Local News – Wednesday, February 20th, 2019
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire Station for a regular February meeting. Daniel Black of Black’s A-1 Septic was not able to make it to the meeting due to the weather and postponed addressing the board until the March 4th meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden presented a request from Wes Hester for some of the city hours that are allowed by the MRPC for use for grants or to assist organizations. This is to allow his public not-for-profit cybersecurity organization as recognized by the state of Missouri receive a 501 C 3 tax exempt status through the IRS. He has been working through the Dent County Community Foundation. The board agreed to allow three hours for his use. The board approved the bid from Central Tank Coatings from Elgin, Iowa of $246,500 to perform miscellaneous repairs to the water tower on Wines Street before stripping, blasting, cleaning and repainting the entire exterior and interior of the 150,000 gallon Horton Water Sphere water tank. This is a budgeted expense as the city set aside $266,450 for the project of which over $264,000 remained. After the consent agenda was approved, City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Gary Brown reported the commission approved the consent agenda that included minutes of the Planning and Zoning meetings of July 16th and January 22nd, and the Planning and Zoning Hearing of January 22nd. Brown said the commission then rescinded the previous motion from the last meeting as it was not correct. The commission discussed the subdivision of the tracts at 5400 West Scenic Rivers Blvd and there was concern about the property without having a copy of the Shirley R. Gollhofer Trust at the meeting. It was determined that the necessary paperwork needed to be at the next commission meeting before proceeding. The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was then adjourned. Administrator Walden reported the MRPC would be having a “Meramec Morning” at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Wednesday, February 27th at 10:00 for people to congregate and find out the services available in their community and in the Meramec Region. This event is open to the public. Walden also said there would be a meeting held at the old Middle School Gym on Monday morning at 10:00 for a tour of the facility to determine the future of the site. The board postponed Bill 3408 that dealt with the subdivision of the property at 5400 West Scenic Rivers Blvd until the next meeting. They approved Resolution 4-2019 that allows Mayor Brad Nash to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Donald Maggi, Inc. for the installation of water lines on Park Street and along Highway 32 and Highway 72. The board also approved Resolution 5-2019 that allows Mayor Nash to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and Central Tank Coatings to do the work on the water tower on Wines Street. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts and real estate.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, February 6th deputies traveled to the 900 block of Dent County Road 5070 to search for a female with active warrants through Dent County. During the investigation a 49-year Salem female was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Saturday, February 9th, deputies traveled to the 2900 block of Highway 19 North for a report of a domestic incident. During the course of the investigation, deputies spoke to a 39-year old Salem male and a 31-year old Salem female. As a result of the investigation a Missouri 12 hour rule was issued and the female was transported away from the residence. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 Thursday evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch with a report on free and reduced lunch count, the January membership, the Agriculture Education Advisory Committee, an athletic update and annual performance report. The Board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for Differentiated Instruction and the At Risk /Alternative Program. After the Principals’ Building Reports the Board will address new business including; approval of 2018-2019 School Calendar, consider MSBA 2018 D Policy Updates and consider Promethean Projector purchase. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The February regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.
The Salem Rotary Club will be holding their annual Pancake Day this Saturday from 7:00 until 11:00 in the morning at the Salem Middle School Cafeteria. This fundraising event is all-you-can-eat with the money raised going toward scholarships and community projects. Tickets are available from Rotary Club members or you can buy them at the door. The cost for adults is $6.00 and children are $3.00 each.