MOU approved for a school resource officer program

School resource officer program

The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the Salem R-80 School District for the provision of a school resource officer. An MOU has also been developed with the Dent County Sheriff’s Department to allow for a dual commission for enforcement in county truancy issues.

The funding on the project was split 75/25, with the school providing 75% of the compensation for the position, and the police department to provide 25% of the funding without need of any budget adjustments.

The board approved both resolutions relating to the program.

Another change order for the Downtown Project

The board also approved its sixth change order for the Downtown Project, pertaining to the sidewalk sections in front of the Bank of Salem. This is due to material issues, causing standing water and sidewalk cracking. The recommendation is to tear out the existing sidewalk from the building’s front to curb with heat pads and replace with new sidewalks and heat pads, as was done on the rest of the project.

The change order will be an increase to the city’s expenditures with no match from MoDOT in

the amount of $12,200.00. In addition, the order will include a timeline extension for completion of the contracted work required.

Also approved by the board included:

• The reappointment of Richard LaBrash to the Salem Housing Authority for a four-year term Feb. 16, 2026 – Feb. 15, 2030

• Purchase of limestone rock from Capital Quarries for $11,000 for the Street Department

Reports of City Officials

City Administrator Sally Burbridge

Burbridge discussed the proposed appearance of the new city water tower, providing board members with a few color mockups to review. The logo on the city water tower has increased in size. One of the color mockups, preferred by Burbridge and Chamber of Commerce Director Catherine Wynn, is gold. The gold is preferred by city staff as it helps the city logo and its color scheme standout.

Mayor Greg Parker

“I wanted to take the time to thank all of our city employees for another year of your hard work, your dedication that you give,” said Parker. “You’re there when no one else is, and we appreciate everything that you do for our city.”

Aldermen Nathan Kinsey

Kinsey thanked the community for participating in the “Shop with a Cop” benefit. About 40 kids were helped in the endeavor, said Kinsey, along with five additional kids with the Angel Tree within Walmart. In addition, Kinsey requested information from Chase regarding an event in which a police officer was harmed during an arrest.

Alderwoman Catherine Dent

Dent thanked the community for the support for the community choir, reporting that it was well-attended and supported. Another show is planned for July 4, 2026.

Public Works Director Steve Paine

• Wastewater Treatment Plant is healthy.

• The Water Department has repaired several leaks, as well as four main breaks.

• The Electric Department’s new Superintendent has begun training with staff and acquiring more parts for emergencies. Crew members have also replaced and removed several poles over the past two weeks.

• Construction Department began building a set of stairs over at the city park, finished dirt work and seeding/strawing off of Bergman.

• The Street Department has trimmed limbs out of streets citywide, as well as assisted tree trimming crews with dead tree removals within the cemetery. In addition, crew members worked on city street signs, filled in dugouts, and swept city streets.

• Paine mentioned that he received a phone call from an upset resident who witnessed the tree trimming crew members dropping tree branches directly into the bucket of a dump truck, which is standard procedure, said Paine. The resident was concerned the branches would break a windshield—this is not the case, said Paine, and is standard.