Cogdal Appointed to Third Ward Council Seat

Hannibal's new Third Ward councilwoman says she is honored, but stunned.  Melissa Cogdal was chosen from a field of three candidates Tuesday evening. Cogdal, Darwin Patterson, and Ryan Roberts all submitted of letters of interest for the position.  Each candidate appeared before the council and answered questions about their skills and interest in the job. Cogdal says any of the three would have been a good choice.

Cogdal is interested in exploring solutions to the continuing problems at the former St. Elizabeth's Hospital building.  The vacant structure at 109 Virginia Street has been broken into, vandalized, and had multiple fires set.  The owner has been court-ordered to secure the structure.  Cogdal has lived near the hospital for 24 years.  One of the proposed uses for the building is repurposing into an apartment complex.

Melissa Cogdal will fill the 3rd Ward seat until the April, 2017 municipal election.  She will have the option of running for reelection at that time.

In other business:

• The council approved the annexation of property located at 120 Shinn Lane.  Hannibal businessman Spike Ehrhardt plans to build an 83 bed hotel on the site that is expected to open in spring 2018.
• City Manager Jeff LaGarce updated the council on five engineering firms contacted to conduct a water study.  The study would delve into the cost of replacing the disinfectant chloramines with granulated activated charcoal.  It was decided to contact two firms and solicit price quotes for conducting the study.
• The city will acquire three South Side properties for $1.00 each:1101 Sierra, 1120 Valley, and 417 Oak.  Two of the properties will be demolished and offered to adjoining owners. The property at 1101 Sierra is already a vacant lot.
• A resolution is approved allowing the Hannibal BPW to enter into two electric capacity purchase agreements with Big Rivers Electric Cooperative.  Heath Hall said this will help diversify electric sources and the purchase price is favorable.
• A resolution is approved authorizing Lexie Pexie, LLC to construct a private hangar at the Hannibal Municipal Airport.
• F & M Bank is awarded a contract to serve as the City's depositary bank for the next two years.  City Clerk Angel Vance says of the three banks that submitted bids, F & M offered the most favorable interest rate on city deposits and no service fees.