The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13. The meeting began with a workshop regarding codes relating to the renting and leasing of the City Hall auditorium. Also in discussion were budget approvals for the wastewater treatment plant. In attendance included Mayor Greg Parker, board members Nathan Kinsey, Rick Letchworth, John Whelan, and Catherine Dent, along with other city staff.
The codes relating to renting and leasing the City Hall auditorium were last revised in 2018, said City Administrator Sally Burbridge. Burbridge encouraged the board to develop a set of policies to go along with the codes, with a preference expressed for pursuing a refundable damage and cleaning deposit. Burbridge has begun drafting a cost for building use, with considerations of building maintenance, utility cost, and cleaning fees.
An older code still in effect Dent raised as in need of change were codes penalizing those living in the county versus those living in the city. The board agreed the fee for renting the building should be a flat fee, with no differences between city and county residents. Also, in need of updating, said Burbridge, was the lead time for cancelations, which was 48 days within the older code.
There should be a draft policy and ordinance for consideration presented soon, said Burbridge.
Meanwhile, Wastewater Leadman Joshua Hunt requested approval for wastewater effluent pump rebuilds for the UV System. The request is for three effluent pumps to be rebuilt for $6,750 each, a total of $20,250.
The reason this rebuild wasn’t forecast or a part of the scope of Phase 2A, shared Hunt, was because the condition was unknown during the planning phase. The scope of work for Phase 2A called for the pump vendor to put bigger impellers on the pumps. Once the pump vendor acquired the pumps and disassembled them to put larger impellors on, it was discovered they were in need of new bearings and motors. The board approved the request.
In addition, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Chris McGuirt requested the board approve funds for the repair and rebuilding of the sewer jetting/clearing trailer. Only one manufacturer/vendor was available to rebuild the unit. This is a planned repair and budgeted in the water department’s equipment maintenance account. The total would be $12,563.46. The board approved the purchase.
The board also approved an agreement with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for the wastewater surveillance program, a voluntary agreement between the DHSS and the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility to enter into a voluntary, one-year MOU to participate in wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring.
Finally, the board heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the annual budget, primarily due to flood damages and FEMA reimbursements, explained Finance Director Stacey Houston. According to the staff summary provided by Houston, the total increase in budgeted revenues total $590,675.98; the increase in budgeted expenditures total $388,829.60; and the change in overall fund balances is an increase of $117,564.78.
Reports of City Officials
Parker encouraged the public to fill out the survey for what color they’d like the water tower at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TS3WDQG. Parker also reminded that Dancing with the Salem Stars will be at Salem High School Gym 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.
Alderwoman Catherine Dent
The Beautification subcommittee of the Community Involvement Committee met with the Salem Area Community Betterment Association and city administrator to discuss ideas for what was needed for beautification. After speaking with committee members and MoDOT for permission, it was decided to tackle the corner of Scenic Rivers Boulevard and South Main Street, across from Aranadas Mexican Restaurant. Dent shared she hopes the area to be beautified in the spring.
City Administrator Sally Burbridge
Burbridge shared that there are plans with the Downtown Project to place planters and trash cans; however, there are restrictions due to the new sidewalks that cause complications.
“So, previously, you'll remember the big brick planters were on outer edge of the sidewalk closer to the street, which meant our street crew watered those planters with a truck,” said Burbridge. “So, that outer part of the sidewalk is now the ADA compliant section. Which means we can't put planters there. We can't put trash cans there. Anything that would impede that.”
Burbridge shared that, in discussions with staff, plans are underway to place planters at the bumpouts of the intersections. Unfortunately, city fixtures are notoriously expensive, with the cheapest trash can being $500, recalled Burbridge.
That being said, Burbridge shared that she’s reached out to Nathan Wills, Salem R-80 superintendent, to confirm that Salem R-80 had access to a plasma cutter—which can be used to create custom metal designs, such as custom planter and trash surrounds.
“I asked if they would be interested in partnering with the city to do some custom planter and trash surrounds,” explained Burbridge. “Maybe we could provide the materials and some ideas on what that artwork could look like, and then have the students actually make them. And [Wills] said absolutely, they would be interested in partnering with us.”
Dent warned that the metal containers could possibly be hot to the touch in the summer and may cause injury if bumped.
The board went into closed session for attorney client privilege.
