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Salem council gives first readings to levy measures, animal and excavation ordinances, and body-camera fee resolution
Summary
The Salem City Council on Jan. 28 gave first readings to multiple ordinances and resolutions, including two proposed 1-mill renewal levies for recreation, an amendment to the animal code, a new excavation code, a one-year fuel contract authorization and a resolution allowing fees for redaction of police video under House Bill 315.
The Salem City Council on Jan. 28 gave first readings to several ordinances and resolutions and voted to suspend council rules so those items could be introduced at the meeting.
The council had first readings for two measures that would seek voter approval of a 1-mill renewal levy for recreational purposes and declared both measures to be introduced as emergency resolutions. Council also held first readings for an ordinance to authorize one-year fuel contracts for city gasoline and diesel purchases and for ordinances to modify the city's animal and fowl code (Codified Ordinances chapter 505) and to create an excavation code (Title 7, Chapter 961).
The council also introduced Resolution 250128-09, a proposal authorizing the Salem Police Department to charge fees for processing and redaction of body, dashboard and jail camera footage "as contemplated in House Bill 315," and read Resolution 250128-03 by title, accepting a $20,000 donation from the Columbiana County Commissioners to help defray costs for officers assigned to the Columbiana County Drug Task Force.
Most introductions proceeded after council voted to suspend its rules so the items could be read by title for first reading. Attorney Zellers moved to suspend rules for several items; motions were seconded and the roll calls recorded affirmative votes.
No final adoptions or second/third readings took place at the Jan. 28 meeting. The law director told council members the items needed to be advanced quickly to meet ballot or scheduling deadlines and encouraged members to ensure a quorum at the next meeting.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution 250128-03 (donation acceptance, $20,000 from Columbiana County Commissioners): read by title for introduction; disposition: introduced (first reading). - Resolution 250128-04 and Resolution 250128-05 (each: declaring necessary to levy tax in excess of the 10-mil limitation for a 1-mill renewal levy for recreational purposes): read by title for first reading after suspension of council rules; disposition: introduced (first reading). - Ordinance 250128-06 (authorize advertisement for bids and contracts for gasoline and diesel for up to 1 year): read by title for first reading; disposition: introduced (first reading). - Ordinance 250128-07 (amend Chapter 505, part 5, codified ordinances regarding animals and fowl): read by title for first reading; disposition: introduced (first reading). - Ordinance 250128-08 (create/adopt Title 7, Chapter 961 regarding excavation): read by title for first reading; disposition: introduced (first reading). Council discussed adding an emergency clause and the law director said an amended version would be circulated for the next meeting. - Resolution 250128-09 (authorize police fees for redaction/processing of video per House Bill 315): read by title for introduction; disposition: introduced (first reading).
Council members and staff said the suspension votes were procedural to permit introduction; no petition, committee reports leading to final action, or final votes on the measures occurred at this meeting. Attorney Zellers warned that some items may need to be advanced at a meeting next week to meet statutory deadlines for ballot placement and urged members to coordinate attendance.
The clerk read titles aloud for the items listed above and the council recorded roll-call votes to suspend rules and to introduce the items. The council scheduled follow-up consideration and committee review where applicable.
