Mayor Honors Young Hannibal Volunteers

Hannibal Mayor James Hark praised the efforts of three young citizens during Tuesday’s city council meeting.Carl Brothers, Jarren Landis, and Howard Brothers received certificates of appreciation for their efforts in cleaning up trash around the city. Hark said the three boys set a high standard for civic pride that would challenge many adults.

In other business:
Hannibal BPW General Manager Heath Hall shared some good news Tuesday evening. Hall says one of the carbon suppliers for the new water filtration system received DNR approval to sell regenerated carbon. This should result in a substantial savings on operation and maintenance costs. The exact savings is not yet known. The annual maintenance costs for the Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) system has been estimated at $691,000. 85% of that estimate was for replacement of carbon with new product.

The location for the new water filtration building is now final. The building will be constructed just north of the existing building in Riverview Park. Hall says the plant will utilize eight 40,000 lb. GAC pressure vessels.

The issue of funding the new water treatment system will be decided by voters August 7. Proposition A would allow the BPW to sell bonds up to $17.5 million to pay for the cost of the GAC project. Hall emphasized only enough bonds will be sold to cover the actual costs of the project. The estimated cost is $14.5 million. The additional $3 million is to cover inflation and contingencies—if needed--when the project is actually bid out.

One important caveat to Hannibal voters going to the polls August 7: There will be two issues on the ballot known as Proposition A. One is a Missouri proposition regarding right-to-work labor issues. The municipal Proposition A involves the Board of Public Works GAC bond issue. Hall stressed voters should read their ballot carefully. More information on these issues is available at https://www.hannibalbpw.org/

• The council voted to continue support of the Hannibal Nutrition Center. A Service Agreement was approved for $18,357 to be used for senior meals and other services.
• A resolution is approved accepting a grant award for just under $48,000 for the Visitor’s and Conventions Bureau. Director Gail Bryant says the Missouri Department of Tourism Promote Missouri matching grant will assist with advertising in several travel markets.
• A stoplight will be installed to improve the safety of Holy Family Catholic School students crossing Maple Avenue. The push-button traffic light is estimated to cost $15,000. DPW Assistant Edie Price says the BPW will fund installation and maintenance, along with the help of a neighboring business, Abel Oil Company, which is donating $2500. Speed tables originally installed in the road were removed when the street was repaired. The children must cross the street to access their playground area.
• A First Reading was given to an ordinance approving the final plat for the new Oak Spring Subdivision to be built off Westover Road. Jim Mulhern and Janes Surveying plan to develop 41 lots into single-family residences.