The Washington County Food Bank will again take part in the Feinstein Challenge.

The Salem City Council met for their monthly public meeting on the evening of Monday, February 11, 2013. Mayor David Bower kicked off the meeting with praise for the City’s department heads, whose hard and dedicated work he says often goes unsung.
The Mayor specifically pointed out that every department in the City has managed to go without requesting any appropriations of funds for at least 5 years now. “They’ve been living within their budgets,” Bower said. A few of the department heads were in attendance that evening, including Salem Police Chief Troy Merry and Fire Chief Tom Day. Bower thanked them for their dedication and service to the people of Salem. “You get it.”
The council turned to the action of confirming a handful of appointments to the Redevelopment and Senior Citizen Boards. Jack Mahuron and Steve Wallace were approved to join the Redevelopment Board. Jim McKnight was approved to continue working on the Senior Citizen Board. Michael Ray was the Mayor’s appointment to the Senior Citizen Board.
Richard Deaton, General Manager at the Salem Speedway, had previously talked with members of the council to request funding for a Speedway advertising campaign. The council decided to help Deaton pay for the project, but neither a specific price point nor the nature of the proposed advertising was discussed. Mayor Bower added that he would like to see the council invest in more advertising for local businesses in the future.
Lowell Depoy, of the Salem Municipal Airport and the Washington County Aviation Commissioners Board, gave a brief report on the current status of plans to build a new airport in Salem. “Things are going good,” Depoy replied with great enthusiasm for the project. The Board has been in talks and scheduling more discussions with IFAA and INDOT, working out the details and a master plan for proceeding with fundraising and construction.
Most recently, representatives from the Aviation Commissioners, including Depoy, traveled to Chicago to hold a meeting with INDOT members. Depoy said the talks went well and he’s optimistic that the County may possibly receive an Aviation Grant from the state as soon as May or June.
The Mayor added the Aviation Board to his list of praises, complimenting Depoy for their ability to oversee the current Airport and keep things running smoothly. He added that the Airport is nearly a self-sufficient entity. Clerk-Treasurer Pat Persinger confirmed that fact, stating the City only pays for insurance and utility bills.
The City Council meets at 7:30 pm on the second Monday of every month in City Hall’s Council Chambers. Citizens are welcomed and encouraged to attend.