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[email protected] The city parks department is exploring the idea of becoming a Bee City USA to promote pollinator gardens and possibly provide educational programs about bees. City Parks Commission members want to know more, though, about the benefits of being a Bee City USA. Commission Chair John Panezott said he knows the importance of bees, but if the commission is going to pay an annual registration fee of $200, “tell me what I’m going to get from them for my $200.” Parks Director Shane Franks said two or three people approached him about the idea of Bee City USA, which is along the same lines as Tree City USA but with bees. He approached Salem Mayor John Berlin to see if there would be any issue with it and he said there wouldn’t be. ....
Staff Writer SALEM The city parks department is exploring the idea of becoming a Bee City USA to promote pollinator gardens and possibly provide educational programs about bees. City Parks Commission members want to know more, though, about the benefits of being a Bee City USA. Commission Chair John Panezott said he knows the importance of bees, but if the commission is going to pay an annual registration fee of $200, “tell me what I’m going to get from them for my $200.” Parks Director Shane Franks said two or three people approached him about the idea of Bee City USA, which is along the same lines as Tree City USA but with bees. He approached Salem Mayor John Berlin to see if there would be any issue with it and he said there wouldn’t be. ....
[email protected] SALEM City council members have been asked to attend the next Salem Utilities Commission meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday regarding sewer rates. City Utilities Superintendent Don Weingart issued the invite when council met Tuesday night, saying the agenda includes rate study findings regarding the city sewer rates, which haven’t been increased since 1995. The commission has been talking about raising the sewer rates, but by law, city council has final say on any rate hikes for sanitary sewer. The commission has control over the water rates. Weingart explained that it’s time to move into Phase 3 of the wastewater treatment plant improvements and the price tag for that project is upwards of $11 million. He said money will have to be borrowed and told council members the commission will be recommending a sanitary sewer rate hike, which council will have to act upon. ....
[email protected] Garbage regulations will be discussed when city council’s Rules and Ordinances Committee meets at 6 p.m. Jan. 12. “Everybody’s complaining about the trash not being picked up on time,” Councilwoman Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey said Tuesday night when contacted by phone. During the day, it was hard not to notice the overflowing trash containers with more bags and boxes piled on top and to the side sitting by curbs throughout the city. She said there have been complaints about noise, too, and some trucks are leaking on city streets. Dickey chairs the Rules & Ordinances Committee and announced the meeting during Tuesday’s city council session. She said Councilman Sal Salvino approached her about discussing the garbage rules. She explained the discussion will include regulations for trash haulers and restrictions related to hours for pickup or possibly requiring truck inspections for registration. ....
Staff Writer SALEM For employees of the Salem City Income Tax office, the end of 2020 today is the bittersweet end of their service to city taxpayers. The Regional Income Tax Agency takes over city income tax administration and collections when the clock strikes midnight. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to help the people of Salem,” longtime city Income Tax Administrator Fred Pamer said. Pamer, full-time income tax clerk Lori Wilson and part-time income tax clerk Diana Harshman have been working diligently in preparation for the transition. Judy Snyder, who had also worked in the office as a part-time clerk, retired recently. ....