Local News – Wednesday, February 6th, 2019
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Kristen DeLuca from K. DeLuca Audit Services, LLC gave the aldermen a report on the city audit that showed that the city received an unmodified opinion that says the financial statements accurately reflect the financial position of the city. The audit shows the city finished the 2018 fiscal year with almost 26 million dollars in assets and a net equity position of over 15 million dollars. The audit showed a positive change in net position of $1,134,030 that includes a major investment ongoing with the sewer treatment plant, new sewer lines, the AMI system and more. Overall, the city is in very good financial condition. Public Works Director Mark Nash discussed with the alderman the bids for the 2006 Ford F-250 with Knapheide Truck Equipment and KRANZ Body LLC. Once the options were selected, the bid from Knapheide came in at $8,903 which came in about $195 less than the KRANZ bid. The board approved going with the Knapheide bid. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden reported the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 3,672 participants for the month of January. He went on to say that numerous requests for proposals are currently out including the AMI system, the old Middle School Property, and for security improvements at the Salem City Administration Building. Walden said the auditorium updates are still being done and citizens can purchase seats for $250 each. The city continues to work with Everything Cinema for the screen for the stage and the ceiling tile grid is in place. Walden said the city offices would be closed on February 18th for President’s Day, so the next Aldermen meeting would be held on Tuesday, February 19th. Walden also reported that he, Nuisance Officer Jared Brown and City Attorney William Camm Seay got together to discuss nuisance matters and to put together information for a public workshop to be held in the near future. The board approved the re-appointment of Joe Brand and Claire Underwood to the Salem Housing Authority Board to four-year terms beginning February 17th. The board could not discuss Bill #3407 that deals with the subdivision of the property at 5400 Ranch Motel Drive. There seems to be some confusion about the proper parcel description and what was actually recommended by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission to the board. There was also some question as to what Tom Gollhofer originally requested and that will be reviewed before moving forward. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate.
The Spring Creek Artisans Hearts Day will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. The Artisans will be featuring the work of our newest artist, Sohia Delatt, and will feature the dulcimer music by Carol Spurlock. You will find unique handcrafted gifts at Heart’s Day! A wide variety of handmade items will be available from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry, cards, metal sculpture, gourd art and Holiday items will be on sale. We will have beautiful and unique Valentines created by Upper Elementary Art Students on display. Come enjoy cookies and apple cider, while shopping. Register to win the door prize, a beautiful turned wooden bowl by Missouri Hands Artist Davis Spurlock. We have several new artists creating beautiful and original work. Come check it out Saturday at the Bonebrake Center starting at 9:00 AM!