Businesses that continue to operate in Hannibal without a license now have a 30-day window to appeal in court or face closure.

The City Council voted to begin the process after City Collector Phyllis Nelson brought the issue to Council Chambers Tuesday night. Nelson says there are about 30 businesses still delinquent in renewing licenses. Of the 30, 8 are out-of-town contractors and 11 are local contractors. Councilman Jim Hark says the city gives the businesses ample warning before taking action. Nelson agreed and stated reminders are mailed beginning in May advising license renewal is due in July. City Code authorizes the Police Department to chain or lock a local business in violation after the appeal phase expires. Police can also force delinquent out-of-town businesses to cease operations in the city.

In other business, the council approved:

  • A Resolution changing the Assistant City Engineer position to Public Works Superintendent. City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the change comes after the City Engineer position was eliminated this summer. The Public Works Superintendent position retains the Assistant Engineer duties and adds some of the City Engineer responsibilities with the exception of engineering certification, engineering work, and engineering supervision. There is no fiscal impact. Brian Chaplin is the Public Works Superintendent.
  • Dale DeLaPorte representing American Legion Post 55 on Route MM received approval to hold a Turkey Shoot the first four Saturdays in November. Council approval was required to allow discharge of firearms in city limits. DeLaPorte says the area behind the Legion has a large dirt hill and hay bales will also be used.

Second and Final Readings were given to:

  • An Ordinance accepting the terms of a Class Action Lawsuit with the Century Tel communications company. The City will receive around $2,000.
  • An Ordinance executing a Cost Apportionment Agreement with MoDOT regarding the 2015 Mark Twain Avenue overlay and the city portion of parking lanes on 3rd Street. The City’s estimated cost is just over $34,000.
  • An Ordinance executing a State Block Grant with MoDOT Aviation in the amount of $111,514 for airport improvements.

This was the final council meeting for Hannibal 4th Ward Councilman Barry Louderman. He is moving out of the area. Mayor Hark says the council will likely begin the process to select a replacement at the next meeting in November.

Two councilmen were absent Tuesday night--Kevin Knickerbocker and Jamie Locke. Mayor Hark noted a quorum was present when the meeting began.

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