YOUR GOVERNMENT: City council considers water infrastructure at final meeting of year
The Salem City Council meets for the last time this year on Monday. The agenda includes a look back on the city’s progress this year, and a vote to apply for grants to replace 60-year-old water and sewage infrastructure.
The council will vote on authorizing the city manager to seek funding to replace or improve three structures originally built in the 1960s: the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility bridge, Downs Tower, and the Ferry Street Pump Station.
If approved, the city manager would apply to the federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, which funds climate change mitigation efforts. The city would seek $8.7 million from the grant, which requires a city match of 25%.
The bridge at Geren Island was built in 1965, and would cost an estimated $5 million to replace. The new bridge would be taller, accounting for future predicted increases in water flow.
Downs Tower automatically shares information from utility pump stations and reservoirs to city operations. Built in 1962, a $1.3 million new tower would better withstand an earthquake, and would meet current structural codes.
During large storms, sewer flows at the Ferry Street Pump Station can reach capacity due to stormwater. If the pump station fails, Salemites could see the backups in their basements or on the streets, according to the city’s staff report. If funded, the project would relocate and expand the pump station at an estimated cost of $5.3 million.
The council will also vote on whether to declare a public need to acquire property for the Sheldon Ditch Improvement Project.
The ditch provides flood control to several Salem neighborhoods, including Mill Creek. The project would stabilize the sides of the creek, which have steepened with erosion over the years according to the city.
The area runs between Southeast Ford Street and 23rd, for properties with addresses on Southeast Townsend Way. The resolution includes an intent to negotiate for the property.
The council will also vote to authorize selling bonds to fund the $300 million infrastructure package that voters passed in November. The bonds will be sold over the next 10 years for projects including replacing fire equipment, repairing streets and sidewalks and developing parks.
The agenda also includes a vote on amending Aviation Properties Northwest’s lease at the Salem Municipal Airport, allowing them to acquire a portion of space from Carpenter Commercial Properties.
The new space, at 2820 25th St. S.E., is around 150,000 square feet. The amendment would allow Aviation Properties Northwest to further develop the area for aviation.
As the city reorganizes its executive leadership structure, the council will vote on whether to add a new pay grade for the Deputy City Manager. The estimated range is between $12,759 and $20,426 per month, plus an additional $250 per month auto allowance.
The city will also vote on authorizing $10,000 from the City General Fund to the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance to be used for the annual point in time count.
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke plans to make a motion to create a community service award to honor Lisa Letney, who was known by the Salem homeless community as “the Potato Lady.” Letney was a homeless advocate who died of a sudden illness earlier this year.
The councilors will also hear annual reports from the Salem Public Art Association and Salem Police Department.
The Salem Public Art Association maintains and acquires around 100 works of art, and receives .05% of the funding of eligible public improvement projects. Its annual report highlights local art to be installed in the new Public Works Building and Civic Center. They also approved three murals with classic cars, cherries and to honor Iwo Jima veterans.
The Salem Police Department’s year-end program updates include its 2022-2024 strategic plan. Initiatives include addressing homelessness outreach and services collaboration. The review says the department is having hiring and retention issues, and that they plan to update recruitment strategies including hiring incentives and branding.
The session will end with a brief presentation on progress made in 2022, focusing on the city’s agenda priorities of responding to the sheltering crisis, engaging the community and sustaining infrastructure.
To participate: The meeting will be held virtually at 6 p.m., and will be streamed live on Capital Community Media’s YouTube Channel. It is also available to Comcast Cable subscribers on CC: Media Channel 21.
Public comments are due by 5 p.m. Monday, to [email protected]. To provide public comment and testimony during the meeting via zoom, pre-register before 2 p.m. here.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
