SALEM — The city council approved two grant applications in its meeting Tuesday.

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey to prepare and submit an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program, and a second resolution authorizing Dickey to submit an application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Ohio Recreational Trail Program. 

Previously discussed by the parks commission in its Feb. 25 meeting, if awarded, the ODNR grant would cover the costs of resurfacing the nature trail at Waterworth Memorial Park and the nearby bridge adjacent to Terry Metts Field.

Dickey said that the Safe Routes to School program provides funding for street improvements in areas surrounding school buildings that promote safe travel by students like sidewalks and bike lanes, and that the city applies for this funding every year. City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello further clarified that the application was the first part of a two-step process and covered the costs of developing a transportation plan, which is then included in a second application phase for funding to implement those improvements.

Two additional pieces of legislation were originally listed on the agenda for consideration Tuesday but had their introduction deferred. 

Councilman Trent Tice opted not to introduce an ordinance which would adopt and approve wastewater rules and regulations pursuant to chapter 921 of part nine, title three of the codified ordinances of the city of Salem was not introduced so the city’s utilities commission could provide the city council with additional information. 

Councilman Jeff Stockman chose not to introduce an ordinance modifying and amending sections 185.01 (a) and 185.99 of Chapter 185 title nine of the codified ordinance of the city of Salem so it could be discussed in a meeting of the rules and ordinances committee first.

During her report Dickey told the council that she wanted to appoint Karen Camp to the city board of health to fill the vacancy of longtime board member Newt McKnight, who will be moving out of the city and had to resign from his board seat. The council voted unanimously to authorize the appointment.

During his report City Law Director Brooke Zellers told the city council that the fifth anniversary of the formation of the city Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) was approaching, and that the city council is required to meet and discuss whether it wants to keep the DORA in place or dissolve it every five years. He also said that the public meeting where that discussion would occur had to be advertised in a local newspaper twice before the meeting date and that they would need to decide when to hold that meeting soon so it could be advertised.

The council also voted unanimously to amend council rule 21 to specify that all new ordinances and resolutions must be sent to the members of the city council by the clerk of council at least 24 hours before being discussed at a city council meeting.

During the reports of standing committees Councilwoman Sara Baer announced that the economic development committee would meet at 6 p.m. on March 17 prior to the city council’s next meeting to receive a quarterly update from the Sustainable Opportunity Development (SOD) Center. Baer also tentatively scheduled meetings for May 19, Sept. 1, and Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. for updates from SOD for the second, third, and fourth quarter respectively. 

Baer also encouraged residents to check the America 250 Salem Ohio website at www.america250salem.org which has details for events in the city celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary, historical information, and an application to participate in the Independence Day parade on July 3.

The city council will meet next at 7 p.m. on March 17.