Local News – Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
The City of Salem was notified Monday by the Stars & Stripes National Museum/Library & Learning Center, that the city has been recognized as one of 30 selected cities and up to 20 smaller communities around the nation this year to be a “Stars & Stripes City.” The recognition is a result of our community’s ongoing embrace and dedication to the principles of informed citizenship, commitment and service both within our community and in our democratic society. The proclamation will be presented this afternoon at 4:15 at the City Hall Council Chambers located at 202 N. Washington. Stars & Stripes past president and national outreach chair, Jim W. Martin will present the proclamation. The Salem Board of Aldermen invite the public as well civic leaders, business persons and other to join in this opportunity to celebrate our community.
The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting this evening at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. Committee members will review the most recent utility financials and the current utility work report and discuss feedback from the recent experience with Excelron. Credit and debit card fees will then be discussed before adjournment. The meeting of the Utility Committee this evening is open to the public.
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, the board heard from Steve Evrard and his concern for the condition of the city’s water system. He recently talked with Public Works Director Mark Nash regarding his concerns and is pleased to learn that the city is aware that the water system needs to be a priority. The board then heard from Lisa French and her concerns that the city meeting minutes are not always available on the city website. She wants to see the minutes written to reflect the meetings content more accurately such as the dollar amounts for bids and purchases should be included. She has also asked several questions of the utility committee and has not received a response. Mayor Parker suggested she submit her questions via e-mail. After the consent agenda, the board approved a bid from Welch Construction for $22,000 for the rehab work at 503 E. Rolla Road as part of the “Welcome Home” Project. The board rejected the bids from Smith Construction and Contracting and Titan Outdoor Construction for #4 Parkview Place. These bids were over the allotted program amounts and the homeowner rejected both bids. The board approved the final payment to Godi Excavating for $30,304.25 for work at the Industrial Park Certified Site. The board approved sending City Clerk Tammy Kohler as the employer delegate to the LAGERS Annual meeting in Springfield. The board then approved Resolution No. 34-2022 for the annual membership rate of $3,246.78 be paid to the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. They also approved Resolution No. 35-2022 for Welch Construction to do rehabilitation work for the “Welcome Home” project at a cost of $22,000, as well as Bill #3522 to approve a change order from ESP for a reduction in the contract amount of $10,422 for some tuck and point work on the City Hall that could not safely be completed. The board tabled Bill #3523 for a revised purchasing policy. Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge asked for clarification regarding board and committee minutes and how they are approved by committee members before action is taken by the Board of Aldermen. Attorney Weber will look for clarifying ordinances. The board approved rejecting the LWCF Soccer Grant, due to lack of city funds to cover the match for the grant. Mayor Greg Parker reminded citizens of the Fall Clean-Up for this week and next week’s normal trash day service. A Health and Wellness Expo will be held at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory this Thursday beginning at 4:30 pm. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave updates on several departments. The city has listed items for sale on the Purple Wave Auction website. Alderman Kayla Sisco mentioned the SACBA Family Feud fundraiser that will be held on Friday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. There will be a Finance Committee meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers on Thursday beginning at 6:00 PM which is open to the public. The board then went into closed session.
The Bonebrake Center’s 2022 Mudbugs will be having a campfire this Thursday from 4:00 until 5:00. The program is targeted at 6 to 12-year boys and girls, but all ages are welcome. These activities will be held outside, and kids should be prepared to get dirty. Activities should last about an hour, and they ask that a parent or guardian accompany your children. The cost of the Mudbug event is $1 per child. For more information, call Janet Price at (573) 269-1026 or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.
A three-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just before 4:15 in Phelps County at the intersection Highway 72 and Walker Street. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2021 Dodge Charger being driven by 37-year-old Jeremy McCurdy of Rolla was making a right turn when he was struck from behind by a 2007 Saturn Ion being driven by 75-year-old Louise Strauser of Rolla. The collision caused the Dodge to strike the front fender of a 2004 Ford Taurus being driven by 19-year-old Samuel Insall of Rolla. Strauser and McCurdy both suffered minor injuries. Strauser was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Hospital while McCurdy was taken to Phelps Health by a private conveyance. All involved were wearing seat restraints. The Ford and Dodge were able to be driven from the scene with minor to moderate damage. The Saturn was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Rolla Police Department.