Local News – Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
The Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, Public Works Director Mark Nash gave his report that included work performed by the Constructions Crew, Street Department, Electric Department, and the Water and Sewer Department from August 17th to October 1st. City Administrator Ray Walden told the alderman he is updating the work priority list to bring back to them for their review. He wanted to thank the volunteers from the Church of the Latter Day Saints for their volunteer work around town at the city hall auditorium, old middle school cafeteria and gym and other locations around town. Walden said work would continue in the old City Hall Auditorium as bids will go out for a new ceiling in the auditorium now that the roof has been repaired. He said a “reserved” chair campaign to purchase seats in the auditorium showed some interest during the alumni weekend and that committee will look into that further. Walden also said the MRPC approved a resolution of support for Proposition D that would affect roads in the state of Missouri as well as in the City of Salem. Walden asked voters to research the proposition so they could make an informed decision. The Board approved Bill #3402 to authorize the mayor to execute a supplemental agreement for the project TAP-9901 between the City of Salem and the Missouri Department of Transportation for the new ADA sidewalk/ trail from the Salem R-80 Administrative Building to the Community Center and City Park. The board also approved Bill #3403 to execute a change order to an agreement between the City of Salem, and Smith and Edwards Construction for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1 improvements from $570,500 to $583,689 due to some modifications requested by the city. The board approved a new trailer court license be granted to Central Mo Investments who purchased the Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court after the trailer court is re-inspected. Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court passed the inspection before the June 30th deadline for the current fiscal year. The board also approved the purchase of a commercial portable power/pressure washer from Northern Tool for $3,799.99 which has a two-year warranty. The meeting was then adjourned.
The Missouri Community Betterment Awards were presented Monday night in Columbia as 19 communities, 9 youth groups and 10 community leaders were honored at this year’s conference. Buffalo won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding community among the 19 communities entered in this year’s Awards program. The City of Salem came in third place in Category Four. The Steelville Youth Group took 1st Place in Category 2 and took home J.C. Smith Youth Group of the Year Award. The Salem Youth Group received a Certificate of Merit in Category Four. Congratulations to all the winners and to those individuals and communities who competed.
The Missouri Department of Insurance is encouraging consumers who are eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year’s open enrollment. The open enrollment period, which runs now through December 7th, presents Missourians with the opportunity to change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans. To help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs, the department offers free assistance to Missourians who are eligible for Medicare and their caregivers through the department’s CLAIM program. CLAIM can also help Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and/or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs. Missourians can ask questions by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriclaim.org. The website also offers a list of free open enrollment events that CLAIM is hosting throughout Missouri.
There will be an Art Party this Friday night at the Creative Arts Center. Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date and paint a matching (or complementary) picture. You can paint a fun scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. The cost is $25 per single, and all supplies are included-acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easels. Led by artist Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Bring your own personal style, your favorite beverage and Danielle will lead you through the process. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting 573-247-0279.