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SALEM -- City council approved a utilities employee union contract Wednesday.
The city's agreement with the fourth and final union representing the city employees Utilities Workers of America AFL/CIO Local 560, the union which represents the city's utilities workers, had been discussed extensively in executive sessions of both the utilities commission and city council in recent months. Council unanimously approved it.
The city has previously approved contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council, Salem Firefighters Local 283 of the International Association of Firefighters, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2701, which covers the service department, traffic and safety, some city hall personnel and the parks department in June.
Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey previously described the city's negotiations with the unions as having gone "very well, and very smoothly," and that the new agreements would have a three-year term.
Other items approved at the council meeting included an ordinance authorizing the utilities commission to advertise for bids and enter contracts as necessary for the Goshen Road waterline connection project, and an ordinance giving consent to the Ohio Department of transportation to perform maintenance and or repair on state highways inside city corporation limits.
In her report Dickey suggested holding an orientation meeting for the incoming 2024 council and administration to meet and discuss council rules and procedures, and the individual responsibilities and authorities of each position. Dickey explained that in her time in public service she had noticed there is often an adjustment period as new officials come to understand their new role, and she felt the meeting would be helpful with that adjustment.
"I've noticed throughout the years I've been on council that a lot of the time it takes a while for people to understand where they fit in the whole scheme of it and what their responsibilities are, and I think it would be very helpful," said Dickey.
Law Director Brooke Zellers was also in favor of holding an orientation meeting and said he would be happy to participate in and assist with the organization of such a meeting.
In his report City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello said that leaf bag pickup for the year had begun and would continue "at least through the end of November weather permitting." Cappuzzello also said that upgrades downtown to promote and encourage use of municipal parking including the installation of a new walkway in the Sugartree Alley, and new archways, lighting, speakers and a security camera system in the Burchfield Trace Alley were ongoing and progressing well.
During pleasure of council Councilman Steve Faber sent well wishes to City Auditor Betty Brothers husband Jack Brothers, ahead of pending surgery.
City council will meet next at 7 p.m. Nov. 21.