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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/14/2026 - City Council - Minutes - Regular CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM Work Session, 5:15 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 September 14, 2026, at 5:15 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; Haskell Brown, on behalf of City Attorney, Jim Guynn; 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 Discussion of Charter Revision Haskell Brown, Guynn Waddell, P.C., reviewed the proposed changes in the draft revision of the Charter of the City of Salem. State code requires the Virginia General Assembly to approve revisions to the City charter. The original city charter was drafted in 1968, with the last revision being done in 1993. Mr. Brown reviewed the changes by section. Council discussed the proposed changes, asked questions, and made suggestions. Edits were made for some sections. Mr. Brown also listed and noted, with explanations, sections being repealed. Mr. Light explained the process that would be followed in the charter revision. He noted that staff would advertise for and hold a public hearing at the second September Council meeting. He also explained that state code required these revisions to go to the General Assembly for approval. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Turk adjourned the meeting at 6:27 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; Mike Stevens, Director of Communications; and Haskell Brown, on behalf of City Attorney, Jim Guynn. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Awards & Recognitions A. Recognition of Constitution Week and Fort Lewis Chapter of NSDAR Present Proclamation to Cynthia McKinney, District VII Vice Director and Honorary Chapter Regent/Recording Secretary of the Fort Lewis Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), in recognition of Constitution Week 2026. Mayor Turk recognized Constitution Week 2026 and the Fort Lewis Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Mayor Turk asked that members of the Fort Lewis Chapter of the NSDAR in attendance come forward while she read the proclamation aloud. Mike Stevens took pictures of the group with Council. Council thanked the group for all of their work. Mayor Turk emphasized the many hours that this group devotes to volunteer work. 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. Nora Smith, 1135 Lynchburg Turnpike, proposed increasing the Salem City Council from five to seven elected members. She referenced comparable Virginia cities with populations of approximately 50,000 or fewer that have seven -member councils and provided a handout comparing population and counc il size. Ms. Smith stated that a seven-member council could provide broader representation of Salem’s residents, distribute council workload, allow greater attention to neighborhood and community issues, and encourage civic engagement and public participat ion. She acknowledged concerns that a larger council could increase bureaucracy or slow decision -making but stated that clear guidelines and collaboration could address those concerns. Ms. Smith urged Council to consider expanding its membership from five to seven members. Cynthia Munley, 425 Roanoke Boulevard, thanked Mayor Turk for meeting with her and a representative of En L'air Dance Academy regarding the potential expansion of arts opportunities for local youth. She proposed that the City partner with citizens to establish a “HART Academy,” or Hilltop Academy for Restorative Training, an after- school arts program intended to provide area youth with opportunities in visual and performing arts, nature, parks, and in-person social interaction. Ms. Munley stated that the program could address concerns regarding excessive screen use and related youth well-being, provide additional after-school opportunities for working families, and potentially qualify for grant funding. She requested that City leaders consider the proposal and take steps to allow additional time to evaluate the concept in connection with the potential sale of HopeTree. Ms. Munley stated that the program could serve children throughout the region and potentially position Salem as a model for similar initiatives. John Breen, 142 Bogey Lane, expressed concerns regarding the City Charter, noting its age, potential conflicts with state and local regulations, and its overall impact on the City's administrative system of checks and balances. Mr. Breen proposed an open and transparent review process involving a charter review commission or committee, public participation, and recommendations to Council, with any resulting Charter amendments ultimately subject to action by the Virginia General Assembly. He also expressed the view that an outside consultant was unnecessary. Mayor Turk asked for the specific locations that Mr. Breen was quoting information from. Mr. Breen responded that the described process was compiled from information available online regarding charter reviews conducted by various Virginia localities. Paige Hunsicker, 260 Butt Hollow Road, addressed Council regarding her missing dog and concerns about the handling of a deceased dog recovered along Interstate 81 that may have been her dog. She stated that the animal was not scanned for a microchip before disposal, leaving the family uncertain about its identity. She requested that procedures be considered requiring deceased animals recovered from roadways to be scanned for microchips when practical, with results documented and owners notified when identified. She also asked Council to consider incorporating such procedures locally and supporting consistent practices statewide. B. Minutes Consider acceptance of the August 24, 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. Mayor Turk provided an update on the work being done on the Habitat for Humanity House on Chapman Street. 5. Old Business There was no Old Business this evening. 6. New Business A. Salem City School Board Hold a public hearing to receive the views of citizens within the School Division regarding the School Board appointment for the expiring term ending December 31, 2026, of one member of the City of Salem School Board. (As advertised in the August 20, 2026, issue of the Salem-Times Register.) Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Light provide information on the process for this item. Mr. Light reported that, at its August 10 meeting, Council scheduled the public hearing and requested that interested applicants submit a resume and letter of interest. He noted that any interested applicant must have their name brought forward before the close of the public hearing. As of the close of business that day, one resume and letter of interest had been received from Macel Janoschka for reappointment. Mr. Light advised that additional interested applicants could bring their names forward during the public hearing. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. Macel Janoschka, 200 Bentwood Court, addressed Council regarding reappointment to the School Board. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to have served the remainder of Judge Thompson’s term and stated that serving on the School Board had been a rewarding experience. Ms. Janoschka highlighted improvements in student test scores and employee satisfaction while noting that continued improvement should remain a priority. She identified strategic planning for course offerings as an area for further attention, emphasizing the importance of aligning future courses and programs with student and community needs and available resources. Ms. Janoschka also described efforts to remain engaged with the school community by attending a variety of school events and stated that this involvement has provided greater insight into the experiences of students, staff, coaches, and families and has supported informed decision-making as a Board member. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and requested reappointment to the School Board. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. B. Special Exception Permit Hold a public hearing and consider the request of Terry Properties of VA Inc., property owner, for the issuance of a Special Exception Permit to allow a two- family dwelling on the property located at 432 Chestnut Street (Tax Map # 161-3-1). (Advertised in the August 27 and September 3, 2026, issues of The Salem Times-Register.) (Planning Commission recommended approval.) Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. Jodie Terry, 215 Academy Street, addressed Council regarding the proposed duplex at 432 Chestnut Street. He expressed appreciation for the Planning Commission’s review and noted its unanimous recommendation for approval. He stated that he was available to answer any questions from Council. Mayor Turk then invited questions from Council members. Vice-Mayor Green commented that the front elevation looked very nice and asked whether the proposed front elevation and associated design shown in the plans would be constructed as presented. Mr. Terry responded that the proposed duplex was designed with parking located in the rear, giving the structure the appearance of a single -family residence rather than a traditional duplex. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. Hunter Holliday motioned to approve the issuance of a special exception permit to allow a two-family dwelling on the property located at 432 Chestnut Street. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None C. City Code Amendment Hold a public hearing and consider ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 66, Signs, Article I In General, Section 66-11.1 Minor signs during voting, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, pertaining to minor signs during voting. (Advertised in the August 27 and September 3, 2026, issues of The Salem Times-Register.) (Planning Commission recommended approval.) Mayor Turk asked Ms. Mary Ellen Wines, Planning and Zoning Administrator, to come forward and provide information for Council and the public on this item. Ms. Wines explained that the proposed amendment was being requested in order to clarify the requirements for political signs on City property in connection with early voting and the consolidation of precincts at the Civic Center. The amendment would permit political signs to be posted beginning 12 hours prior to the start of voting and require their removal within four hours after voting ends. Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. Hunter Holliday motioned to adopt the ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 66, Signs, Article I In General, Section 66-11.1 Minor signs during voting, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, pertaining to minor signs during voting, specifically that the signs would be allowed on City property twelve hours prior to the start of voting and would be removed four hours after voting ended. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Councilman Foley asked about the enforceability of this amendment. Discussion was held on this question. Councilman Holliday stated that the Civic Center would pick up and dispose of any signs that were left after an election. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None D. City Council Appointment Read the names of applicants for interim Council member appointment until a special election is held with the November 2027 general election to fill the remainder of the vacant Council term expiring December 31, 2028. (Advertised in the August 27 and September 3, 2026, issues of The Salem Times-Register.) Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Light provide a review of the process being followed for this item. Mr. Light stated that the City Attorney, Mr. Guynn, had reviewed the process for filling the vacancy at the August 24, 2026, meeting. He noted that individuals under consideration must be named at least seven days prior to the appointment. Council must make a temporary appointment within 45 days, after which the Circuit Court may make the appointment. The temporary appointment will remain in effect until the November 2027 general election, when voters will elect a candidate to serve the remainder of the term through December 31, 2028. Councilman Foley asked to confirm, for clarification, that the appointee would serve through December 31, 2027. Mr. Light confirmed this and clarified that the temporary appointee would serve until the voters select a successor and that individual is qualified to assume the position, which could occur before the end of December 2027. Mayor Turk read the names of the applicants in alphabetical order: • Bryan Adams • Jonathan Alabran • Kimberly Blair • William Breedlove, Jr. • Ryan Dodson • Joseph Foley • Lisa Garst • Eric Hart • Claude Henson • Jane Johnson • James Martin • Joseph Mills • David Preston Mayor Turk noted that it was necessary to read these names for the record and thanked each of the applicants for their submissions. She explained that no action would be taken on this item this evening. E. Donation of Vehicle Consider the donation of a surplus 2006 Chevrolet Truck in the Police Department to Shield Chaplaincy. Mayor Turk requested that Mr. Light share information on this item for the benefit of the public. Mr. Light informed Council that Shield Chaplaincy provides law enforcement and public safety support services in the Valley, including services to the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire and Rescue Department. Services include peer support, critical incident debriefings, and emotional support for employees and their families. A request was presented to donate a 2006 surplus Animal Control pickup truck to Shield Chaplaincy to support its mission. Anne Marie Green motioned to approve the donation of a surplus 2006 Chevrolet truck in the Police Department to Shield Chaplaincy. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None F. Appropriation of Funds Consider a request to re-appropriate funding for various maintenance and capital items. Audit-Finance Committee Councilman Foley explained that in fiscal year 2026, funds were budgeted for maintenance or capital items that were not fully expended during the year for various reasons. Included in the Council agenda packet is a list of projects that need to have funding reappropriated in fiscal year 2027. Randy Foley motioned approval for re-appropriating fund balance of $838,857 to the General Fund, re-appropriating net position of $552,319 to the Water Fund, re- appropriating net position of $31,956 to the Civic Center Fund, reappropriating net position of $144,194 to the Electric Fund, and reappropriating net position of $9,349 to the Health Insurance Fund, as specified in the Council Report included in the agenda. Hunter Holliday seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None G. Boards and Commissions Consider appointments to various boards and commissions. Councilman Foley shared that in order to align appointments with the transition of the Greenway Committee, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission requests that the City of Salem reappoint its Greenway Community Representatives to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Committee and appoint a vacant position to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Committee. Randy Foley motioned to reappoint Russ Craighead for the remainder of a three-year term ending June 30th, 2028, and Denise P. King for a three-year term ending June 30th, 2029. He also motioned to appoint Steve Powers for a three -year term ending June 30th, 2029. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 7. Closed Session Hold a closed session in accordance with Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) and A (7) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, for: (1) A discussion of a personnel matter pertaining to discussion and consideration of prospective candidates for interim appointment to Salem City Council. (2) consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body. Anne Marie Green motioned that, in accordance with Section 2.2‐3711 (A)(1) and A (7) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, Council hereby convenes to closed session at 7:17 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the following specific matters: 1. A discussion of a personnel matter pertaining to discussion and consideration of prospective candidates for interim appointment to Salem City Council. 2. Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None Anne Marie Green motioned to reconvene at 8:27 p.m. in accordance with Section 2.2‐3712 D. of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended to date. Council certifies that in closed session only items lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such items identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened were heard, discussed, or considered by the Council. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None As a result of the closed session held pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3711 A (7), Randy Foley motioned to amend the agenda and add an action item to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute a settlement agreement with Appalachian Power Company on terms as proposed. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None Randy Foley motioned to authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute a settlement agreement with Appalachian Power Company on terms as proposed. Anne Marie Green seconded the motion. Ayes: Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk Nays: None Abstaining: None 8. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Turk at 8:29 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: H. Robert Light Renée Ferris Turk Clerk of Council Mayor