News – Friday, March 28th 2025

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen convened for their regular meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Old City Hall Auditorium, located at 202 N. Washington Street. Following the call to order, the Board approved the meeting agenda after removing the airport gate bid approval item. Tim Dotson, representing the Sonlight Riders Local Chapter, presented a request to close 4th Street between Highway 19th and Iron Street for their annual bike show. The Board approved the street closure request; the event is scheduled for August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Board also approved Resolution No. 10-2025, authorizing a bid for playground tile repair from All Inclusive Rec, LLC. The total project cost is $305,488.22, to be paid from the prior year’s fund balance, which currently stands at $591,143.00. At this time, the potential for FEMA reimbursement remains uncertain. Public Works Director Steve Paine presented Resolution No. 11-2025 for the procurement of Wastewater Treatment Plant Aerator Power Panels from Aesthetik Electric, at a total cost of $53,655.00. The panels are essential for maintaining appropriate oxygen levels in the overflow catch basin. The City of Salem intends to pursue FEMA reimbursement for this expenditure. Additionally, he also presented a bid addressing the procurement of aircraft fuel for the Salem Municipal Airport. The City received a sole bid from Naegler Oil of Springfield for 2,900 gallons of fuel at $3.99 per gallon, resulting in a total cost of $11,583.47. The Board subsequently approved the resolution and accompanying request. Resolution No. 9-2025 authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a service agreement with Hometown Grid, through the Missouri Electric Commission for software and outage reporting services was approved. The agreement involves an initial investment of approximately $10,000 for the first year, with additional costs of $7,008 projected over the subsequent four years. The City will draw the upfront costs from prior years’ reserves. Future expenses will be strategically incorporated into the city’s budget and rate calculations. The Board unanimously passed Ordinance Bill Numbers 3649, 3650, and 3651, which will amend the Clean Air Sections within the City of Salem’s Code of Ordinances, and Bill Number 3652, which authorizes a time extension change order for the ongoing Salem Sidewalk Improvements Project with Donald Maggi, Inc. After the reports of city officials, the meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel. 

Healthy Dent County would like to invite everyone out to the fun community event, the “Non-Newlywed Game.” You won’t want to miss this event. It is couple vs. couple in this hilarious version of the classic game show where you will discover just how much our couples know (or don’t know) about their spouse! This fundraising event will be held on Friday evening, April 4th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 6:30. Four local married couples have been selected to play the game including Austin and Julia Wulff; Cameron and April Greener; Zach and Mary Moser, and Dylan and Kala Sisco. These couples have graciously volunteered their time to play this fun game and entertain the audience. VIP sponsored tables can be reserved with a $300 donation. The VIP Tables include reserved seating, and light refreshments. A limited number of individual tickets will be sold for $25 per ticket. The individual tickets will not have reserved seating. Last year this event sold out with tickets not being available at the door. A concession stand and cash bar will be open during the evening. Get your tickets now by calling 573-729-8163 or dropping by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Healthy Dent County is a local non-profit that is dedicated to providing opportunities to improve health and quality of life by partnering with our community.