Hannibal City Council members got a first-hand look at the fruits of their labor. Fire Chief Bill Madore and his staff proudly displayed a new fire engine at Central Park just prior to Tuesday's council meeting.  The Chief expressed appreciation for the council's support.  The truck cost over $450,000 and replaces a 1990 model.  Madore says the new truck is outfitted with the latest fire and rescue equipment including a separator/ jaws of life tool used to free accident victims trapped in a vehicle. The truck's wheelbase was modified to better navigate hills and narrow roads in the city. Chief Madore says versatility is built into the new unit-- if one of the rescue trucks should be out of service,  the new engine can serve as a backup rescue truck.

More issues regarding fire and police personnel appeared on the council agenda:

  • A plan to ensure Hannibal’s Police and Fire Pension Fund remains solvent is approved by the council .City officials say increasing employee contributions to the Police and Fire Pension Fund was necessary to sustain the impact of 15 people becoming retirement eligible in the future. City Clerk Angel Vance told the council the financial impact could potentially top $1 million. The council approved a plan which will see employee contributions gradually increase from 12.5 percent in 2016 to 15 percent in 2021.
  • New forensic software is coming to the Hannibal Police Department after council approval.  Digital Shield, Inc. was the low bidder at $18,754. Police Chief Lyndell Davis says technology used by criminals is constantly changing and police need to continually update their equipment to extract data related to crimes.

In other council business:

  • For the price of one dollar, Riverview Park will gain almost half an acre. The council approved a deal that will see MoDOT deed over the parcel to the City. The land located off Zeigler Street borders Riverview Park.
  • Bids are approved for the 2016 Visitors Guide. Next to Nothing Designs will receive $3,000 for layout and design, and Poole Communications is awarded the bid for printing at a cost of $27,424.  The contracts will produce 150,000 copies according to Hannibal Convention and Visitor's Bureau Director Gail Bryant.

Second and Final Readings were given to two Bills:

  • One removes a utility easement in a section of the B and B Subdivision. Vacating the easement will allow the Hannibal Clinic to construct a new building in the center of the lot.
  • The second Bill approves the Chloe Place Subdivision located off Palmyra Road. Preferred Family Healthcare plans to build an apartment complex on the site.

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