News – Thursday, March 12th 2025

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order, the agenda was approved after removing Resolution 7-2025, an ordinance authorizing the execution of license agreement for the installation, maintenance and operation of a fiber optic cable from Sho-Me Technologies, LLC to the Salem Police Department for the Next Gen-911 system. During public comments, a citizen stated she submitted a bid to purchase the lot next to her home, and that was approved but has been waiting several months for the City Attorney to contact her. The request from Jay Beck from The Local was removed, and the board appointed former Alderwoman Kala Sisco to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board. The Board voted to approve Resolution #8-2025 supporting state funding for the rebuilding of the Scenic Rivers Industries Sheltered Workshop in Salem, with Alderman Shawn Bolerjack abstaining. Additionally, they approved Bill #3646, which amends Urban Development Code definitions to replace references to “city hall” with “city administration offices” as the city’s operations hub, Bill #3647 to correct a clerical error in commercial electric customer demand meter rates, and Bill #3648 to clarify responsibilities and define “owner” for water and sewer meters used to determine actual sewage usage. In the first reading of bills, the board discussed Bill #3649 which would approve amendments to the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances to allow appropriate smoking locations for employees, plus discussed Bill #3650 and Bill #3651 that also dealt with the other definitions in the Clean Air (Non-Smoking) ordinances specifically in city parks and other public places. During city officials’ reports, City Administrator Sally Burbridge announced a mapping workshop scheduled for April 28 at City Hall, which will be led by an MPUA representative. Burbridge also noted that due to the April 8 election, the Board of Aldermen meeting that week would be rescheduled to April 15. Mayor Greg Parker recognized DNR members for their assistance at Montauk following the floods and their ongoing community support efforts. Public Works Director Steve Paine provided a brief utility crews update, while Water Department Superintendent Chris McGuirt reported on the Missouri Rural Water Conference in Branson, where the City of Salem’s tap water was recognized as one of five state finalists for best drinking water. The meeting then went into closed session to discuss contracts and litigation.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Roll call was taken followed by the approval of the consent agenda and minutes of the April meeting. The financial report was reviewed and showed an ending balance of $383,614.53. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved, followed by the budget review and approval. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 16 calls for the month and 56 calls year-to-date. Eight of the calls were for various fires, while other calls included medical assist and accidents. In old business the bond progress report was given by Leigh Ann Price. Information has been distributed to TownScreen and Salem Publishing, KSMO will be doing on-air interviews. Plans are to have a town hall meeting with the public on March 24th.  In new business board of directors’ terms were discussed. Captain Earl Jarvis asked to acquire some of the fire equipment that was budgeted. In the chief’s report brush fire trucks pumps are causing problems by working sometimes and not working sometimes. A pump from Leonx has been borrowed till something can be replaced. The date for the next meeting was set for April 8th at 6:00 in the library basement. Motion was carried to go into closed session where no motions or decisions were made.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information and Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. MDC’s 2025 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations booklet will be available at vendors and MDC offices beginning in April. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool on the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping and more about fishing at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.