Salem seeks grant for a city strategic plan

BY BROOKS TAYLOR

Mt. Pleasant News

SALEM ? City leaders will be applying for a grant from the William M. and Donna J. Hoaglin Foundation Inc. for funds to compile a strategic future plan for the city.

Councilwoman Mary Hoyer made the motion to apply for the grant during Wednesday night?s city council meeting. Hoyer also distributed CDs containing the city code to the council and mayor.

She said Zack James, of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC), told her that SEIRPC would update the entire city code and compile a strategic plan for the city at a cost of between $4,000-$5,000.

The investment, Hoyer said, would be beneficial, especially when applying for government grants.

Applications are due to the Hoaglin Foundation by July 1.

In other business, Laura and Scott Roen discussed the excessive reading (charge) on the water meter at The Vault this month. Councilman Chuck Kramer suggested that the Roens make their regular payment with no penalties while the city investigates for possible leaks.

Councilman Bruce Eltrich alerted the council that the unlicensed vehicle inventory was building up again on the 400 block of Jackson Street. The city had sent the property owners a letter, alerting them of the nuisance and some improvement was seen. Eltrich said two lots on the aforementioned block of Jackson Street also should be mowed. The city plans to send the property owners another letter.

Nuisance abatement letters also will be sent to property owners on the 300 block of Lincoln and 200 block of Van Buren streets for unlicensed vehicles on the property.

Hoyer, during council reports, said a tree on the southeast corner of the city park has been examined and doesn?t have emerald ash borer disease.

Dave Poland, an agent with Two Rivers Insurance, gave a comprehensive review of the city?s insurance plan. Following the review, Mayor Dan Patterson asked Poland for a quote on increasing all deductibles by $1,000.

During public comments, Linda Kramer relayed concerns of citizens for visibility issues for motorists at the corner of Cherry and Main streets. Councilman Kramer said Main Street is a county road so the county would have to be consulted before any changes are made.

Salem?s City Council meets again in regular session Tuesday, July 5, at 5:30 p.m., in the Community Building.