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The Salem Board of Aldermen’s regular meeting was held Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, Mayor Gary Brown stated that there was not a quorum of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the hearing at 6:45 so no hearing was held. City Clerk Mary Happel presented the actuary results from LAGERS concerning the change from their current LT8 plan to an L6 plan. Using the rate as of February 29, 2008, the increase for general employees would be 4.6% and the increase for the police would be 4.3%. This would equate to an increase of about $89,000 if the rate stays the same. The board approved to begin the 45-day notification period and have the change in plans put in ordinance form to be voted on in March. Happel then read the notice to the crowd that the city has proposed a change in benefits for city employees that will be voted on in March. She said that the LAGERS actuary is available at her office at the city administrative offices. Alderman Bill Riley announced that he was not going to run for the West Side Aldermanic seat for an eighth term, but would take a year off and run for mayor in the next election. Alderman McDaniels asked about the airport and City Engineer Bill Huffman said that MoDOT, the contractors and the city all need to meet out at the airport this week to test the lights. He also wants the superintendents to make cuts in their budgets until it hurts for the 2009 budget and write down comments. Mayor Gary Brown said that Well #4’s new pump has been installed and they are waiting on a new soft touch start system. He said that the tornado sirens were hit by lightning or incurred a major power surge and shorted out leaving the sirens on at a steady pitch. He said that the well damage and siren damage has been submitted to the insurance company. Parks and Recreation Director Greg Nash stated that the grant for the soccer fields has been submitted and they should be hearing back on that in March. He also said that he submitted a grant for 100% for recycled material for playgrounds for the park and he should hear back on that in April. He also said that the city is in need of lifeguards for the upcoming year and that he will be recruiting from the high school and in Rolla from The Center. The mayor reported that for the calendar year of 2008, there were 353 cats and dogs picked up, 379 warning tickets issued for trash and nuisance violations, and 34 tickets were issued, mostly for trash. He said that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday, January 20th due to the Martin Luther King holiday. The board then heard from Molly Malone of Verkamp and Malone, LLC who said that audit of the city went very well for the fiscal year 2007 and the board needs to take a lot of that credit for having little debt and maintaining a positive cash flow in tough economic times. She did say that board should look at certain fees and review them to make sure they cover the increased costs to the city. The board approved Ordinance #3147 concerning the application or renewal of a business license to include making sure the business is current with their sales taxes in accordance with state statutes. After the bills were approved, the board then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving thefts and a self-inflicted gunshot wound. On January 2^nd at 9:30 a.m. an officer was detailed to the 1000 block of West Franklin Street in reference to a theft. The report revealed that sometime during the previous night, an electrical tool belt with assorted tools, 14-volt Black and Decker drill and 50 fishing lures were stolen from an unsecured vehicle at the residence. The total dollar amount of the theft is approximately $900. On January 2^nd at 3:00 p.m. an officer was contacted at station in reference to a theft. The report revealed that between December 31^st at 7:00 p.m. and January 1^st at 10:00 a.m. a Husqvarna chainsaw valued at $250.00 was stolen from an unsecured vehicle in the 400 block of East Second Street.  On January 3^rd at 3:00 p.m. an officer was sent to the 700 block of East Jack in reference to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The report revealed that 25-year old Ryan Purcell of Salem was removing a 22-caliber rifle from a vehicle when it accidentally discharged striking him in the lower abdomen area. Purcell was transported via ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital. Anyone with any information regarding the thefts, which are still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Boys Basketball Team held the Licking Wildcats scoreless for the first seven minutes cruising to a 60-27 win at the SHS Gym Tuesday night. CJ Smith led the way for the Tigers with 17 points followed by Grant Gordon and Zach Pitchford with 13 points each, and Phillip Moser finished with 10 points. Salem will travel to St. Clair to face the Bulldogs Friday night. Salem stopped their four game losing streak and are 4-7 on the year.

Matt Lawrence scored 18 points, and DeMarre Carroll added 16 points and seven rebounds as Missouri pounded Coppin State last night at the Mizzoui Arena, 88-55. Miguel Paul added 11 points for Missouri who climbs to 13-2 with the win. Missouri will begin their Big 12 schedule this Saturday when they at Nebraska starting at 12:30 on KSMO Radio.

The Salem Lady Tigers will host St. James tomorrow night at the SHS gym. The JV action begins at 6:00 followed the varsity game. You can hear the varsity game on KSMO Radio and ksmoradio.com. The Lady Tigers are 4-7 on the year.

Obituaries   [TOP]