Local News – Monday, June 4, 2018
To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Ameren Missouri customers will see natural gas rates drop under a filing that took effect on Friday, June 1st. Residential customers in Ameren Missouri’s Rolla service area that includes Rolla, Salem and Owensville, will see natural gas rates drop by approximately $0.09 per Ccf. Approximately 55% to 60% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission, but they do conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves about 129,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.
The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. The board will review bids for fiberglass primary electric enclosures, 2,500 feet of 4/0 aluminum TRXLPE underground primary wire, utility poles, and transformers. City Attorney William Camm Seay will announce a public hearing was held before the Alderman meeting on the annexation of Al Brown Fields and properties on North Water Street. Following the consent agenda Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, will report on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and hearing held prior to the Board of Alderman meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report followed by Mayor Brad Nash’s report. Bill #3389, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Premier Pyrotechnics, Inc., for the 2018 fireworks display at The Commons July 4th will be introduced and read. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Library Board is requesting approval to appoint Josh Gordon to the Library Board. Street Superintendent Gary Glenn will request approval to purchase cold mix to repair streets in the amount of $4,319.70. The board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate.
The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 29th, deputies responded to the 9000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. After an investigation, it was determined that a 30-year old Salem man had kicked in the door of a residence and entered the house. He was located in the ditch line about 100 yards from the house. He was arrested for 2nd degree burglary and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday May 30th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 20-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while under the influence. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Friday, June 1st, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a report of trespassing. It was discovered that a 38-year old Salem man at the residence had a warrant. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. If anyone has information on any incident, please call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.
Public comment is now being accepted, until June 13, 2018, on the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is available for review on Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s website at www.meramecregion.org and click on publications. The plan is located under the Hazard Mitigation Plans for Dent County. A hard copy of the plan is also available at the Dent County Courthouse. The purpose of the plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. It is required that the county have a plan in place in order to be eligible for several Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs. Several entities participated in the planning process to update the plan, including the Dent County Commission, City of Salem, Salem R-80 School District, Oak Hill R-1 School District, Dent-Phelps R-III School District, North Woods R-IV School District, Green Forest R-II School District, Dent County Health Department, The Salem News, Healthy Dent County, Salem Memorial District Hospital, KSMO Radio, Lenox Fire Department, Montauk Fire Department, Intercounty Electric, Seville Care Center, Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Department. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitated focus group meetings and assisted these entities in developing the plan. Following a public comment period, a final draft will be created and sent to FEMA and SEMA for review and approval. If you need assistance locating the plan or have questions, please contact Ryan Dunwoody at MRPC at 573-265-2993.