Local News – Thursday, April 14th, 2022

The City of Salem Board of Alderman met Tuesday night at City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, City Administrator Ray Walden went over a number of budget adjustments made in the last nine months in Bill #3503 including the adjustment made for the purchase of a dump truck after insurance proceeds were received from a totaled dump truck, finance director expenses, roof repairs, adjustments to the LWCF Grant for the next fiscal year and others. The anticipated revenues went from $14,066,768 to $15,355,702 while the anticipated expenses went from $13,945,698 to $15,209,632. The bill also shows that Intergovernmental transfers went from $2,038,278 to $1,050,769. The bill was approved by the aldermen. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois described to the board the need for a new truck for the department and that the Park Board approved the purchase of new truck this fiscal year. Dubois submitted three state bids and an alternative bid from Twin City Toyota for a 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR for $32,367. The vehicles in the state bid were not available. The board tabled the purchase until the next meeting to review the financial condition for the Park and Recreation Department and further discussion. City Administrator Walden thanked Mayor Kim Steelman and Alderwoman Catherine Dent for their service on the board and their work at the office. Mayor Steelman said she was proud to have served the city for six years, and also wanted to thank former Mayor Brad Nash for all the work he did for the city. Public Works Director Mark Nash told the board there would be five city vehicles available for the surplus sale this spring. He said the electric department has been revamping and upgrading services. Nash reported the utilities departments are evaluating meter services and replacing water and sewer systems as well as reducing leaks. Nash said some restaurants in the city do not have grease traps for their sewer lines and he will get with Compliance Officer Jared Brown to discuss this need to protect the sewer system. Nash went on to report the city street crews have been cleaning ditches, patching potholes and replacing culverts. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said the cleanup work at the certified site in the Master’s Industrial Park has been slowed by the weather and the contract may have to be extended. She also said bids for soil boring were being let out to take at least three 25-foot-deep samples. Burbridge said the pre-application forms have been sent out to banks for the “Welcome Home Rehab” Program. She also said she contacted a number of local contractors about a pre-bid meeting on the Welcome Home Program that would be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Tuesday. Park and Recreation Director Dubois said late signups for the summer softball, baseball and T-Ball will be accepted until April 18th for $35 per player. She said she hopes the new lighting system will be installed at the Al Brown Fields by summer. The alderman canvassed the Certification of Election results for the Municipal Election held April 5th. Resolution #10-2022 accepted the certification that showed the public elected Greg Parker as Mayor, Kyle Williams for a two-year term as a West Ward Alderman, Tod Kinerk for a one-year term Alderman term as a West Ward Alderman and Kala Sisco for a two-year term as East Ward Alderman. City Clerk Tammy Koller swore-in the newly elected officials as they replaced Mayor Kim Steelman and Alderwoman Catherine Dent on the board. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack was elected President of the Board before the board went into closed session.

Warmer weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work. If you are planting a tree, building a deck or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to notify the Missouri One Call System by calling 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE, or placing a locate request online at www.mo1call.com at least three working days before excavation begins. The call will be taken by the Missouri One Call Center, which then notifies all relevant utilities in the project area except for propane companies. During this three-day period, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site. Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury, it could disrupt service to you and other customers and it could potentially result in fines and repair costs. Call before you dig. It’s free and it’s the law.

Bring your own artwork from home and enjoy the company of others who enjoy the same hobbies as you to the Creative Art Center. Some art supplies and ceramic pieces will be available for purchase. The open studio date is Saturday, April 23rd. For more information or to register, call 247-0651, message on Facebook or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.