USDA says Salem must complete minor renovations to building

BY BROOKS TAYLOR

Mt. Pleasant News

SALEM ? Some minor renovations must be done to the Salem Community Center to meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements, the Salem City Council learned during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Recommendations from a recent USDA audit included the following:

? Sinks in the restrooms in the Community Center must be moved away from the wall and free standing to allow a wheelchair access under the sink. The sink must be 34 inches from the floor, or nearly three inches higher than the current 31.5 inches.

? Piping under the restroom sinks must be wrapped.

? Current door handles on the restrooms must be replaced by lever-type handles.

? Handicap spots must be denoted by a handicap parking sign. The city has one handicap parking spot in front of the Community Center and two at the tennis courts across the street. The handicap spot in front of the Community Center must be van accessible.

Salem has two years to meet the requirements. City employee Dick Myers said new sinks might not be needed. ?I think we may be able to use the existing sinks,? he said, noting that the sinks, when moved, could just be elevated to meet USDA requirements.

Council members also passed a resolution seeking either grant or loan assistance from the USDA for a new rescue/mini-pumper truck for the Salem Fire Department.

Fire Chief Steve Nichting said he is looking at a rescue truck with pumping capability and said such a truck would cost between $130,000 and $165,000.

In an old business item that has been on the council?s agenda for over six months, City Attorney Pat Brau told the council that the paperwork is done for the city to acquire a fire-ravaged house at 206 S. Main St.

Fire extensively damaged the house several years ago and the owner of the house is deceased. Consequently, the city is working with heirs to acquire the property and demolish the house.

?I have to find an attorney to represent the defendants (heirs) before we can move forward,? Brau told the council.

In individual council reports, Councilman Chuck Kramer said there are too many cats on the loose in Salem. ?Cats are like dogs. If they don?t have leashes, they may end up in the pond. You better keep them in the house (if they don?t have leashes).?

In other business, the council:

? Approved the road use fund report.

? Approved an agreement with Southeast Iowa Ridge Blasters and the city for a snowmobile route through the community. The city and snowmobile club have partnered for about three years on the route.

? Approved the addition of Kelly Anderman to the Salem Fire Department roster.

Salem council members meet again in regular session Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m., in the Community Center.