News – Friday, June 27th 2025

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Auditorium. Following the removal of language referencing a closed session, the agenda was approved. Police Chief Joe Chase presented a bid from RCC Radio Communications of Washington, Missouri, for the purchase of a Harris XL200P radio. The total bid, which includes a trade-in promotion for the inoperable radio, came to $5,728.70. The Board approved the purchase. Several resolutions were reviewed and approved. Resolution No. 18-2025 renewing the agreement with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for the continued use of the Visitor Center for fiscal year 2026; Resolution No. 19-2025 authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with MSU–West Plains to continue using the City Hall basement to host the Adult Education and Literacy Program; Resolution No. 20-2025 renewing the agreement with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for sewer shed disease trend monitoring. Under the agreement, DHSS will provide testing supplies, and the city’s Sewer Department will deliver weekly samples to the local health department. The city will be reimbursed $100 per sample, up to $5,000 during the contract period. Resolution No. 21-2025 authorizing Mayor Greg Parker to sign the renewal of the city’s health insurance plan through United Healthcare, as required by the Affordable Care Act; Resolution No. 22-2025 approving an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to begin construction on the ADA Transition Plan Improvements, with work anticipated to start in February 2026. The project is estimated at $1.8 million, any cost to the city has not yet been identified. The Board also revisited a tabled discussion regarding utility access outside city boundaries. Alderman John Whelan made a motion to allow services without requiring voluntary annexation, citing existing infrastructure; however, the motion failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion requiring voluntary annexation prior to service approval was passed, with Whelan the only opposing vote. City Administrator Sally Burbridge requested a special meeting be scheduled for Monday, June 30, to discuss the city’s budget and other matters. Mayor Parker highlighted several upcoming summer events, including the annual Dent County Toy Drive. During his report, Public Works Director Steve Paine noted that the city’s lighting, in the park, cannot be turned off during the Fourth of July fireworks display. Alderwoman Cathy Dent announced that the Salem Community Choir will perform a Patriotic Spectacular at City Hall on July 4. The meeting then adjourned.

Music lovers are invited to Echo Bluff State Park for a great local family band, the “Lone Pine Band” concert tomorrow evening at 8:00. For detailed information regarding this concert or any events at Echo Bluff you can visit, mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.