Salem council approves donation for Santa?s visit, okays water heater

BY BROOKS TAYOR

Mt. Pleasant News

SALEM ? With Christmas less than three weeks away, the Salem City Council caught the holiday spirit early during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, approving the purchase of a new water heater and a donation to the children?s Santa visit on Saturday.

Santa will be coming Saturday, Dec. 10, to the Salem Crew Public Library via fire truck to visit with local youngsters from 10-11 a.m. The council approved a $300 donation to fund the visit and goodies for the kids.

?We had about 70 kids last year and all the stuff we had left over went to the elderly,? noted Kelly Patterson, library director.

She also said a portion of the $300 donation will be used to pay the judges for the community?s holiday lighting contest. Judging will occur on Dec. 17, she said.

The council learned that the 50-gallon gas water heater serving the community center is at the end of its life span. ?I was told they don?t even have enough hot water to do the dishes,? said Mayor Dan Patterson.

Jim Thomson, of Hillsboro, who serves as water superintendent in Salem said a new one could be purchased for between $800-$900 which the council approved. Thomson said a build up of lime inside the heater is the culprit. Thomson said he would purchase a water heater with a six-year warranty.

Council member Chuck Kramer said some tree trimming and removal of dead trees is needed in the community. He said he will present some bids for the work during the January council meeting.

Steve Nichting, fire chief, said the department is in need of some new equipment. Nichting was not specific but said the council four years ago started an account in the city budget for future capital expenses by the department.

?From the information I received, it was budgeted but never put in the account,? Nichting contended. ?I felt that $8,000 should have gone in the account each year.?

The council tabled the matter and will discuss it in January.

Nichting said the new rescue truck has been ordered. He said the chassis will cost $48,227. Payment for the remainder of the truck is not due until the truck is finished. He said it would take between 120 and 180 days to receive the truck. The city will receive a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan to pay for the truck.

In a final matter, Kramer told the council that he had talked to an employee of Mt. Pleasant Electric about replacing the current lighting in the community center with new LED lights. Kramer said the lights would be brighter and more energy efficient. The lights would cost about $100 each, but the city could get a $50 rebate on each light. The council didn?t act on the matter.

Council members meet again in regular session Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., in the community center.