SALEM – The city council has approved studies for a potential expansion of the industrial park.

City council voted unanimously in its meeting May 20 to approve $35,000 from the city’s capital outlay fund for a wetland delineation study and a geotechnical study on currently unused city property adjacent to the industrial park. Sustainable Opportunity Development Center Executive Director Julie Needs said that the tests were necessary to seek grant funding to develop the land for the potential expansion. Needs also said that “some of that [grant] funding will be decreased in the [biennial] budget so we’re looking to get an application in as quickly as possible.”

Councilwoman Sara Baer asked approximately how long the studies would take and Needs said that typically they take about a month.

Other matters approved included an ordinance authorizing City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello to enter and execute contracts for the 2025 citywide street paving project, and an ordinance creating and adopting chapter 703 part seven of the codified ordinances of the city of Salem which establishes and outlines a permitting process for public events within the city.

During his report City Treasurer Todd Mumpire said that the city’s income tax collection had only increased by 6% from last year, which he feels is “worrisome” and urged city officials to “all take a step back and consider reducing spending.” 

During her report Parks Director Kelli Pastore reminded residents that the Centennial Park Pool Season was set to begin June 1 weather permitting.

While city council was originally set to consider an update to the city’s wage ordinance, which would have modified the salaries for employees at the Centennial Park Pool and changed the health department’s Director of Nursing position from part-time to full-time, it was instead transferred to the finance committee for review prior to being voted on by council.

The city council’s next regularly scheduled meeting was set for 7 p.m. June 3; however, due to several council members being unable to attend, it has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. June 10.