News – Wednesday, September 11th 2024

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last night in the old auditorium at 6:00. The agenda was approved with the addition of a review for an emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel. The board then approved the consent agenda. During public comments, John Heimbecker approached and spoke about the Frisco Trail Sign located on West 3rd Street and Grant Intersection. He extended his gratitude toward Chief Joe Chase, and Utility Director Steve Payne for their assistance on the project. The board then presented University of Missouri Extension office representative, Brandi Richardson with a proclamation recognizing their involvement in promoting Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Ms. Richardson then spoke briefly about the extension office and thanked everyone involved in cultivating a successful 4-H program in the area. The Board then approved adding Kyle Williams as a member to the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read a bid for Pool Media Approval. The bid came in from WestPort Pools and includes removing and disposing of the old pool media, sand, and replacing it with a glass media. Using glass in the pool filtration system will catch much smaller particles than sand, allowing for cleaner water. Glass media also has an estimated life expectancy of up to 10 years as opposed to the 5-7 years life expectancy for sand. The cost of the project is $25,500. Alderwoman Sisco asked if the bid included any kind of warranty. Burbridge was unable to answer that question. The bid approval was tabled, until further information can be obtained, in a 3-1 vote with Alderman Whelan dissenting. The Board then approved resolution No. 22-2024; a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. This will be paid out of Non-Departmental Memberships. Line item 100-512-50315. With a budget of $5,500. Before the City Officials Reports, the Board approved the emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel for the Wastewater System. The old system has stopped working, and there is no time to open up for bids. The new system is estimated to cost around $7,500. During the Reports of City Officials, Mayor Parker stated the Fall City-wide Yard Sale date will be held on October 5th with the city wide cleanup on October 21 through 25. He also wanted to remind citizens that if they are experiencing issues with their water or sewer they need to contact the city before they contact the DNR. Steve Payne gave the utility report in his report he mentioned signing an easement for the construction of a new water tower and pump over by the hospital. On this, Sally Burbridge stated, they are set to start accepting bids as early as next week. Steve said they also opened bids for the Fire Hydrant Maintenance Project. This project will repaint and add reflectors to hydrants throughout town, making them much easier to locate by the fire department, at night. He stated that there is no estimated time of completion for this project, as finding contractors has been difficult. He gave an update on the new backhoe that was recently purchased and delivered by the city. He said it is a great machine and is working wonderfully. Alderman Bolerjack, in his report, stated that the Missouri Good Neighbor Week will take place September 28 through October 4th. For more information, please visit the missourigoodneighborweek.com Alderwoman Sisco stated the Fireworks Committee met last week to discuss upcoming fundraising events for next year’s Fourth of July Fireworks display. She explained that the Fireworks Committee is not operated by the city in any way. For more information and updated event times, please visit the Salem Missouri Fireworks Facebook Page. The meeting then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the committee will hear financial updates, billing updates and hear work reports  from utility crews. The committee will also discuss water meter fees, discuss a sewer policy adjustment, and hear public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public. Those unable to attend the meeting in person, may watch the live broadcast on the City of Salem Missouri Youtube channel.