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Salem council approves towing rules, wastewater regulations and several emergency ordinances
Summary
On April 7 the city council unanimously approved a package of ordinances — including new towing rules (chapter 708), wastewater rules, tax code amendments to include short‑term rentals, ODOT salt contract participation and an honorary street name — most passed under suspended rules with emergency clauses.
Salem City Council on April 7 approved multiple ordinances in a single session, moving several items forward on expedited (emergency) readings.
Council suspended rules and approved Ordinance 16, adopting updated wastewater rules and regulations. The motion to adopt included an emergency clause and passed on a roll‑call vote with all members recorded as voting yes.
Council then considered Ordinance 17, an amendment to chapter 185 of the codified ordinances to modernize language and incorporate short‑term rental taxation per state guidance. Councilor Sarah Bear identified a wording point in section 185.06; Law Director Zellers and council members agreed to change phrasing to clarify that council approves rates rather than sets them. After that adjustment the council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 17 with the emergency clause.
Other measures adopted on emergency readings included Ordinance 23, designating a section of East State Street between Lincoln Avenue and Ohio Avenue as the honorary “Civic Way,” and Ordinance 24, authorizing the city’s participation in the ODOT road‑salt contract (also adopted with an emergency clause). Council approved Ordinance 25, creating chapter 708 to regulate motor‑vehicle towing services and impound lots; the committee record described the ordinance as limiting rotation to three towing companies and adding operational and equipment requirements for larger incidents. Ordinance 28 (modifying chapter 1501) was likewise approved with the emergency clause. Ordinances 26 and 27 were read for first reading only and will return for additional consideration.
Why it matters: The towing ordinance (chapter 708) establishes operational standards and a rotated company structure the city intends to use to reduce dispatcher confusion and improve accountability for tow operators. The wastewater rules and tax‑code update are part of ongoing code maintenance; adopting them on emergency readings accelerates implementation.
Vote at a glance: All recorded roll‑call votes on the emergency readings were unanimous (7‑0) where roll call was recorded.
What’s next: Ordinances adopted with emergency clauses take immediate effect per the city’s ordinance rules; items that had only first readings (26 and 27) will return for further consideration and possible passage at future meetings.
