Local News – Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Marty Anderson talked with the board about his concerns with customer service concerning his electric bill that he could not get explained to him starting in December and continuing into April. Alderwoman Kim Steelman apologized and asked that someone with city contact Anderson first thing the next day. The board approved the request by FFA Advisor Heather Johnson to block off 1st and 2nd streets to allow the Lower Elementary and Developmental Preschool students to attend Farm Day with numerous animals. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved the bid of $12,524.00 from Fleetwood Pyrotechnics, LLC for the purchase and setting off fireworks for the 4th of July. The board also approved the bid of $4,592 for an undercounter Biochemical Oxygen Demand Incubator from Fisher Scientific. The board then approved Resolution #8-2021 for the leasing of the Dent County Commons for a $1,500 maintenance fee for the 2021 Fourth of July Fireworks, and approved Bill #3478 allowing the mayor to execute an agreement for the TAP grant project between the city and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to improve sidewalks on 4th Street downtown. The board voted no to the 8% increase on renewing the current health insurance policy for employees from United Healthcare and approved putting the health insurance out for bid and then hold a workshop to discuss the bids. The board approved Bill #3479 that allowed the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and Donald Maggi, Inc. for the Route J and Highway 72 sewer extension at a cost of $382,114.50, approved Resolution #10-2021 between the city and Terex Financial Services for the lease of a new Terex Commander 5048 model hydraulic rotating digger derrick with a turntable winch that will be paid over 560 months at $3,599 per month, and approved Resolution 11-2021 that will allow the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Specialty Fleet Rentals for the lease of a 47 foot digger derrick truck at $5,250 per month and $1,772.50 delivery fee to to be used until the new truck can be delivered in 12-15 months. The board went on to approved Resolution #12-2021 and #13-2021 to accept a perpetual utility easement on Highway 19 south on property owned by Bryan and Rebecca Smith, and for perpetual utility easements on Route J and Highway 72 on numerous parcels. The board tabled a resolution to use Fusion Link Communications, LLC to create a communications plan for the city, but did approve Resolution #15-2021 between the city and Exceleron Software, LLC that will allow customers to pay by credit card, debit card and e-checks through a mobile application and online through the payment portal called, “My Usage” for a set-up fee of $15,000 and $2,000 monthly fee for 333 accounts to the city. City Administrator Ray Walden said utility bills have been sent out for the period January 9th through February 8th. Walden said the next billing will be from February 8th through May 15th and will provide residents with options on paying the bill including full pay, and payment plans. He said the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 4,009 participants in the month of April. Walden stated the Spring Clean Up weeks continue this week and will be held next week as well on your regular pickup day. This is for city residents only. If you have questions about what cannot be picked up, please call Waste Management at 1-800-926-3953. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at 10:10 on Highway 68 about three miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford Focus, driven by 50-year-old Laura Lewis of Salem, pulled into the path of a 2009 Nissan Quest, driven by 28-year-old Shelby Wood also of Salem. Both drivers, along with a passenger in the Ford, 40-year-old Jacqueline Hovis of Salem, suffered minor injuries. All were transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. According to the report, Lewis and Hovis were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident, while Wood was not. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem Senior Center is now serving meals in the dining room as well as still offering the curbside service. With the increase in service, volunteers are now needed inside to help serve meals. If you would like more information on how you can volunteer or help, call 729-2373 or stop by the Senior Center at 604 North McGrath Lane and speak with Jody Schaefer.