The Salem City Council Tuesday night will be asked to move forward with replacement of the main water line on South Broadway from Main Street South to Kell Street near Schutt Sports. Public Works Director Annette Brushwitz had suggested using the city’s $949,000 in ARPA funds from the federal government.
City Manager Rex Barbee says the existing water line has suffered several breaks, including six in the past few months, that is resulting in a lot of time and effort in making repairs. If approved, Barbee expects the engineering to be started and the project going out for bid for work possibly starting in the Spring of 2023.
The council will be asked to purchase three replacement pumps that remove excess rainwater from the railroad overpass on East Main Street. Barbee says the current pumps are frequently malfunctioning and require call-outs and overtime to get at least one of them to operate. The total cost to replace the pumps is $41,554. While the project is not budgeted, Barbee says the cost could be covered by understated revenues. He feels removal of the excess water is important to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and possible vehicle accidents.
The council will consider making the Boone and Shelby Street intersection a four way stop.
The planning commission is recommending the council amend the zoning classification on property owned by Rich Crouse at 420 South Walnut from RS-2 (single family residential) to B-5 (central intermediate business). The property is currently a vacant lot which Crouse wants to utilize for the funeral home business.
The council will consider giving local bidders a bigger advantage when bidding on projects. Local bidders currently can have bids up to five percent higher and still be accepted as the lowest bid.
The meeting begins at six Tuesday night at Salem City Hall.
