Salem City Council holds first readings on multiple ordinances and resolutions, suspends rules for introductions

The Salem City Council on Jan. 28 introduced a series of ordinances and resolutions and voted repeatedly to suspend council rules so items could receive a first reading the same evening.

Council first-read or introduced a donation resolution, two levy resolutions, ordinances on fuel purchasing, animals and excavation, and a resolution authorizing police fees for body‑camera redaction tied to House Bill 315. Several motions to suspend council rules passed by recorded voice vote of members present.

Why it matters: The items include tax-levy renewals that would appear on future ballots if approved in later readings, a $20,000 donation earmarked for officers assigned to the Columbiana County Drug Task Force, and a resolution implementing fees for processing and redaction of body‑worn and other police video as allowed under state law referenced in the meeting (House Bill 315). The excavation and animal ordinances would change city code provisions if advanced past readings; the fuel-purchasing ordinance would authorize a year-long contract for gasoline and diesel purchases.

What the council introduced and procedural votes - Resolution 250128-03: A resolution accepting a $20,000 donation from the Columbiana County Commissioners to defray costs for police officers assigned to the Columbiana County Drug Task Force; read by the clerk for first reading (no final vote taken at the meeting). (Introduced by clerk; no suspension vote recorded for this item.) - Resolution 250128-04: Declares necessity to levy a tax in excess of the 10-mill limitation for a 1-mill renewal levy for recreational purposes; council voted to suspend rules to allow introduction. Motion to suspend rules was moved by Attorney Zellers, seconded; roll-call recorded "yes" votes from Missus Bair, Miss Bricker, Mr. Gano, Mr. Stockman, Mr. Sellers and Mr. Zellers; council rules were suspended and the clerk read the resolution for first reading. - Resolution 250128-05: A second resolution declaring necessity to levy a tax in excess of the 10-mill limitation for a 1-mill renewal levy for recreational purposes; council rules were suspended to allow first reading. Motion to suspend was moved by Attorney Zellers; the same roll-call "yes" votes were recorded and the clerk read the resolution for first reading. - Ordinance 250128-06: An ordinance authorizing the director of public service and safety to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for the purchase of gasoline and diesel for up to a one-year period; council suspended rules and the clerk read the ordinance for first reading. - Ordinance 250128-07: An amendment to Chapter 505, Part 5 of the codified ordinances regarding animals and fowl; read for first reading (committee discussion previously noted in the Rules & Ordinances Committee report). Council did not record a separate suspension vote for this item at the moment it was read for first reading. - Ordinance 250128-08: An ordinance creating and adopting Title 7, Chapter 961, Part 9 of the codified ordinances regarding excavation; council suspended rules and the clerk read the ordinance for first reading. There was discussion about adding an emergency clause before a future meeting. - Resolution 250128-09: A resolution authorizing the City of Salem Police Department to charge fees for the processing and redaction of video footage from body cameras, dashboard cameras and jail surveillance camera systems “as contemplated in House Bill 315,” and declaring an emergency; council suspended rules and the clerk read the resolution for first reading.

Procedural context and next steps All items were read for first reading only; no final adoption votes were taken on the ordinances or resolutions during the Jan. 28 meeting. Multiple items were advanced for first reading after motions to suspend council rules passed by roll call. Attorney Zellers and other members repeatedly cautioned that additional readings and the presence of a quorum (six members) will be needed for final passage on some items and to meet ballot deadlines for levy measures. The council scheduled further consideration at upcoming meetings; the law director urged members to confirm attendance on the next meeting date so required votes could proceed.

Quotes from the meeting (attributed) "I move that council rules be suspended so that resolution 5 can be introduced this evening," Attorney Zellers said when seeking suspension for a levy resolution. Council rules suspension votes were then recorded by the clerk.

Ending Council members said several of the items had been discussed previously in committees and that further committee review, possible amendments (for example to add an emergency clause to the excavation ordinance) and additional readings will follow. No ordinances or resolutions were adopted at final reading on Jan. 28; items remain pending further council action.