Salem city, VA

City Council

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold a work session on the Architectural Review Board, then a regular session. The main action is a second-reading vote on a stormwater utility fee ordinance, along with a decision on a use permit for outdoor gatherings at 1936 West Main Street. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes, financial reports, and a proclamation.

• Ordinance on second reading to add stormwater utility fee sections 30-189 through 30-199 to Chapter 30
• Use Not Provided For Permit for outdoor gatherings under 500 people at 1936 West Main Street (Tax Map #138-2-7)
• Proclamation recognizing August 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day
• Acceptance of financial reports for eleven months ending May 31, 2026
• Receive Abstract of Votes from Republican Primary for U.S. Senate held August 4, 2026

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a work session and regular session. The regular session includes a public hearing on a special exception permit for a two-family dwelling at 432 Chestnut Street and a city code amendment regarding minor signs during voting. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

• Public hearing on special exception permit for two-family dwelling at 432 Chestnut Street (Terry Properties of VA Inc.)
• Public hearing on amending City Code Section 66-11.1 (minor signs during voting)
• Discussion of September agenda items: 1704 Brad Court (special exception/home occupation) and 102 North Market Street (rezoning)

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold public hearings on a new stormwater utility fee, three special exception permits, and a resolution to place a school capital projects sales tax referendum on the ballot. They will also consider budget appropriations and set a date for a School Board vacancy hearing.

• Public hearing on ordinance to add stormwater utility fee (sections 30-189 through 30-199)
• Special exception permit for Cornerstone Classical Academy at 1923 East Main Street (Planning Commission recommends approval)
• Special exception permit for smoke shop at 501 West 4th Street (Planning Commission recommends denial)
• Special exception and use permits for Preston Place Preservation Foundation at 1936 West Main Street
• Resolution 1535 authorizing referendum on up to 1% sales tax for school capital projects

City Council approved the first reading of a stormwater utility fee ordinance, which would charge most residential properties $10 per month starting January 1, 2027, to fund stormwater management. A resolution to place a 1% school sales tax referendum on the ballot failed on a 2-3 vote. Council also approved two special exception permits, denied a smoke shop permit, and approved several funding transfers.

• Approved stormwater utility fee ordinance on first reading (5-0)
• Denied Resolution 1535 for school sales tax referendum (2-3)
• Approved special exception permit for Cornerstone Classical Academy at 1923 East Main St (5-0)
• Denied smoke shop special exception permit at 501 West 4th St (5-0)
• Approved special exception permit for Preston Place assembly hall (5-0)
• Approved Use Not Provided For permit for Preston Place outdoor gatherings up to 500 people (4-1)
• Set Sept 14, 2026 public hearing for school board appointment (5-0)
• Approved $2,575,249 capital reserve transfers for CIP projects (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session on stormwater utility and economic branding. The regular session includes votes on the Roanoke Valley Greenway intergovernmental agreement and the sale of a surplus vehicle.

• Second reading of ordinance to transition the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
• Second reading of ordinance to repeal the agreement establishing the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
• Proposed sale of a City surplus vehicle to the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
• Review of Statement of Revenues and Expenses for nine months ending March 2026
• Discussion of proposed Stormwater Utility

The Salem City Council approved two ordinances transitioning the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to a Greenway Advisory Board under the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, and repealed the 2016 agreement that established the original commission. The council also authorized the sale of a surplus 2000 GMC dump truck to the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for $10,000. A work session discussed a proposed stormwater utility fee and an economic development branding proposal, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved second reading of ordinance authorizing City Manager to execute Second Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement transitioning Greenway Commission to advisory board (5-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance repealing Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement establishing Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission (5-0)
• Authorized sale of surplus 2000 GMC dump truck with snowplow to Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for $10,000 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 13, 2026 regular meeting as written
• Received financial reports for nine months ending March 2026
• Held closed session for City Manager and Assistant City Manager annual evaluations (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Salem Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three special exception permit requests and consider adopting a remote participation policy for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Public hearing for Community Church Inc. at 1923 East Main Street
• Public hearing for Robertson Family Revocable Trust at 501 West 4th Street
• Public hearing for Preston Place Preservation Foundation Inc. at 1936 West Main Street
• Consideration of a Remote Participation Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Site plan and subdivision plat approvals for May and June 2026

The Salem Planning Commission recommended approval of a Special Exception Permit for Cornerstone Classical Academy at 1923 East Main Street, subject to conditions, and recommended denial of a smoke shop at 501 West 4th Street. It also recommended approval of permits for Preston Place events at 1936 West Main Street and adopted a remote participation policy. The Vice Chair election failed for lack of a second.

• Recommended approval of SEP for educational facility at 1923 East Main Street (5-0)
• Recommended denial of SEP for smoke shop at 501 West 4th Street (5-0)
• Recommended approval of SEP for assembly hall and outdoor uses at 1936 West Main Street (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Use Not Provided For Permit for outdoor gatherings at 1936 West Main Street, with conditions (5-0)
• Adopted remote participation policy for FY 2026-2027 (5-0)
• Vice Chair election failed for lack of a second

City Council

The council will take a first reading of an ordinance that authorizes the City Manager to finalize and execute a new intergovernmental agreement moving the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to the Roanoke Valley‑Alleghany Regional Commission. A separate ordinance will have its first reading to repeal the existing agreement for the commission. Several appropriation requests will also be considered, including funding for lighting at Salem RidgeYaks Baseball Club, a federal transportation grant for the Western Roanoke River Greenway Mill Lane connector, and state revenue‑sharing funds for Franklin Street improvements.

• Ordinance: first reading to approve Second Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement for Roanoke Valley Greenway transfer
• Ordinance: first reading to repeal the existing Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement for the commission
• Appropriation request: funding from Salem RidgeYaks Baseball Club for lighting renovation
• Appropriation request: federal Transportation Alternatives funding and local match for Western Roanoke River Greenway Mill Lane connector
• Appropriation request: state Revenue Sharing funding and local match for Franklin Street Improvements

City Council approved several funding appropriations for infrastructure and sports facility upgrades. The council also moved to reorganize the regional greenway commission and reappoint three members to city boards.

• Approved first reading of ordinance transitioning Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (4-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance repealing the 2016 Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission agreement (4-0)
• Appropriated $36,000 from Salem RidgeYaks Baseball Club for lighting renovations at Salem Memorial Park (4-0)
• Appropriated $858,525 in federal funds and transferred $114,131 in local match for the Western Roanoke River Greenway Mill Lane connector (4-0)
• Appropriated $2,378,563 in state funds and transferred $431,191 in local match for Franklin Street Improvements (4-0)
• Reappointed Denise P. King, Reid Garst, and Mark Henrickson to the Planning Commission and NPDES Citizens' Committee (4-0)
• Approved June 8, 2026, meeting minutes
• Accepted remote participation of Vice Mayor Anne Marie Green (3-0)

City Council

The Salem City Council will discuss several items, including a second‑reading ordinance to amend zoning standards for townhouses, a public hearing on a special exception permit for a two‑family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle, and multiple resolutions covering SMART SCALE funding, I‑81 widening, remote participation, fiscal agent contracts, opioid settlement planning, and fund appropriations. The council will also consider appointments to boards and commissions before adjourning.

• Amendment to City Code Chapter 106, Zoning (second reading) for ABoone Real Estate Inc.
• Special Exception Permit request for a two‑family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle (DSB Properties LLC)
• Resolution 1532: Adoption of SMART SCALE Round 7 Funding support
• Resolution 1533: Support for I‑81 Widening Project design and access changes
• Resolution 1534: Adoption of Remote Participation Policy for FY 2026‑2027

The Council approved several items including a zoning amendment for townhouses and a special exception permit for a duplex at 213 Rutledge Circle. They also adopted resolutions supporting SMART SCALE funding, the I-81 widening project, and a remote participation policy. Additionally, the Council approved fiscal agent contracts and the Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan.

• Approved remote participation for Councilman Saunders (5-0)
• Approved May 26, 2026, meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adopted zoning amendment allowing windows/doors on townhouse sides (5-0)
• Approved special exception permit for two-family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1532 supporting SMART SCALE Round 7 funding applications (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1533 supporting I-81 widening project design changes (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1534 Remote Participation Policy for FY 2026-2027 (5-0)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2026-2027 fiscal agent contracts (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the budget and fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment for townhouse separation standards. Council will also receive the abstract of votes from the April 21, 2026, special election.

• Resolution 1530 adopting the City's Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027
• Resolution 1531 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2027
• Budget appropriation ordinances for City operating, capital, and Salem City Schools budgets
• Public hearing on zoning amendment to Chapter 106 for ABoone Real Estate Inc. regarding townhouse separation
• Abstract of Referendum Votes from the April 21, 2026, Special Election

The Council voted 5‑0 to adopt Resolution 1531 adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and Resolution 1530 adopting the FY2027 fee schedule with three minor changes. It also approved on second reading the ordinances appropriating funds for the FY2027 operating budget, capital budget, and Salem City Schools budget. The remote‑participation request for Councilman Saunders was accepted, and Resolution 1529 honoring three Salem High School debate team members was adopted.

• Adopted Resolution 1529 honoring debate team members (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 1530 FY2027 fee schedule with three revisions (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 1531 FY2027 budget (5‑0)
• Adopted operating‑budget appropriation ordinance (5‑0)
• Adopted capital‑budget appropriation ordinance (5‑0)
• Adopted schools‑budget appropriation ordinance (5‑0)
• Accepted Councilman Saunders' remote‑participation request (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2026 work session and regular meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Salem Planning Commission will hold a work session and regular session to discuss code changes, a Community Development Block Grant, and the stormwater utility fee. The regular session includes a public hearing on a special exception permit for 213 Rutledge Circle and the cancellation of the June meeting.

• Public hearing for 213 Rutledge Circle - Special Exception Permit
• Discussion of Code changes
• Discussion of CDBG grant
• Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee
• Cancellation of June meeting

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a special exception permit to allow a two-family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle. The commission also accepted a report on recent site plan and subdivision approvals and cancelled the June meeting.

• Recommended approval for two-family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle (4-0)
• Accepted April 15, 2026, work session and regular meeting minutes
• Accepted site plan and subdivision plat report
• Cancelled June meeting (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget and real estate tax rate. The body will also consider resolutions to set tax rates and approve the Salem City Schools budget.

• Proposed FY2027 real estate tax rate of $1.16 per $100 assessed valuation
• Proposed FY2027 personal property tax rate of $3.40 per $100 assessed valuation
• Proposed FY2027 machinery and tools tax rate of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation
• Public hearing for the lease of a +/- 0.203 acre tract (Tax Map # 107-6-5)
• Discussion of a request by ABoone Real Estate, Inc. to amend townhouse separation zoning standards

The City Council approved Resolution 1527 setting FY2027 tax rates, including a real estate rate of $1.16 per $100 assessed value. It also authorized the City Manager to finalize a five‑year lease of a 0.203‑acre parking lot with M&B Hospitality, LLC at $1,210 per month. Additionally, the Council adopted resolutions honoring Salem High School’s speech team and wrestler for state championships.

• Adopted Resolution 1525 honoring Salem High School Speech Team (unanimous ayes)
• Adopted Resolution 1526 honoring Salem High School wrestler Jake James (unanimous ayes)
• Approved minutes of the April 27, 2026 work session and regular meeting (unanimous ayes)
• Received the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the eight months ending February 2026 (accepted)
• Authorized City Manager to finalize and execute lease with M&B Hospitality, LLC for parking lot (unanimous ayes)
• Adopted Resolution 1527 setting FY2027 tax rates: real estate $1.16, personal property $3.40, machinery/tools $3.20 per $100 assessed value (unanimous ayes)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an ingress/egress easement on Tax Map #150-2-4. The body will also consider the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budgets for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission and the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority.

• Public hearing on ingress/egress easement for Tax Map #150-2-4
• Approval of Roanoke Regional Airport Commission FY 2026-2027 budget
• Approval of Roanoke Valley Resource Authority FY 2026-2027 budget
• Presentation of Salem School Division 2026-2027 budget
• Discussion of Rulo Strategies Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan

The council granted a new easement on Tax Map #150-2-4 for the property at 415 Electric Road. It also approved the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission budget for FY 2026‑2027 and the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority budget for FY 2027. The Salem School Division presented its FY 2027 budget but no council vote was recorded.

• Approved granting an ingress/egress easement on Tax Map #150-2-4 (4-0, John Saunders absent)
• Approved Roanoke Regional Airport Commission FY 2026‑2027 budget (4-0, John Saunders absent)
• Approved Roanoke Valley Resource Authority FY 2027 budget (4-0, John Saunders absent)

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold a special budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM at City Hall.

• Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget
• Special meeting at City Hall, 114 North Broad Street

The Salem City Council met on April 16, 2026 for a budget work session. Council members and staff reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. No approvals, denials, or other actions were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold a special budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM at City Hall.

• Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget
• Meeting location: City Hall, 114 North Broad Street

The City Council met for a budget work session on April 15, 2026. Council members and staff reviewed and discussed each section of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. No motions were made, and no decisions were approved, denied, or tabled during the session.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request from ABoone Real Estate Inc. to amend Chapter 106, Article III, Section 106-304.17(G)(4) of the Salem City Code, which governs separation between townhouse groupings. The commission will also consider the minutes from the March 11, 2026 work session and regular meeting, and review site plan and subdivision plat approvals.

• Public hearing on amendment to Chapter 106 zoning code for townhouse separation
• Consider acceptance of minutes from March 11, 2026 work session and regular meeting
• Review and approve site plan and subdivision plat applications

The Commission accepted the March 11, 2026 meeting minutes and a report on recent site plan and subdivision approvals. In a public hearing, the Commission considered a request to amend the city’s townhouse separation requirement from 40 feet to 20 feet. After discussion, members voted 4‑1 to recommend approval of the amendment as written. No other business was acted upon.

• Accepted March 11, 2026 work session and regular meeting minutes (consent agenda)
• Accepted site plan and subdivision plat report (site plan at 416 Electric Road; subdivisions at Steelton Mill and 432 Chestnut Street)
• Recommended approval of amendment to reduce townhouse separation to 20 ft (vote 4‑1)

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold a public hearing on a special exception permit request from Williamhart LLC to allow a two‑family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road. The council will also receive the City Manager’s presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and consider a resolution setting the allocation percentage for personal property tax relief for the 2026 tax year. Additionally, the council will consider appropriating capital reserve funds for LED lighting at Salem Stadium.

• Public hearing on special exception permit for a two‑family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road (Williamhart LLC)
• Presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget by the City Manager
• Resolution to set allocation percentage for Personal Property Tax Relief Act for 2026 tax year
• Consideration of appropriating capital reserve funds for Salem Stadium LED lighting
• Acceptance of March 23, 2026, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes and the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the seven months ending Jan 31 2026

The Salem City Council approved a $750,000 transfer from the Capital Reserve to fund LED lighting at Salem Stadium. It also approved a special exception permit for a two‑family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road and adopted Resolution 1524 setting a 43.5% personal property tax relief rate for 2026. The March work session minutes were approved and the seven‑month financial statement was received.

• Approved $750,000 transfer to Salem Stadium LED Lighting (5-0)
• Approved special exception permit for 740 N. Mill Rd duplex (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1524 for 43.5% personal property tax relief (5-0)
• Approved March 23, 2026 work session minutes as written
• Received Statement of Revenues and Expenses for seven months ending Jan 31, 2026

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the March 9, 2026 work and regular sessions. It awarded Certificates of Public and Necessity to Reid Taxi and B. Early Cab Service after a public hearing, with a 5‑0 vote. The council adopted Resolution 1521, delegating authority to the Electric Utility Director, Interim Director, and Finance Director to use up to $2.4 million of projected congestion costs for FTR transactions, also by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved March 9, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Awarded taxicab Certificates of Public and Necessity to Reid Taxi and B. Early Cab Service (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1521 delegating authority for electric congestion cost management (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a special exception permit for a two-family dwelling. The body will also review site plan and subdivision plat approvals and the 2025 Annual Report.

• Public hearing for special exception permit for two-family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road (WILLIAMHART LLC)
• Discussion of two-family dwelling at 213 Rutledge Circle for the April agenda
• Review of 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report
• Site Plan and Subdivision Plat approvals

The commission accepted the minutes from the Jan. 14, 2026 work session and regular meeting. It approved the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and will forward it to City Council (5‑0 vote). The commission voted to recommend approval of a special‑exception permit for a two‑family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road (4‑0‑1 abstention). No other business was acted upon.

• Accepted Jan. 14, 2026 work session and regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and to submit to City Council (5‑0)
• Recommended approval of special‑exception permit for two‑family dwelling at 740 North Mill Road (4‑0‑1 abstention)

City Council

The Salem City Council will review and vote on several financial appropriations, including extra funds for a grants contingency and budget amendments for school-related funds. The meeting also includes presentations on the Roanoke Regional Partnership and FEMA flood map revisions. A discussion on the city's electric power purchasing process will be held during the work session.

• Appropriation of additional funds for grants contingency (Audit‑Finance Committee)
• Amendment of School Operating Fund, School Grants Fund, and School Reserve Fund budgets (Audit‑Finance Committee)
• Presentation by John Hull, Roanoke Regional Partnership Executive Director
• Presentation on FEMA preliminary flood map revisions
• Discussion of the city's electric power purchasing process by Garrett Cole, Vice‑President of GDS Associates

The council approved the School Board’s budget amendments, increasing the School Grants Fund by $1,060,760 and making related adjustments to the School Operating and Reserve Funds. It also approved a $175,000 appropriation to the Grants Contingency accounts. Additionally, Chris Yeakel was appointed as the primary parent representative to the CPMT. The meeting also included a presentation on FEMA flood‑map revisions and the approval of the February 23 minutes.

• Approved School Board budget amendments (increase $1,060,760 to School Grants Fund, $19,250 to Operating Fund, $20,000 to Reserve Fund) – motion passed (4 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved appropriation of $175,000 to Grants Contingency Revenue and $175,000 to Grants Contingency Expenditure – motion passed (4 ayes, 0 nays)
• Appointed Chris Yeakel as primary parent representative to CPMT – motion passed (4 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved February 23, 2026 work session and regular meeting minutes – motion passed
• Received Statement of Revenues and Expenses for five months ending November 30, 2025 – noted

City Council

The Salem City Council will discuss FY 2027 budget priorities and consider several actions. Items include adopting a second‑reading zoning amendment to rezone a McDonald’s property at 101 Electric Road, holding a public hearing on the sale of a 0.134‑acre tract (Tax Map #122-8-6), and authorizing a $275,000 contribution for roof and HVAC repairs to the Salem Museum. The council will also consider a resolution to condemn a sewer easement and a payment adjustment for the Salem Health Department.

• Second‑reading adoption of zoning amendment for McDonald’s property at 101 Electric Road
• Public hearing on sale of ~0.134‑acre tract, Tax Map #122-8-6
• Authorization of $275,000 contribution to Salem Museum for roof and HVAC repairs
• Resolution 1520 to condemn a sewer easement
• Adjustment of payment to Salem Health Department

The Salem City Council adopted a rezoning amendment for 101 Electric Road, approved the sale of a 0.134‑acre parcel to Habitat for Humanity, authorized a $275,000 appropriation for roof and HVAC repairs at the Salem Museum, and adopted Resolution 1520 to obtain a sewer easement by condemnation. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved rezoning of 101 Electric Road (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0.134‑acre Tax Map #122-8-6 to Habitat for Humanity (5-0)
• Approved $275,000 appropriation for Salem Museum roof and HVAC repairs (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1520 to obtain sewer easement by condemnation (5-0)

City Council

The Salem City Council will consider rezoning requests for two properties on Electric Road, approve a contract with AEP Energy Partners, and appropriate grant funds for various infrastructure projects.

• Rezone 1000 Electric Road to allow gasoline station
• Rezone 101 Electric Road for McDonald's
• Approve contract with AEP Energy Partners
• Appropriate E911 state grant funds
• Appropriate Water Fund reserves for AMI infrastructure

The City Council approved the minutes of the January 12, 2026 work and regular sessions. A motion to adopt an amendment to Chapter 66 of the city code regulating sign lighting was voted on and failed, with a 2‑3 vote (ayes: Foley, Green; nays: Saunders, Holliday, Turk). No vote or final action was recorded on the rezoning request for 1000 Electric Road.

• Approved Jan 12, 2026 work and regular session minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to adopt Chapter 66 sign‑lighting amendment failed (2‑3 vote)
• No decision recorded on rezoning of 1000 Electric Road

City Council

The Salem City Council will take a second‑reading vote on an amendment to the zoning ordinance to rezone 1000 Electric Road from Residential Business District to Highway Business District for a gasoline station. The council will also consider Resolution 1517 opposing Virginia General Assembly House Bill 804 and a $715.05 donation request from the Salem Band Boosters. In the work session, officials will discuss the Public Safety Drone Program, and a closed session will address a prospective business expansion.

• Amendment to zoning ordinance: rezone 1000 Electric Road (Tax Map #221-2-1) to Highway Business District for fuel tanks and canopy
• Resolution 1517: adopt resolution opposing Virginia General Assembly HB 804
• Salem Band Boosters donation request of $715.05
• Public Safety Drone Program discussion (Chief of Fire & EMS Stephen G. Simon)
• Closed session on prospective business or industry expansion

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for a McDonald's Corporation property. The body will also elect its 2026 officers and consider amendments to its bylaws.

• Public hearing for rezoning 101 Electric Road from HBD Highway Business District with condition to HBD Highway Business District
• Election of 2026 Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Proposed amendments to Planning Commission bylaws regarding designated agents and secretary positions

The commission elected Denise King as Chairman and Reid Garst as Vice Chairman for 2026. It approved amendments to its bylaws to align with state code. It recommended changing the zoning of 101 Electric Road from HBD with condition to HBD without condition. It also cancelled the February planning commission meeting.

• Elected Denise King as Chairman for 2026 (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)
• Elected Reid Garst as Vice Chairman for 2026 (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)
• Approved amendment to Planning Commission bylaws (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)
• Recommended rezoning of 101 Electric Road to HBD without condition (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)
• Cancelled February Planning Commission meeting (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)
• Accepted minutes from Dec 10, 2025 work and regular sessions (Routt, Henrickson, Beamer, Garst, King Aye)

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold public hearings on two ordinance amendments: a rezoning of 1000 Electric Road from Residential Business District to Highway Business District to permit a gasoline station, and an amendment to Chapter 66 of the City Code concerning signs. The council will also consider a resolution to approve a 5% salary supplement for Constitutional Officers and will consider appointments to various boards and commissions.

• Rezoning request for 1000 Electric Road (Tax Map #221-2-1) to allow fuel tanks and canopy for a gasoline station
• Amendment to City Code Chapter 66 (Signs) with public hearing recommended for February 9, 2026
• Resolution 1516: 5% salary supplement for Constitutional Officers effective Jan 1, 2026
• Appointments to various boards and commissions
• Citizen comments limited to five minutes on matters without a public hearing

The Salem City Council approved on first reading a rezoning of 1000 Electric Road from RB Residential Business to HBD Highway Business District, allowing a gas station and convenience store. The council also continued a proposed sign-lighting ordinance amendment to the February 9, 2026, meeting for further study. A resolution approving a 5% salary supplement for constitutional officers was adopted, and several board and commission appointments were made.

• Approved rezoning of 1000 Electric Road to HBD Highway Business District for gas station (5-0)
• Continued first reading of sign lighting ordinance amendment to February 9, 2026 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 1516 for 5% salary supplement for constitutional officers (5-0)
• Reappointed Steve Poff to Board of Appeals, appointed Chris Roberts to CPMT, reappointed Tommy Miller and Crystal Williams to Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (5-0)
• Approved December 11, 2025, meeting minutes as written