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SALEM -- Salem City Council moved forward toward establishing modifications to the city's fence regulations during its meeting on Tuesday.
Council held the second and third readings of ordinances updating the city's regulations regarding the construction of fences which were discussed at length in the Jan. 25 Residential Committee meeting. The modifications are meant to address issues with fences being built without appropriate space between for maintenance of the property line, or fences being built with a shared wall without a formal agreement for a shared wall between neighbors which has led to fences collapsing from the additional load, or being destroyed by wind.
The ordinance to modify section 1147.04 of chapter 1147 part eleven, title three was read for a second time, while the third reading of section 1194.01 of chapter 1194 part eleven, title seven was held.
The changes include: all fencing located along adjacent lot lines shall be constructed so that either the face of the fence is on the property line, or the face of the fence is at least 3 feet from the property line, and any areas set back 3 feet or more from the property line, which could become enclosed by other similarly located fences must provide at least one gate for access and maintenance equipment; a written agreement between neighboring property owners that they will share a fence wall and the responsibilities that come with it will be submitted to the zoning department upon new construction permit application; and a property survey must be completed by the property owner and shared with the zoning department to build a new fence.
In other legislation items, ordinances regarding the proposed annexation of over 16 acres and an ordinance authorizing the Salem utilities commission to advertise for bids for the first phase Salem Water Treatment plant upgrade. Both were passed under declaration of emergencies. The expedited annexation is for 16.207 acres of land from Perry Township into the city of Salem. Owned 100 percent by J & M Builders and Land Improvements, LLC, the land is located off of the U.S. Route 62/state Route 45 bypass, just east of Jennings Avenue and Goshen Road. The property backs up to Hickory Lane, off of Meadow and Springdale Street, and property owned by George S. Wilson.
In other news, Parks Director Jacob Logan reported despite inclement weather over 400 children participated in the annual Easter egg hunt and all 10,000 eggs were found. He also reported the Centennial Park pool has been successfully repaired and a Solar Eclipse viewing party will be held on Monday at Waterworth Memorial Park. Those who are planning on attending the viewing party are asked to register through a link on the Salem Public Library website.
Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey updated council on Phase 1 of Lincoln Park project -- a new town center that broke ground in November and recognizes the city's history in the abolitionist movement. That project is on schedule to be completed by May 24, barring no weather challenges.