News – Friday, August 16th 2024

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday August 13 in the auditorium. Mayor Greg Parker and Alderman John Whelan were absent, Alderman Shawn Bolerjack presided. At the public tax rate hearing, a citizen asked about the levy of 67.50 cents for every $100 assessed and valuation of real estate and personal property within city limits, City Administrator Sally Burbridge clarified that this is the same tax rate as last year, not an increase. The board then made a modification to the meeting agenda, before approving it. During public comments, a citizen asked if a business was legally allowed to operate without their electricity being on. City Attorney James Weber stated that if this presents a problem with public safety or a code violation, the incident would need to be reported to either local law enforcement or or to the Code Enforcement Office. Former Alderman Kyle Williams made a presentation on public transportation, including ideas for a free public city bus. This bus would be provided through the Federal 5311 Formula Grant. He used the City of Houston, Missouri as a case study, as they have been successfully operating a similar shuttle through this grant. He estimates the City’s financial contribution would be around $40,000 on average. The deadline to apply for this grant is the end of September. Alderman Bolerjack would like more research and other options before proceeding. The Board approved a bid requested by Josh Kotchdoff, with the Electric Department, in the amount of $11,500 to purchase as many streetlights as possible. There is currently $15,000 in that budget. The board also approved the request to replace the existing lift pump at the Al Brown fields. The money will come from the Waste Water Treatment Plan budget. During new business, the board approved resolution 20-2024 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the IDA for contributions to the Economic Development position salary in the amount of $1,000 a month for 36 months once the position has been filled. The request for a budget increase of $81,890.00 to pay the invoice from Flynn Drilling Company, for the repairs on pump 4, following the July 17th lightning strike, was approved. Funds will come out of the Water Reserve account which currently has a balance of $239,576. The city will be filing an insurance claim for the damages to pump 4. During the second reading of bills: Bill No. 3618, establishing new rates for sewer services provided by the City of Salem was approved. Bill No. 3620, amending the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2023 and appropriating funds thereto was approved. Bill No. 3621 an ordinance of the City of Salem and the MO Highways and Transportation Commission to aid in shoulder resurfacing along Rte J and MacArthur St locations was approved. The board heard the first and second readings of Bill No. 3623 for the tax levy, and Bills No. 3624, 3625, and 3626 to rezone three properties currently zoned as residential to commercial. Sally Burbridge did not have anything to report during the City Officials Report. Steve Payne with Public Works gave a detailed explanation on the ongoing water issues with pump 4 As well as the boil water advisory that went out the weekend of August 10th, due to a control system failure which caused water pressure to drop below what is considered safe to consume. This problem was resolved on Monday August 12. The results of the smoke tests did not show any major problems or openings. Melissa Dubois, with the Parks and Rec Department stated registration for flag football is currently open, and there will be flyers at the school. Renovations to the concession stand at Al Brown are underway. She hopes to have them completed by the start of flag football, but there is no guarantee. There was nothing to report from Alderwoman Dent or Alderwoman Sisco. Alderman Bolerjack wanted to remind the citizens that with the start of a new school year, to be mindful of children walking to and from school, and waiting at bus stops so that everyone can get to and from school safely. Meeting adjourned at 7:18pm.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming 10th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North with the gates opening at 5:00 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and breakaway roping with a boot toss for the kids age 10 and under as well as the Mini Buckers! Making a special appearance this year will be 2024 Miss Rodeo USA Kaelanne Quinonez (pronounced keen yone’ ace) and the 2024 Missouri Miss Teen Rodeo Jacie Jost. A special half-time show will be put on by trick rider Sophia Duch. (pronounced Duke) Advanced tickets are available at both Bank of Salem locations, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  If you have any questions, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.