Angie Curley

The Board of Aldermen meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and prayer, during which remembrance was made for deputies who lost their lives in Christian County. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. The board discussed and approved street closure requests for the annual 100 Acre Wood Rally and another event on March 14th to allow local merchants to set up tables. A motion was passed to approve the administration's recommendation to enter into contract negotiations with Toten Associates for engineering services. Department reports were noted, including a concern about residents not receiving utility bills and a recommendation for residents to sign up for email billing. Board reports included Alderman Lechworth's attendance at a Good Dad's orientation and Alderwoman Dent's report on the Beautification Committee's work, including tree cutting near a fountain and an upcoming West Ward block party. The meeting concluded with a motion to move into executive session for personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the announcement that a scheduled public hearing would be rescheduled to December 23rd due to insufficient posting time in the Salem newspaper. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. The Board considered the asphalt bid, recommending approval of the $17,940 bid from Willard Asphalt Paving Company for patching potholes and street maintenance. The Board approved an amendment to the employee manual to formalize the existing practice of annual longevity pay for full-time employees, clarifying that the pay tops out at 20 years of service and the clock resets upon any break in employment. The Board also approved an update to the 2008 cell phone policy, renaming it the mobile device policy to include tablets. Resolution 28-2025 was approved, authorizing an application for financial assistance under the Missouri Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program for sludge removal, estimated to cost $792,326.94. Furthermore, an ordinance annexing territory adjacent to the LDS church into the City of Salem was approved. Department reports included updates on economic development activities, including 233 visits to a certified site, and the reappointing of Nathan Wills and Jeff Dodson to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board for five-year terms. Public Works reported on wastewater treatment plant health, water leak repairs, replacement of a transformer, and ongoing construction projects. The Mayor expressed thanks to city staff for preparing downtown for the Christmas parade, including hanging banners and ensuring route lighting.

The proceedings began with a public hearing regarding a request for annexation from Terry and Shirley Perkins, which concluded without public comment. Following this, the regular meeting was called to order. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Board and committee appointments involved approving the reappointment of Richard Lebrash to the Salem Housing Authority. A major discussion involved the approval of limestone rock purchases, favoring a local quarry due to logistical advantages despite a slightly higher per-ton cost. Two resolutions concerning a School Resource Officer (SRO) were addressed: Resolution 29-2025 authorized an MOU between the city and the school district for SRO provision, and Resolution 30-2025 authorized an MOU regarding the dual commissioning of an SRO involving the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff's Office, and the school district. Additionally, the board addressed Bill Number 3694, which authorized Change Order Number Six to the Downtown Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project contract with Magi Construction Company. This change order involved an increase in the contract amount and a time extension to correct previous sidewalk installation issues where patching failed; the Bank of Salem and Archer Elgen agreed to cover portions of the associated costs. Finally, staff reports included an extensive discussion regarding the color selection for a new water tower, with the Gold option being favored by several members, although its selection was not formally concluded.

The Utility Committee meeting focused on financial updates for the electric, water, and sewer funds, covering year-to-date performance through January. For the electric fund, discussions included usage, revenue sales, and purchase of power, noting a surplus. The water fund review highlighted sales revenue increases due to a rate increase and detailed an analysis of water pumped versus sold, addressing water loss percentage due to mainline leaks. The sewer fund review noted high maintenance expenses from a pump replacement and high miscellaneous expenses due to annual costs; connection fee revenues from new customers were also discussed. Capital improvement project funding, including updates on grants for the lead service line inventory and new well/tower construction, was reviewed for the water DNR fund. The sewer reserve fund activity, related to FEMA reimbursements, was also presented.

This document packet contains minutes from multiple meetings of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem, Missouri, spanning January and February 2026, as well as supporting documents for a February 24, 2026 agenda item. The January 13 Workshop discussed adjustments to the Old City Hall rental policy, including cleaning time, deposit, and cancellation policy changes. The January 13 Regular Meeting approved agendas and consent agendas, and authorized repairs for WWTP Effluent Pumps ($20,250.00) and the sewer jetter trailer ($12,563.00). It also approved Resolution No. 1-2026 for wastewater surveillance and conducted a closed session regarding legal matters, leasing/real estate, personnel, and sealed proposals. The February 10 Workshop continued discussions on Old City Hall user needs, including cleaning supplies, security measures, and capacity limits. The February 10 Regular Meeting approved agendas/consent agendas, tabled the engineering firm recommendation until February 24, approved painting the new water tower blue, and passed several ordinances: Bill No. 3695 (amending the annual budget), Bill No. 3696 (Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 2 Improvements Change Order No. 2), Bill No. 3697 (Water System Improvements-Contract B Elevated Storage Tank Project Change Order No. 2), and Bill No. 3698 (Water System Improvements-Contract C Pitless Well Project Change Order No. 3). Reports included updates on public works, snow clearing efforts, and soccer registration. The February 10 meeting concluded with a closed session. The February 13 Special Meeting approved paying an MPUA Invoice totaling $934,233.51, drawing $362,207.15 from the Electric Reserve Fund. The February 24 agenda item focuses on the Engineering Firm Recommendation, with staff recommending contract negotiations begin with Toth & Associates based on scoring from RFQ interviews, despite Archer-Elgin being the incumbent and the only firm offering all ten requested services initially.