Motorists will have a faster drive along Highway 72 between Salem and Rolla later this year.
The speed limit there will be increasing by five miles-per-hour this summer, according to Salem City Administrator Clayton Lucas.
Lucas said the change comes as a result of discussions at recent strategic planning committee meetings.
The city administrator said the issue was raised to Missouri Department of Transportation officials that the speed limit currently is 60 on Hwy. 72 between Salem and Rolla and some residents at the strategic planning meetings supported an increase to 65 MPH.
Lucas said MoDot officials were cooperative and said the increase will be done this summer after completion of a planned paving project on a section of the roadway.
The next meeting of the committee will be 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Upper Elementary School.
In other action aldermen approved:
•An ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign a cost-share and municipal agreement between the city and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for a project on Rt. J. The project includes the entire length of Rt. J that connects Rt. 72 to Rt. 32. The estimated cost of the project is $784,054 and includes primary engineering, utilities, construction, construction contingencies and inspection. The city is responsible for $204,615. The Commission's obligation is estimated at $392,027.
•An ordinance amending current city ordinance to resolve conflicts in the City Code Book concerning mandatory use of vacation time. The new ordinance prevents employees from losing vacation time until they have accrued twice their annual leave. The amended ordinance is retroactive from Nov. 1, 2012.
•A resolution amending the employee handbook's sick leave policy to allow employees to donate or borrow sick time once all other leave is exhausted.
Reports:
•Lucas reported that city crews are currently picking up unwanted Christmas trees if placed curbside.
•Mayor Gary Brown reported that progress is being made on demolition projects that were on the nuisance violation list. He said a house on Gibbs Street, and a house on Hunt and Warfel and First Street are each are awaiting insurance release and a property on Jack Street is currently under demolition.
•Brown said he received a letter from Kent Nichols regarding concerns about continued roof leakage at the old Middle School. Nichols is interested in the property and recently submitted a proposal to aldermen, but no action was taken on his proposal. Brown said he has a large tarp that could be used to cover the roof to prevent further leakage.
•The mayor reported that the Salem Fitness Center had 1,189 visitors during December and the Salem TCRC has 1,063 visitors.
•Brown also cautioned residents to beware of an apparent cell phone scam that claims to be offering huge cash prize winnings. He said he had such a call recently.
•Alderman Haydn Powell reported that he has received calls about dog problems in the northeast section of the city. Specific locations were not given.
•Powell also said he also has received calls about lack of availability of the Salem TCRC gym. Lucas said the gym is currently being rented for an After School Program weekdays and on snow days when schools are closed, therefore the gym is not available for public use during the program hours.
•Alderman Kenneth Nash said he also has received calls about dogs running loose.
•Nash again questioned the lack of flashing lights on the city's water tower at Tower and Condray streets. Mayor Gary Brown recently reported that no light is required if the tower is under 200 feet. Nash said the tower looks taller than 200 feet. Water Department Superintendent Jack Emory said the water tower is 125 feet tall.
•Alderman Philip Giacomelli reported that progress was being made on the property demolition on MacArthur.
•Alderman Ryan Whitaker reported that he has been asked if the city has any plans for a sewer project on Rt. 19 North. He said residents of Redbud Lane, annexed into the city some time ago, are requesting sewer service there. He said the project may require a lift station. Whitaker said the project would likely be discussed during a special meeting at 6:15 p.m. Monday to discuss current and proposed city projects.
