Local News – Thursday, November 30th, 2023

The Salem Board of Alderman met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After they approved the consent agenda, the board tabled a discussion on a new public comment policy so that questions can be asked of the city attorney in closed session. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented a look at the financials that showed electric consumption is down, but the revenue is up for the first third of the fiscal year by about $130,000 over last year; while water consumption is also down and revenues are about $48,000 less than the same time period last fiscal year. Sewer revenues are up over last year by almost $76,800. Sales taxes received in October were up 8% over last year in all the funds. The starting balance for all funds on October 1st was about 7.9 million dollars and increased to almost 8.1 million dollars by the end of the month. The board discussed a conditional use permit for a motorcycle detail shop at 1509 South Louise Street. This had been denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission first as a detail and mechanic shop, then as a detail shop. Commission member Tabitha Utley said the decision was made due to it being a residential subdivision with a large number of people in the immediate area. There were also some comments from three neighbors who expressed their concerns to Utley. Alderman Kyle Williams and Alderwoman Kala Sisco saw a need for this type of business and felt with the proper restrictions on the conditional use permit, it could be an asset. Alderwoman Duncan did not agree and thought the business would be out of place, hurting the resale value of these homes. After discussion on both sides, the board approved a conditional use permit by a 3-1 vote that would include these restrictions: no more than three vehicles can be at the property location in 24 hours, business hours must fall between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, an unlit 4 by 8 foot sign may be placed against the building, no mechanical repairs, oil changes or tire changes will be allowed, the permit will be revoked if the restrictions are violated, the permit is non-transferable and it will be reviewed after one-year. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3579 that would change the Community Services Committee to the Community Involvement Committee, then heard the second reading of Bill #3578 officially changing the names of the streets in the Master’s Industrial Park for recording purposes that was approved by the board. Jeff Medows presented a timeline chart of projects to be done. The downtown sidewalk TAP grant is in the MoDOT review process and should be approved in a couple of weeks. Medows felt bids could be let out for the work in February and any contract awarded will work around the road rally, 4th of July Parade, Summerfest and any other event scheduled. City Administrator Sally Burbridge mentioned that city needs to work with the business owners that have their business affected during the construction. Medows reported comparison data on the water collection system being paid for by a DNR grant is being hampered by all the dry weather as the engineers need wet weather to do comparisons. He said that grant may be able to be extended. The waste water treatment plant work for parts 2A and 2B will be bid out in June or July of 2024, and will need to be finished by 2026. He said the new well and storage tank application to DNR should be made in January with bidding going out in the spring. Medows said the lead service line inventory method has been approved by DNR and the investigation of those lines should be completed by October of 2024. Mayor Greg Parker wanted to remind everyone about the City of Salem and Salem Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights Saturday night at 5:30 followed by a special Trees and Trains event at the ONCRC. Public Works Director Mark Nash said work continues on the salt building on Center Street. He said he would put together an inventory of equipment that would tell the amount of expected life it has left for budget planning. Nash also said the snow removal equipment has been prepared for any weather change and the mowing of all city properties is completed. Alderwoman Sisco reported on the Finance Committee meeting held and said Sherry Lea has resigned from the committee. She said she plans on running for the East Side alderman position in April. Alderman Williams said the Road Rally group would like to install a ham radio antenna on a water tower and also add wording to signage stating “Home of the 100-Acre Wood Rally.” Williams said he is still working with SMTS on a public transportation system route with the help of the MRPC. He stated he will not be running for re-election in April. The board then went into closed session.

This Friday night at Echo Bluff State Park, they will kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting and Salem Chamber Choir performance in the lodge lobby! Come listen to the choir’s heavenly music fill the lodge lobby’s rafters as they perform traditional and international Christmas carols. The choir will perform following the lighting of the tree. There’s a rumor that Santa will make an appearance! Cookies and cocoa will be available. The festivities begin at 7:00 at the Echo Bluff Lodge located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.