that state law anticipates applications from individuals seeking appointment to fill the vacancy, with applicants to be identified at a public meeting based on submitted resumes and letters of interest. He noted that Council has 45 days to make the appointment, after which the authority to make the appointment would transfer to the Circuit Court. He also noted that an appointment may not be made less than seven days after the candidates being considered have been identified. Mr. Guynn outlined a proposed timeline, with applications due by September 8, candidates identified at the September 14 Council meeting and could choose to conduct any interviews either in closed session at that meeting or at a subsequent special meeting. He noted that, if Council wants to have the appointment in place by the September 28 meeting, Council could hold a special called meeting during the week of September 21 to make the appointment, with the appointee sworn in at the September 28 Council meeting. Mr. Guynn characterized the timeline as aggressive but consistent with Council’s stated desire to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. Mayor Turk stated that it also was required by the state that the vacancy must be filled within that 45-day period. Mr. Guynn confirmed that this was correct. Councilman Foley noted for the benefit of the public that this would be a one -year term essentially to fulfill Mr. Saunders' term. Mayor Turk added for clarification that about two years remained of Mr. Saunders’ current term and that this appointment would be until the general election in November 2027. The individual elected to serve the remainder of the term would serve for one year and would then be required to run for election again, consistent with state law. She announced that applications for consideration by Council must be received by the Clerk of Council’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on September 8. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resumé by delivery to the office or email, with confirmation of receipt. Council will receive information regarding the applicants and, at its September 14 meeting, will publicly identify the applicants for the record and consider which candidates to interview. Mr. Guynn confirmed that this was correct and added that State Statute requires that an applicant be a registered voter in the City of Salem. He added that it was his understanding from the Work Session that Council's preference for this appointment would be an individual who was not interested in running for Council during the election. Mayor Turk noted that Council's preference was to select someone not currently running for Council to avoid any perceived advantages in the election. The preference in order to be unbiased is for an individual who is willing to serve solely for the duration of the term. Councilman Foley noted that even though this was Council's preference, they could not prohibit someone from applying that was running for Council. Mayor Turk noted that she was being open and transparent in stating Council's preference. She repeated the dates September 8th, the deadline for submission of letters of interest and resumes, and September 14th, the announcement of names of those applying for the vacant Council seat. She expressed hope that the appointment would be made by Council at some point before or at the meeting on September 28th. Mr. Guynn noted that it would be wise to make a motion to authorize him to file the petition for a Writ of Special Election as a formality. Randy Foley motioned to authorize the City Attorney to petition the court for a Writ of Special Election in November 2027. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 7. Adjournment Councilman Holliday expressed condolences regarding the recent death of Councilman Saunders, highlighting the personal friendship shared since childhood. He acknowledged the difficulty in processing the loss and its potential impact on City Council and the City. Mr. Holliday stated that Councilman Saunders will be greatly missed and extended condolences to his family, friends, and all staff at City Hall who were influenced by him over the years. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: H. Robert Light Renée Ferris Turk Clerk of Council Mayor