SALEM — Don Stamm, who is fighting a court battle to remain Salem mayor, unsuccessfully attempted to participate in Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Councilwoman Laurie McKown requested City Manager Joe Davis ask Stamm to leave the mayor’s seat. Davis complied without a vote, asking Police Chief Robert Willis to remove Stamm, saying Stamm could stay at the council table.
“Out of respect for Chief Willis, I will be seated in the audience,” Stamm said.
Vice Mayor Bobby Samples conducted a public hearing prior to the second reading of a floodplain ordinance, which passed.
Although Councilman Israel Williams insisted on Samples reading the 35-page ordinance, because no citizen agreed it was necessary, his request was denied.
Davis urged council to attend the Nov. 10 sentencing of former City Clerk Sherry Olenick, who pleaded guilty to two felony charges in the alleged theft of city funds.
Davis also noted that a trial for former city manager David Mayle is scheduled to begin Oct. 9.
Davis said a hearing on Stamm’s court challenge was slated for 10:15 a.m. Tuesday.
In other news that has a financial impact, City Clerk Kayla Lowther told council that the West Virginia Tax Department has issued a tax lien against the city for $24,800 in unpaid taxes. The city is on a payment plan of $517.99 for four years.
Council asked that she and Davis attempt to negotiate with the state for removal of the lien, possibly by making larger payments. The lien negatively impacts any grant approvals the city might seek, Samples said.
Also, Willis officially lodged a written complaint against some unnamed council members he said were demanding the removal of himself, Davis and another employee. He also alleged some council members were giving employees orders, which is against the city charter.
In other business:
— Council requested Davis file a complaint with the state Public Service Commission against MonPower for failing to work with the city to turn streetlights back on. Numerous lights were disconnected due to non-payment, although that has been resolved for nearly a month.
— Council and those attending applauded the work of Bob Bland and Salem International University students in repairing the city barn roof.
— A Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 in city hall.
— Councilman Al Romagnoli discussed the possibility of replacing the business and occupation tax on all businesses with a city sales tax.
“We should repeal the B&O tax to attract more businesses. We don’t have business-friendly ordinances,” he said.
Romagnoli said he would bring more information regarding a proposal to a later meeting.
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