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Salem Council organizes for 2025: clerk sworn in, committee rosters set and Sam Cecilia named to income tax appeals board
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Summary
At the Jan. 7, 2025 Salem City Council organizational meeting, Debbie Bricker was sworn in as council clerk, council appointed committee chairs and liaisons for 2025, the council approved Sam Cecilia to the Income Tax Board of Appeals, and Mayor Dickey announced a $75,000 donation for a veterans memorial statue.
The Salem City Council held its annual organizational meeting on Jan. 7, 2025, appointing officers and committee memberships for the year, swearing in a council clerk, and approving one administrative appointment.
Debbie Bricker was appointed council clerk and took the oath of office during the meeting. Council also named Evan Newman as Clerk Pro Tem for the meeting and appointed a president pro tem for the year. Council announced standing committee chairs and members for 2025, which the council president said would remain the same as the previous year. Committee rosters announced included:
- Finance and Appropriations: Chair Andrew Nall; members Janie Bricker and Jake Gano; alternate Jeff Stockman. - Residential Committee: Chair Evan Newman; members Janie Bricker and Ron Sellers; alternate Andrew Nall. - Rules and Ordinance: Chair Jeff Stockman; members Andrew Nall and Sarah Baer; alternate Evan Newman. - Economic Development: Chair Jake Gano; members Andrew Nall and Evan Newman; alternate Sarah Baer. - Public Services: Chair Ron Zellers; members Sarah Baer and Evan Newman; alternate Janie Bricker. - Downtown Committee: Chair Sarah Baer; members Jake Gano and Jeff Stockman; alternate Ron Zellers. - Safety Committee: Chair Janie Bricker; members Ron Zellers and Jeff Stockman; alternate Jake Gano. - Committee of the Whole: Chair Andrew Nall; Clerk Pro Tem Evan Newman.
In administrative appointments, the council approved Sam Cecilia to the Income Tax Board of Appeals after a motion and second; the roll call vote recorded approval. The mayor explained the board hears appeals from taxpayers who dispute income-tax decisions and has authority to review those matters.
During public comment, Mike Weir of Salem introduced himself as a candidate for an at‑large council seat in 2026 and outlined campaign priorities. "My candidacy will be guided on conservative values with a focus on ensuring the safety of Salem, addressing drug related issues, improving housing conditions, and tackling other community challenges," Mike Weir said.
Mayor Dickey reported on recent community events, including the dedication of Lincoln Plaza, and announced a $75,000 donation from AMVETS Post 45 toward a black‑granite veterans memorial that will feature three service members. "It was $75,000 — so that was a wonderful donation that they made to our park," Mayor Dickey said. She said the city is working with Richardson Monument Company on the statue and hoped it could be in place for Memorial Day.
Council members announced upcoming committee meetings: the Streets and Sidewalks Levy Committee is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss marketing for a levy renewal; the Rules and Ordinances Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. before the next council meeting. The council had one visitor for public comment and recorded routine roll calls and approvals of organizational items during the session.
