The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, Oct. 8 for its regularly scheduled meeting, during which east ward alderman Shawn Bolerjack announced during the city official reports he would not be seeking reelection during next year’s municipal election in April 2025, citing personal reasons.
Bolerjack shared that his announcement comes a bit sooner than many might expect, but he wanted to provide ample time for anyone interested in serving the community to consider the opportunity. Filing for the east ward alderman seat begins on Dec. 10.
“I just want to share that this decision is not related to the direction of our city, the board, or the incredible staff that we’re fortunate to have in place,” clarified Bolerjack, following the news. “We have a dedicated team that really cares about the future of our community, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together over the last three years. I’ve seen firsthand how much we can accomplish when we work together as a team. I believe our city is on the path toward an even brighter future.
“I love this community, and it has been an honor to serve as your alderman. I will continue to serve until the municipal election in April and will likely share more thoughts at that time. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your commitment to making our city the best that it can be.”
“Thank you,” said Mayor Greg Parker. “You will be greatly missed.”
Alderwoman Kala Sisco thanked Bolerjack as well, for his mentorship and his commitment to the community over the years he has served.
“I do encourage anyone that is interested in serving on the east ward side to reach out to Shawn, as he would be the best mentor for you to get the best advice from,” said Sisco.
Present for the meeting were mayor Greg Parker, aldermen Shawn Bolerjack, Kala Sisco, and Catherine Dent. Not in attendance was alderman John Whelan.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 1 and recommended the aldermen approve the conditional use at 1402 South Water by owner Michael Nivens. Nivens intends to operate a custom gunsmithing operation at his property located at 1402 South Water Street, with customers being by appointment only between the hours of 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The business would be regulated and inspected by the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The aldermen approved the conditional use permit for the property.
The aldermen also heard the first reading of one bill recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, concerning the subdivision of 1305 East First Street by owner Mike Loveday. The aldermen heard the first and second reading of another bill concerning the subdivision of 1311 East Third Street by owner Rick Steagall.
• Bill No. 3627: Loveday would like to subdivide his property at 1305 East First Street for the purposes of creating a separate parcel for a detached garage or workshop. He plans to retain ownership of the parcel with garage but intends to sell the larger parcel currently containing his house.
• Bill No. 3628: Steagall would like to subdivide his property on 1311 East Third Street to create two parcels, with homes to be constructed on each parcel. The aldermen approved the bill.
The board approved Resolution No. 25-2024, authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) for technical assistance service. MRPC will be managing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrades phase 2b. CDBG programs often come with stringent monitoring and reporting requirements, particularly concerning financial accountability and adherence to fair housing, labor, and environmental standards. MRPC will ensure that the city remains in compliance with the regulations, said Stacey Houston, finance director.
The board heard the first reading of Bill No. 3629, an ordinance authorizing the city to enter a grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation commission for an Airport Infrastructure Grant Program, to go toward the development of airport improvements at the Salem Memorial Airport. Burbridge shared that it is a bipartisan infrastructure bill, and that the funds were anticipated and included in the budget for the fiscal year. Burbridge noted that the grant is a onetime grant.
Bids
The aldermen approved several bids:
• Limestone rock from Capital Quarries-Salem Quarry for $11,000 for public works, to be used in water, sewer, electric, and street department projects. Paine reported that the limestone rock is pivotal in public works operations.
• Rock salt from Compass Minerals for approximately $7,386, to be used during winter weather events.
• Tree trimming from Forester Works LLC. in the amount of $189,002 for feeder line tree trimming, to be split between Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. Intercounty has previously used Forester Works LLC. and recommended the company.
• Repair and maintenance of fire hydrants throughout the city by Fire Hydrant Services and Repair, in the amount of $26,100. Paine discussed the needs of the fire hydrants throughout the city at length with the company of Fire Hydrant Services and Repair. The company will be oiling/greasing the bonnet with food grade mineral oil, checking the outlet thread to ensure lubrication, installing a city provided reflective ring to ensure visibility to firefighters at night, documenting the condition of all hydrants, logging all hydrants, and painting the hydrants in the spring.
In other news:
• Two road closure requests were approved, including Grace Community Church for 600 South Water from the south end of its parking lot to the corner of Water and Franklin for a Harvest Party on Oct. 20, from 6-9 p.m. Another was approved for the third annual Trunk or Treat along Fourth Street on Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.
• Two requests were approved for the use of city property, including the Old Fairgrounds for use by FFA for its field day Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be plenty of adult supervision and will be covered under school insurance. Another was approved for the old Middle School property for use by the Bonebrake Center for parking for its Halloween event Oct. 26, from 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The board approved the appointment of Danielle Kisser to the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Sisco thanked Joe Brand for his time serving on the board.
• The board approved an invoice from Nexgrid for the replacement of 135 water modules still within warranty. The city will be shipping the modules to Nexgrid, which will be repairing and replacing the modules at the total cost of $11,527.86.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Greg Parker
• Dent County Health Center will be having a fall drive-through flu and Covid-19 vaccinations on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will take place at the Dent County Fire Station at 2 South Main Street.
• Health Dent County will be hosting a Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. It will also be hosting a Witches’ Walk, sponsored by the Salem License Office, Oct. 26. It will be $25 per person and starts at the Tiger Trail. Register by Oct. 16 to guarantee a T-shirt. Contact Jackie Sisco for more information at 573-729-8183 or jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.
• There will be a city-wide fall cleanup from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25.
Public Works Director Steven Paine
Wastewater treatment plant continued miscellaneous repairs, testing, and weekly sample runs to Springfield. Three team members are currently attending a DNR wastewater treatment plant operator’s course, hosted at the HDC facility. Preparations are being made for phase two of the sewer plant upgrades.
Water department repaired multiple water service lines across the city and continued training for two new team members. Pre-construction was conducted for the new water tower. Locates were conducted by the water and electric department.
Electric department repaired outages in three locations; one large outage was due to a squirrel meeting an untimely end. 18 streetlights were repaired with malfunctioning dusk-to-dawn sensors—Paine requests that if the public notices a streetlight that is always on to report it to public works at 573-729-4811. Line tree trimming crew is continuing to work throughout overgrown areas. Streetlights are still being replaced with new LED efficient light fixtures. Electric department assisted WWTD with motor lift replacements.
Construction department is working on several curb and approach projects and continuing to work on the animal shelter. Street department cleaned out storm water drains, ditches, and debris, and completed ditch cleanout at Iron Mountain Road. It extended two culvert pipes on driveways for residents and patched potholes citywide.
The mechanic worked on multiple fleet vehicles and made repairs on the mower tractor.
Cemetery crew continued mowing and trimming maintenance and assisted with set-up and teardown for one funeral.
Call 573-729-4811 at the administration office for any electric, water, sewer, or street issue, so a work order may be initiated. Call 573-729-4242 for after hours, for emergency only.
Burbridge added to Paine’s reports that several projects are currently out for public bid, including the wastewater treatment plant phase 2a, water well #9, and the new water tower.
