The Hannibal City Council took a step toward renewing a lease with General Mills Tuesday night.

The council voted unanimously to draft a three-year letter extending the lease of city-owned property located at 3725 Warren Barrett Drive. The Resolution was approved authorizing the Mayor to execute the letter of extension, after City Manager Jeff LaGarce said the City will seek a 9/10 of one percent increase in the lease each of the next three years. LaGarce said the increases beginning in 2015 would keep the lease at the market rent rate.

In other business, Parks and Recreation Director Andy Dorian sought and received approval for two expenditures:

The first was for a new SUV for Parks and Rec staff use. Mayor Hark questioned how the purchase affected the Parks and Rec budget. Dorian stated the purchase was originally planned for the next fiscal year, but was bumped up after their current vehicle experienced some mechanical issues. Dorian said some projects scheduled this year have been delayed to offset the increase in the budget. The Council approved the purchase of the new SUV for $26,474 from the lowest bidder, Poage Auto Center. Dorian said the new Chevy Traverse will be safer and more reliable when staff travels to out-of-town meetings, while the current vehicle, an aging Dodge Durango, will be retained for local use.

Council also awarded a bid for playground mulch and rubber mats to Hutchinson Recreation. The company’s bid of $10,505 was the lower of 2 bids received. The mulch and mats will be utilized in Huckleberry Park and other park sites.

The council went into closed session following the regular session.

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