In one of the longest recent meetings, Salem City Council faced some thorny issues Aug. 10.
Council voted down an application for a smoke shop and a proposed 1 percent sales and use tax referendum that would have been used for renovations at East Salem and West Salem Elementary Schools.
The vote on the proposed referendum was 3-2, with Councilmen Hunter Holliday, John Saunders and Vice Mayor AnneMarie Green voting against it. Mayor Renee Turk and Councilman Randy Foley voted for the referendum on the November ballot.
“I am in favor of letting the people have the opportunity to decide,” said Turk, who attended the Council meeting remotely while on vacation in Italy.
Green noted that with the General Assembly allowing localities to have school referendum taxes, “The General Assembly is abdicating its responsibility to provide for schools.”
Holliday said, “I personally have a problem with the potential to raise tax on retail sales and food and beverages.”
Councilmembers voted against the proposed smoke shop usage in the former Domino’s building at 501 W. 4th St. because, as Foley said, “I don’t believe this is the highest and best use of the property.” The vote was 5-0 to deny.
Before the vote, Planning and Zoning Administrator Mary Ellen Wines noted there are already 11 other smoke and vape shops in Salem. The Salem Planning Commission had recommended Council deny the application for similar reasons.
In other zoning matters, Council approved on first reading an application by Community Church Inc. to allow Cornerstone Classical Academy to operate a school for primary and secondary students on the church property at 1923 E. Main Street.
The Council meeting that began at 6:30 p.m. adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Councilmembers Green, Holliday and Foley attended in person, with Mayor Turk and Saunders attending remotely. Saunders cited a temporary medical condition.
Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings are now streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfSalem-CityHall.
