Local News – Wednesday, September 27th, 2023
Tuesday evening, the City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. In New Business, the board approved the addition of two personal days per year for employees as this was inadvertently left out of the recent update of the Employee Manual. They also approved Resolution No. 27-2023 authorizing the Mayor to accept permanent sidewalk easements for the sidewalk construction project for the TAP grant for the 4th Street downtown improvements. Approval was also given to renew the Trumpia texting service for $6,000 per year. There are currently 507 citizens that have signed up for the service as well as 43 staff members who receive internal employee related notices. Alderman Williams suggested this service be advertised on FaceBook and Townscreen to remind citizens to sign up for the service. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that the Salem R-80 Construction Trades building project has requested the city cover half of the electrical service materials at a cost of $11,500. The board approved this request to be paid out of the Equipment Maintenance budget line that totals $90,000. Approval was given to purchase a 2023 Dodge Durango from Behlmann Chrysler at a cost of $40,378 for thePolice Department. This will replace one vehicle that will be sold to offset the purchase price. The Board approved Bill No. 3573, a contract with BuildTec Construction for the construction of six Unity T-Hangars at the Salem Memorial Airport in the amount of $624,900. This contract will be paid from the grant proceeds provided by MoDOT via the Federal Aviation Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation. Finance Director Stacey Houston provided an update on the sales tax revenue stating there was a 15% decrease when comparing September 2022 to September 2023. For August there was $1.3 million in electric sales revenue with $794,000 for purchase of power. There was $147,858 in water sales revenue and $199,584 in sewer sales revenue for August. The total revenue for all city funds was $2.5 million with expenses of $2.1 million. There is currently $8.2 million in all funds. Mayor Greg Parker reported that the City Wide Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, October 7th and the citywide fall cleanup week will be held on October 9-13 on your normal trash pickup day. Director of Public Works Mark Nash reported the water is being tested for COVID as well as Influenza A and B. Alderman Sisco reported that additional citizens are needed to serve on the Community Service Committee to work on plans for the Fourth of July celebration. If anyone is interested, please contact the city. Alderman Bolerjack reported that a Current River Mural Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 9:00 in the morning at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The City offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Columbus Day. Alderman Williams reported there is a vacancy on the Utility Committee and that he has a meeting scheduled with SMTS regarding a Transportation System in Dent County. The board then went into closed session.
This fall season, visit Ozark National Scenic Riverways for unique guided hiking adventures! As summer winds down, it becomes time to plan adventures for fall and winter. Celebrate the new season by immersing yourself in fall colors! The Ozarks are home to countless trails, all of which exhibit spectacular hues in autumn. Hiking is the perfect way to discover these hidden gems of the Ozark Mountains. This Saturday, explore the historic community of Owls Bend! This three-mile hike will follow the Ozark Trail and will begin at 10:00 in the morning at the Powder Mill Trailhead, located near the Powder Mill campground. You will learn about local families who settled the area, stopping at the Ramsey Barn and Owls Bend Schoolhouse.The fall hikes will be conducted in partnership with Ozark Riverways Foundation and Missouri State Parks. Get information on other upcoming fall hikes by visiting nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 226-3945.
MoDOT will be working on Highway 72 in Reynolds County near Bunker today from 8:00 this morning to 3:00 this afternoon. The affected section of roadway is located from Route A to Route TT near Bunker. The work zone will be marked with signs. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.