Local News – Wednesday, May 20th, 2020

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday at the City Hall Auditorium. The board heard from Juliana Bermudez about her utility bill that showed that she used over 27,000 gallons of water in December with most of the usage on days before Christmas when she was out of town. The new water meter was installed on December 3rd and Public Works Director Mark Nash looked at the meter break down and explained to the board the meter readings were inconsistent and then became normal around Christmas Day. He said the company, Neptune nor he could explain what happened. The board approved replacing the meter and sending off the current meter for testing and adjusting her bill to an average use rate. The board approved the consent agenda before City Administrator Ray Walden referred to the sales tax numbers that were all down year-to-date. He said because of the current trend, the sales tax projections for the upcoming budget will need to be very conservative and the budget will be much tighter than in other years. Walden said that he would get with Alderwoman Steelman to set up meetings for the budget including the finance and capital project committees with all board candidates being invited. Walden reported the Airport Board met last week. He reported they need to work on lease wording for hangers and Walden also said the taxi lane project at the airport has been delayed due to the weather in preparation for the six-unit T-hanger. Walden went on to say there was interest in extending the runway. He said the numbers were not yet in on the electronics collection in Salem Saturday, but he will report them when they come in. Walden said the workers were getting Cedar Grove Cemetery ready for Memorial Day celebrations and the city office would be closed on Monday, May 25th. Walden passed out a draft letter that will be sent to city residents in their upcoming utility bill that includes three options for people to pay their unpaid past utility balance and current balance. Each option will be presented for the resident to determine which is best for them. He said about 40% of the utility bills are now ready and most of the bills should be ready by weeks end. He also said they are working with the software vendor to change the bill format to reflect the new readings. Alderwoman Steelman asked that the bills that are ready be sent out immediately to the city residents and the rest as quickly as possible. The board did not approve Resolution 10-2020 as the contract with N. B. West of Sullivan did not guarantee the price of $7.50 per square yard of nova chips past May 31st and the city wanted a waiver of any mechanics lien. The board did approve Resolution 11-2020 to submit an application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program, Volkswagon Trust Government Truck Program to reduce emissions from older trucks. If approved, this grant would provide for 50% of the cost of a new 2021 Freightliner Diesel Flatbed with a Terex Commander Digger Derrick and 2020 Diesel Dump Truck. They also approved Bill #3449 to extend the Declaration of Emergency for the City of Salem until further action is needed from the board. This continues the protocols and practices enacted by the city during the initial 60-day period. The board approved the appointment of Richard LaBrash, Sr. to the Salem Housing Authority Board to replace Doris Stempniak whose term would expire October 4th, 2020. LaBrash also agreed to serve an additional four-year term beginning October 5th, 2020. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts before adjourning.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting this Thursday evening at 6:30 in the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington, to discuss and receive any written and oral objections on a request for a waiver to allow parking in the 30’ front setback of a new development. The parking area would include lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 of the South Aire Annex between Truman and Rubenstein Streets, a subdivision of land consisting of fourteen lots and owned by Central MO Investments, LLC. The meeting, called by acting chairman Bob Parsons, is open to the public.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated, especially after these last few months. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Please remember to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines, and stay home if you are ill. If your plans include driving, choose to be courteous and obey all Missouri laws. Use a seat belt when you drive and wear a life jacket when you’re on or near the water. Always pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (the Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. or call 1-888-275-6636. Over the 2019 Memorial Day holiday weekend, eight people died and 433 were injured in 1,009 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 96 DWI arrests. This year’s counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 this Friday night, May 22nd, and ends at 11:59 Monday night, May 25th. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and above all, have a safe Memorial Day Weekend! We’ve earned it!