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SALEM -- City council approved advertising for bids for five solar mixing units for the utilities department.
The units, referred to as Solarbees, are solar powered mixing pumps that will be installed in the city's freshwater reservoirs. The devices maintain water circulation within the reservoir and combat issues caused for the department by annual algae blooms within the reservoir. Three units will be installed in the East Cold Run Reservoir and two in the Spring Valley Reservoir.
Also approved was a resolution authorizing the Ohio Department of Transportation to replace route and mile marker signs on state Route 14 from the Columbiana County line to the east corporation limit of the City of Salem and authorizing mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey to enter contracts as necessary to comply with project requirements.
Other legislative matters included second readings of the proposed tethering ordinance first discussed April 4, which establishes requirements and standards for the tethering of animals within the city; and an ordinance accepting a 10.939-acre property located at 1584 Depot Road for annexation from Perry Township and designating the zoning thereof as M-2.
In her report Dickey thanked all residents and businesses that made donations during the city's donation drive in support of East Palestine which began in March and ultimately collected over $7,000.
In his report Parks Director Shane Franks provided his annual report on the department's Bee City USA activities.
The department's 2022 activities included placing bee sanctuary signs in downtown Salem in the months of April through November; holding "Sunflower Day" at the Smucker House June 4; distributing 418 common milkweed seed packets and 18 teacher guides to Buckeye Elementary last April; hosting national pollinator week from June 19 through June 26 and pollinator garden open houses June 20, 22, and 24, with a "Bees and Trees" event also held June 22; and harvesting common milkweed seeds throughout the year, with 500 seed packets and educational stickers handed out during trail of treats.
Salem is one of only 10 communities in the state of Ohio recognized as a Bee City USA member. This year's international pollinator week will be June 18 through June 24. The Salem Bee City USA Committee will hold three events over the course of the week in celebration.
During pleasure of council Councilman Dennis Plegge reminded residents that a Super Cruise meeting will be held 6 p.m. today.
Councilman Evan Newman said that since the residential committee met about a month ago to discuss residents' concerns about the speed limit on South Lincoln, he had received many requests from residents for a follow-up meeting and further action on the matter, and he wanted to make council aware of this so residents know their concerns are being heard. Newman also encouraged any residents that felt comfortable doing so to share their opinions whether in favor or against reducing the speed limit with him at evanknewman@gmail.com, or with their own councilperson directly.
The City Council will meet next at 7 p.m. on May 16.