Salem Lakes board approves land-use changes, committee appointments and municipal contracts; hears fire department report

The Village of Salem Lakes Village Board approved a set of land-use changes, municipal contracts and committee appointments and heard several departmental updates during a public meeting, including a certified survey map that will create a parcel of roughly 5 acres the family of a deceased resident had asked to separate for a home sale.

The board unanimously adopted two ordinances amending the land-use and zoning maps for tax parcel 704-120-04202-0210 and approved Resolution 2025.01-120, which conditionally approves a certified survey map (CSM) to create a 5.01-acre parcel and dedicate 60 feet of right of way, according to staff. Resident Cheryl Reed told the board her family hopes to separate a parcel surrounding her late mother’s house so it can be sold to the niece and her husband while the remainder of the 115-acre farm remains in production. "Our mom passed away in 2023, leaving one fourth of the farm to each of us," Reed said during public comment.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning and the CSM. At the meeting a trustee noted the family had mentioned 5.44 acres but the CSM shows 5.01; staff explained the difference stems from the right-of-way dedication accounted for in the survey.

In other land-use business, the board voted to vacate a portion of an unimproved alley in the Belmar subdivision between tax parcels 704-123-210825 and 704-123-210890. The motion passed on the floor after an earlier public hearing that drew no speakers in opposition.

The board also approved an amendment to Ordinance 2024.12-88 to add an alternate member to the Economic Development Committee (EDC), clarify…