Honoring Our Heroes Marathon receives mayoral proclamation, MRPC presents on active transportation plan

Parker presented the following speech to help honor the 10 year legacy of the Honoring Our Heroes marathon:

“Together we gather not only to celebrate 10 years of the Heroes Marathon but to honor the men and women whose courage makes this moment possible: America's veterans. 10 years ago, this event began with a simple but powerful idea that every mile could carry a mission that, through endurance and service of our community, could give back to those who had already given so much. From that vision, the Heroes Marathon was born. And since its first race, it has become one of Missouri’s most heartfelt tributes to the veterans of their families. Over the past decade, thousands of participants have come from across the nation to run or walk from Salem to Rolla, each step taken in remembrance of gratitude.

“Together, they've helped raise more than $200,000 for veterans’ organizations, including the Dent County Veterans Emergency Fund, Mission 22, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James. Every donation, every medal, and every cheer from the sideline carries a message that cannot be repeated often enough: We have not forgotten those who have served. This marathon honors both heroes who came home and those who did not. It reminds us that freedom has a cost, and that cost is paid by those willing to stand in harm's way so others can live in peace. Whether a veteran of World War II, or a young service member returning from the Middle East, each of those heroes shares a bond, the unbreakable promise to defend liberty.

“This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of this event—we also celebrate a new chapter, the introduction of the Governor's Cup established by Governor Mike Kehoe to honor the spirit of accomplishment, service, and resilience that this marathon represents. It is the symbol that Missouri stands behind its veterans and those who carry that mission forward. But beyond the race, the medals, the heart of the Heroes Marathon lies its people: the families waving flags by the roadside, the first responders protecting the runners, and the volunteers serving with kindness and gratitude. They represent the living spirit of America. Neighbors united in honoring the few who stood for the many. So, as we celebrate this milestone, let us pause to say thank you, not just with words, but that we continue to serve, to remember, and to uplift our veterans every day.

“On behalf of the City of Salem and the citizens of Dent County, we extend our deepest appreciation to all veterans and their families. You are the heart of this community and the reason we run,” concluded Parker, before inviting Heroes Marathon board members to the stage to receive the mayoral proclamation.

MRPC presentation

Community Development Specialist Orin Pogue of MRPC provided a presentation to the board regarding an enhanced active transportation plan. The grant for the plan is through the Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) “Building Community’s for Better Health” program. The program is federally funded through the CDC’s Preventative Health and Health Services Block grant. Pogue thanked participants of the transportation plan meetings for sharing their concerns with MRPC and providing community input.

The goal of the plan is to develop and prioritize a bicycle network for Salem, with the goal of connecting community areas and neighborhoods for overall user safety, emphasized Pogue. Another goal of the plan is to identify ways to improve the short and long-term health outcomes of Salem’s residents. The plan continues work completed through the 2018 trails plan written by Pednet, and a 2022 active transportation plan focusing on sidewalks and crosswalks written by MRPC. The focus area of the plan is bike routes and designated networks, but it also includes inventories of community areas of interest, such as an overview of existing and proposed trails from prior planning efforts, inventory of existing and proposed support amenities such as public restrooms, water, parking, wayfinding signage, and bike racks. Further, the plan includes results of an active transportation survey conducted by MRPC in Salem focusing primarily on bike usage and parking availability.

Pogue concluded by stating that the plan is not set in stone and is constantly evolving with the community, and that by adopting the plan the board is not required to push it forward; moreover, the plan is intended to be a road map and guiding reference when pursuing active transportation projects. The plans are useful supporting documents in applying for grants, Pogue stated.

Annexation requests

Two petitions for annexation into the city were received by the board. By state statute, the board is required to set a public hearing for both requests during the next regular alderman meeting Thursday, Nov. 13, which they agreed. The two properties, one which is owned by Terry and Shirley Perkins and another owned by the Church of Latter-day Saints, will present at the next meeting.

For the board’s consideration at the public hearing, Public Works Director Steve Paine shared that the church property has requested hooking up a six-inch water line to the facility for its fire suppression system. The current six-inch water main comes up to West Franklin and stops at the fire hydrant at the corner of the Al Brown Fields. Two options were then presented: putting the line across the road which would serve the church exclusively or applying for a DNR permit to run a six-inch line in another area that could serve both the church and the community in the future.

Intergovernmental agreement with Dent County Commission

The Dent County Commission is planning to perform sidewalk and lighting upgrades around the courthouse square to match the city’s recent sidewalk and lighting project. In order to support the county in its efforts and help to ensure the projects match in design, the city budgeted $25,000 in the current fiscal year as a contribution. The Intergovernmental Agreement between Dent County and the City of Salem outlines the exchange of funds and the purposes to which the funds should be used.

As explained by City Administrator Sally Burbridge to the board, the county had planned to reuse the existing light poles in its project; however, the light poles break in the process of being taken down. As such, the county had not budgeted for full replacements of the light poles. The funds are an effort to help the county along in its project. The board approved the agreement.

Salem Memorial Airport CIP

The city has to keep a CIP on file for the Salem Memorial Airport with MoDOT to help ensure federal funding is allocated accordingly. The airport board has changed the direction it would like to take with the airport, informed Burbridge. Within FY26, it would like to construct one box hanger, with federal funding to cover 94% of the project and local funding—originating from the airport fund consisting of hanger rentals and fuel sales—to cover 6% of the project. If the board approves, the requirement would be awarding the bid before Oct. 1, 2026, due to running on the federal FY. Meanwhile, in FY 2030, the board would be looking into replacing runway lighting, and in FY 2034, the board would look into replacing the runway itself. Additional projects are listed within the CIP for MoDOT’s reference.

Both Whelan and Kinsey inquired about the life expectancy of the airport runway lights, to which city staff was unable to answer but offered to investigate further.

The board approved the Salem Memorial Airport CIP.

Digital marketing

Carrie Sutterfield, economic development director, shared that she’s been in conversation with CGI Digital regarding an opportunity to participate in a special banner program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. CGI Digital partners with the National League of Cities and Mayors Association to help cities celebrate the milestone at no cost to the municipality. It would include custom streetlight pole banners reading, “Happy 250th Birthday America” along with City of Salem branding.

The company will also be approaching local businesses to seek sponsorships. In those cases, the banners will include recognition for participating sponsors. The flags will be produced and delivered regardless of sponsorships secured.

The board approved the partnership.

In other news, the aldermen also approved the following:

• Linda Maxwell as member of the Library Board of Trustees

• the purchase of UV system supplies for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) from Trojan Technologies. Due to Trojan Technologies hardware not being interchangeable and comprising most of the current UV system, there was only one bid received for $13,976.12

• maintenance to be provided on 60 fire hydrants from contractor Fire Hydrant Services and Repair at $9,750

• a list of legislative priorities viewable on the Oct. 28 aldermen meeting packet

• tabling the request for utilities outside city limits made by Nancy Major, due to a need for legal counsel

• utility identity theft policy updates

• supplemental agreement for electrical work

Reports of city officials

City Administrator Sally Burbridge

Both Burbridge and Sutterfield attended the MRPC transportation needs meeting with county officials. She explained how priorities identified annually are eventually worked into a State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP,) which MoDOT commits to funding and completing.

Finance Director Stacy Houston

Total sales tax revenues collected for FY 26 (July-Oct) are $1,688,314, which is an increase of approximately 3.5% from the prior year.

Utility Usage and revenue FY26:

• Electric: A total of 14,110,273 kWh of electricity was billed, reflecting a slight increase compared to the same time last year. Revenues billed totaled $1,907,146, also showing an increase from the prior year.

• Purchase of power: the city paid $1,242,831 to MPUA for purchased power, which is slightly higher than the amount paid during the same period last year.

• Water: A total of 34,629,369 gallons of water was billed, reflecting a slight increase over the same time frame as last year. Revenues billed were $315,730, this is up from prior year.

• Sewer: A total of 31,435,747 gallons was billed, showing an increase compared to the same time frame as last year.

Revenues billed was $419,653; an increase from prior year. The total of all funds was $15,704,534. The city has brought in 20% of the budgeted amount, and the city has spent 17% of the budgeted amount.

In addition, Houston shared that the city received a reimbursement from FEMA of $95,000 for the sewer plant.

Mayor Greg Parker

Parker thanked Sherry Lee and all those who helped organize the MRPC Annual Banquet at Healthy Dent County. He further thanked parks and recreation staff and Parsons Chiropractic for their assistance in making the Salem MO Spectacular a fantastic event.

Upcoming events:

• Community Blood Drive 12-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 (today) at First Baptist Church 201 North MacArthur

• Multi-vendor event at the Christmas at the Factor, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 1601 South Jackson Street.

• Holiday market at Smith Valley Event Barn 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2586 Highway HH

Public Works Director Steve Paine

• Wastewater Treatment Plant daily testing continues with Phase 2A work continuing.

• Water department repaired several water lines with new water and sewer taps installed recently.

• Electric department remedied a situation in which a truck took down a pole and lines as it attempted a turnaround after EOD. Staff members were quick to take care of the issue, with Paine commending their work. Whelan also commended the quick response of crew members.

• Construction department continued work on the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center parking lot. It will be gravel until it can be paved.

• Street department conducted pavement patches throughout town and maintained yard west area. In addition, they finished mowing for the season. Staff members finished up picking up citywide brush for cleanup week.

• City mechanic Jon Roos continues maintaining equipment.

Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois

The Salem MO Spectacular went well with 50 of 74 vendors showing up, despite the weather. Several of the food trucks also showed up. A little over a thousand people attended. The ballons were unable to come down due to the weather. DuBois commended the mayor and city staff for their assistance throughout the event.

Basketball registration is open with DuBois planning to take flyers out to schools. Those interested can also apply online at https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/502816 from Oct. 16-Nov. 16.