The city council took action on two recommendations brought to the aldermen by park board president Stan Podorski at its regular meeting Aug. 16.
Podorski reported an urgent need at both Salem City Park and Al Brown Fields for the installation of new roofs for two facilities, the city pool building and Al Brown’s concession stand.
“The roof is in absolutely horrid condition,” Podorski said of the city pool’s building. “We really feel as a park board that may be paid for out of the capital improvement tax for the city, and not the park and recreation sales tax we are going to get, simply because this has been an issue now for five years, and our taxes won’t be enough to cover that this year, and that roof definitely needs to be replaced by next season.”
The aldermen agreed to Podorski’s request, voting 3-0 to seek bids for new roofs. They did not, however, specify out of which fund the expense would be paid if and when it’s made. Alderwoman Molly Zettel was not present at the meeting to vote. Mayor Brad Nash was also not present.
The bylaws of the park board are also under review with the commitment of changes being made, per an earlier recommendation from Podorski.
City Attorney Camm Seay said since the park board has become a taxing entity there are state statutes under which it is now governed, consequently, its current bylaws need to be updated to reflect these changes. Seay said he has received a copy of the bylaws from Podorski and will outline areas in need of attention.
• City administrator Ray Walden reported he and water superintendent Jack Emory will be attending a meeting with the Department of Natural Resources later this month to discuss options in regard to the voluntary compliance at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Walden also reported the city’s planning and zoning commission took no action on a request from Austin Shelton to operate a steel fabrication business out of a detached garage at 1203 Jennifer Boulevard due to the request violating the neighborhood’s covenant agreement.
• The aldermen voted 3-0 to purchase two new police vehicles, a 2017 Interceptor from Dave Sinclair of St. Louis at a cost of $27,106, and a $25,089 State Bid for a 2016 Dodge Charger. Chief of Police Keith Steelman said these are outright purchases and not leases. He also reported after these purchases there will be three more vehicles in the police fleet due for elimination.
• The aldermen voted 3-0 to pass Bill No. 3315, raising the city’s 2016 property tax levy to .6484. The vote came after a public hearing in which no comments were made.
• The aldermen voted 3-0 to approve the city’s application for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. Steelman said the grant requires no local match and would pay for $10,000 worth of safety equipment for officers.
• The aldermen voted 3-0 to accept a bid from Camden Excavating, Inc. to remove the foundation, clean up and grade the lot located at 816 East Hunt Street at a cost of $2,250.
• The aldermen voted 3-0 to approve a budget adjustment transferring $153,400 from the electric fund to the general fund, and $1,200 from the general fund to economic development.
• The city voted 3-0 to purchase gravel for street work from Capital Quarries for $3,699.
