Local News – Wednesday, December 28th, 2022

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon just before 2:15 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3640 and Highway KK that took the life of a St. James woman. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Buick Lacrosse driven westbound by 18-year-old Cadey Rogers of St. James, failed to yield to a westbound Burlington Northern Freight train traveling eastbound. Rogers was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell and her body was transported by the Phelps County Coroner from the scene. The report went on to state that the crossing had crossbucks and a yield sign. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Finance Director Stacey Houston reviewed the sales tax revenues for the first six months of the fiscal year that included the General Revenue Fund, the Capital Improvement Fund and the Park and Recreation Fund. She said the funds were down this December from last year December slightly, but year-to-date, all the funds are up about 8%. She reviewed the revenues from all the funds that showed the water and sewer sales revenues ahead of budget for the first five months of the year while the electric revenues were right at the anticipated budgeted figure. She reviewed the fund balances with the board for all the city funds to keep them up to date. Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge discussed the four bids received by the city to provide municipal financial advisor services, how they were scored, and that the eventual recommendation came from the staff’s familiarity and comfort in dealing with Chris Collier from Piper Sandler & Co. The contract from Piper Sandler & Co was reviewed by City Attorney James Weber who told the alderman they need to understand the expenses they will be charged in Section 7, and that the contract is automatically renewed if not terminated in a timely manner by either party without cause. Weber was also uncomfortable with two other sections that he recommended the board ask to be stricken from the contract. The board voted to approve the bid from Piper Sandler & Co to provide municipal financial advisor services to the city. In discussing Resolution #50-2022 to allow the mayor to enter into an agreement between the city of Salem and Piper Sandler & Co. to provide municipal financial services, the board approved the resolution with the contingency that Section 16, Part C and Section 19 be stricken from the contract. The contingent contract will be submitted to the Piper Sandler & Co attorneys for their review. In reports, Mayor Greg Parker wanted to thank all the first responders for their work during the fire in town last week in the extremely cold weather. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there were 14 call outs to shut off water due to frozen pipes or leaks, plus two main water lines busted during the cold, and more are expected when the temperatures moderate. Nash said there was only one outage reported during the high winds and cold. He did report there is 2,400 gallons of fuel is in the tank at the airport, but it will need to be inspected by the state before it can be sold. There was a small leak at a fitting when the tank was filled but that was repaired quickly. Nash said he feels that very soon the tank will need to be replaced. Nash also wanted to thank Compass who the city purchased their road salt from for delivering 125 tons of salt on the Friday before the winter storm so the city would have it on hand. Although the city couldn’t use much due to the extreme cold conditions, it is available if needed. He also said disconnects would be held today for those who have not paid their utility bill. Alderwoman Kala Sisco said a Finance Committee meeting will be held next Tuesday at 6:00, and a Park and Rec Board meeting will be held Wednesday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack reported the SAFHR program to help renters and landlords who are behind on paying or receiving rent will stop taking applications on January 31st, 2023. He also said MoDOT has been contacted about the stop light at Doss and Warfel Streets as it stays red way too long. The part is on backorder and it may take a few weeks to get the part in. Chief Joe Chase reported clean-up work on the former Annie’s Restaurant will begin after the first of the year. City Clerk Tammy Koller said three people signed up for the east and west ward alderman seats. Incumbent Alderman Shawn Bolerjack has signed up for the East Ward Alderman seat while incumbent Alderwoman Amanda Duncan and former Alderman Bill Riley have filed for the West Ward Aldermanic Seat. The Municipal Election will be held April 4th. Filings closed Tuesday afternoon at 5:00. The board then went into closed session.