Your World Today

City of Salem Public Works Director Mark Nash wants to remind those residents who have not paid their utility bills in full by 5:00 TODAY will have their utilities disconnected Thursday unless you have made previous arrangements. If you have any questions, contact the City of Salem Utility Department at 729-4117.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting the board approved Resolution #1-2022 that authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Godi Excavating to remove the timber from the ground in the industrial park for the Certified Site location for $70,475 which allows Godi to harvest the timber from the site. The timber removal was budgeted at $40,000, but City Administrator Walden said the increase in sales tax can cover the expense at this time, but a budget adjustment can be made if needed. Mayor Kim Steelman felt that the city could use ARPA funds to pay for this economic improvement if the city wants to go that way. The board also approved Resolution #2-2022 allowing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and the Missouri State University-West Plains Campus to provide the Adult Education and Literacy program in the city hall. The board went on to approve Bill #3497 that allows the mayor to execute a one-year lease agreement with Wave Internet Technologies to provide wireless broadband access from the City of Salem’s water tower at Condray and Tower streets, as well as Resolution #3-2022 that authorizes the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Signature Public Funding Corp, a New York Corporation for the financing of $1,505,385.17 for the HVAC and maintenance Project. Payments will be made in 59 quarterly payments at 2.57% for a total of $1,762,647.42. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported that the city’s current mechanics service truck has nearly wore out and the city can obtain a 2022 Ford Super Duty F-350 4X4 Cab and Chassis for $44,148 from Hainen Ford out of Tipton, Missouri. With a utility bed purchased in Springfield, the city can get the truck and bed for $56,976.00 which is $3,024 under budget. All the other bids came in over budget and the city would have to wait 15 to 18 months to get the truck. The board approved the purchase of the new truck. Don Harkey of People Centric reported on the city’s Strategic Planning Process that they have been working on. Harkey said it was a four-phase project that started with feedback, holding a strategy session, then have a strategic plan launch with the strategic plan execution to follow. The execution set key objectives include enhancing employer of choice status with city employees; improving communications, connections and collaborations with the community; form strong partnerships with the community and to establish a long-term vision for Salem. All in all, the strategic plan’s focus is on improving the quality of life in Salem. City Administrator Walden reported he is working on items for an upcoming airport board meeting next week, probably on Tuesday, as well as for an upcoming utility committee meeting. He said Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin will be at the next board meeting to update them on projects and wanted to remind the public the city offices would be closed on Monday, January 17th for Martin Luther King Day. Salem Police Chief Joe Chase asked the alderman to allow him to submit an application for a Department of Public Safety non-matching grant for $19,000 or $20,000 for four mobile data terminals and LPR cameras. The aldermen approved his request. Mayor Kim Steelman thanked People Centric for their work and also wanted to apologize for the short billing delays this month. Public Works Director Nash said the cold weather caused two water breaks and a couple of sewer line backups. Nash said the city has been installing cleanouts on the sewer lines to properties that didn’t have any as those sewer backups are the property owner’s responsibility. He also said a control box at the sewer plant had an issue and the city was able to find a replacement for $700 instead of buying a new one, if one could be found, for about $15,000. Nash said some electric poles have been changed out and some trees cut in the right-of -ways. After the alderman gave their reports, Mayor Steelman made some changes to the committees due to the resignation of Alderman Kevin James. She also appointed Brenda Urban to the Library Board. The aldermen then went into closed session.

Learn the technique needed to create a bookmark out of lovely colored yarn and your fingers on Monday evening, Jan 17th, from 5:30 to 7:30 with Susan Wilson. Once you master the skill of finger weaving bookmarks, you can branch out to create your own larger pieces at home, even a scarf. All the supplies are included and the cost is $20 for the class. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306, or sign up on the Salem Arts Council Facebook page.