The Salem City Council has moved forward on several public works projects, including two pump replacements and the summer road oil and chip program.
The council approved the replacement of a no longer operating pump that removes water from the US 50 East railroad underpass. The $15,000 pump from Hydro Kenetics will fit on the existing wiring harness keeping costs down.
Public Works Director Annette Sola says the small pump is responsible for starting two larger pumps to assist with water removal. Right now during heavy rains, the larger pumps have to be started manually.
The council also approved a replacement pump at the water treatment plant from Buchanan Pumps at the cost of $31,288 including installation.
A summer oil and chip program totaling $215,000 in motor fuel tax funds was approved. Sola says the amount is a small increase over last year and will allow an extra tanker of oil to allow for additional roads to be treated.
Mayor Nic Farley had his request approved to reduce the number of liquor licenses in all classes to the number currently in use. Farley says that will require future applicants to come before the city council for approval of any increase in number of licenses. If the open licenses remained, Farley alone as liquor commissioner would have the only say on issuing open licenses. He feels the city council should be involved.
The council gave the Salem Fire Protection District approval to hold a 9/11 remembrance program in Bryan Memorial Park on Saturday, September 7th.
