Improvements are coming to US 61/ McMasters Avenue in the summer of 2018. Marisa Ellison of MoDOT shared an overview of the project with the Hannibal City Council Tuesday evening.  Ellison invited city officials to a public meeting on Tuesday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the MoDOT District Office in Hannibal. MoDOT will share plans which include resurfacing US 61 from Luther Manor Drive south to Warren Barrett Drive.

Crews will also reconstruct sidewalks and entrances to ADA standards on the east side of McMasters Avenue from Stardust Drive to the I-72/ US 36 intersection.  During this phase, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and there will be no left turn lane.

Much of the construction will be done at night to lessen the inconvenience. Work is expected to begin next May.

In other council business:

  • A bid waiver is approved for site abatement at 4109 West Ely Road.  City Manager Jeff LaGarce says enforcement efforts have failed to produce any action by the property owner.  The city has taken on the financial responsibility of clearing trees and debris that are a threat to neighboring homes. The council approved contracting for additional work over and above the original $5670 bid limit.
  • Street closures are approved in the downtown for the Toys for Tots Christmas in July Parade to be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22.
  • A contract for services is approved that will send $7500 to the Kids in Motion program at Douglass Community Services.  City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the funds are a wise investment in young people of the community, because the program promotes positive values.
  • Purchase of a new John Deere utility tractor and boom mower arm are approved for the Department of Public Works.  The tractor will be purchased from Sydenstrickers for $80,500.
  • Gail Bryant of the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau received approval to contract with the advertising firm H&L Partners for FY 2018 media buys.  H&L is a state approved vendor.
  • First Reading was given to a bill vacating an alley at Lemon Street, Collier Street, and Warren Barrett Drive around the property of Ezra Blue and Sons.  The bill also approves a minor subdivision at 1200 Collier in order to combine three lots into one.

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