Local convenience stores may soon require pre-payment or pre-approval for fuel before fill-up at the pump.
Salem Aldermen discussed the issue Tuesday night during their regular meeting.
Police Chief Keith Steelman presented a draft ordinance for the board’s consideration to help eliminate the problem of drive-offs without paying.
Aldermen postponed a decision on the ordinance to allow them more time to review the request.
Steelman said local business owners are in favor of the ordinance, but have been reluctant to mandate it unless all businesses comply.
“I’m a less-government person,” Alderwoman Molly Zettel said. “I would like to have more time to talk with local business owners about this. I think if this is something they want they could just do this on their own.”
Aldermen Haydn Powell and Ryan Whitaker agreed and supported postponing the request. Alderman Philip Giacomelli could not attend the meeting, which was held later due to the Columbus Day holiday.
Steelman said the ordinance request is the result of nearly $800 worth of fuel losses by local businesses this year alone as a result of drive-off no-pays. Steelman said a majority of these sales were recovered by police tracking down the vehicles involved.
Other action:
•Aldermen approved the low bid of $77.07 per ton from Rolla Asphalt for hot mix asphalt overlay installed. Priority streets scheduled to be paved include Park Street from Rt. J to Center Street, First Street from Pershing to Hickory Street, Third Street from Pershing to Water Street and Oak Street from Fourth Street to Center Street. Cost is $54,220, with $52,479 budgeted. Aldermen also authorized a budget adjustment with the remaining $1,741 to be taken out of the Special Street Fund to purchase the asphalt.
•Aldermen approved setting the Halloween trick-or-treat hours from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31within the city limits. Trick-or-treating should be done only at homes with outdoor lights on.
Reports:
•City Administrator Ray Walden said the City Wide Yard Sale Oct. 4 was a success as a result of good weather with 40 spaces being sold on the City Administrative Offices parking lot.
•Walden said Fall Clean-Up week was held last week and residents with items that the street department has not picked up should call the administrative office at 729-4811.
•Walden said the Blue Oval Car Rally was held around the Courthouse square and organizer Randy League said the group may want to make it a two-day event in the future.
•The city administrator said he is working on certification to qualify Salem as a Work Ready Community. A kickoff meeting will be held this week. In addition, Walden said Intercounty Electric Coop has requested that the city participate in a joint economic assessment of the local work force and determine the economic impact.
•Walden said the city’s auditor will be in Salem this week and an audit report will be given when it becomes available.
•Walden planned to attend the Missouri Community Betterment Annual Conference Oct. 19-20 in Jefferson City.
•Mayor J.J. Tune presented a plaque to Gary Cook for his 35 years of service to the City of Salem from 1977-2012. Cook served as Electric Department lineman, foreman and department supervisor.
•Tune said the city received a letter from the Dent County Museum giving thanks for the city’s annual $300 donation to preserve the history of Dent County.
•The mayor said when the water and sewer rate study is complete he would like the Utility Committee and Finance Committee to meet.
•Tune reported that temporary repairs will be needed to the sidewalk along MacArthur. He said MoDOT will not be making repairs until next year.
