Plans Moving Ahead for Hannibal Water Conversion

The ripple effect of Hannibal’s new water filtration system will be higher rates.
At Tuesday’s meeting, The Hannibal City Council was updated on progress regarding the changeover. BPW General Manager Bob Stevenson says the current filtration method using chloramines will be replaced by activated carbon. The BPW Board recently voted to award a $1.2 million contract to Black & Veach Engineering for a detailed design of the new system.

Stevenson says a preliminary design report has been submitted to MoDNR. A financial advisor and bond counsel have been selected to research financing options. BPW is also utilizing a cost-of-service consultant to plan rate increases. Some estimates have put the total cost of the project at over $14 million. The completion date is March ,2020.

New street lights being installed along Highway 61 between West Ely Road and Route MM will necessitate a formal agreement with MoDOT. Stevenson says BPW is installing the lights using underground conduit. MoDOT is requesting the maintenance of the lighting also be handled by the city. The lighting maintenance bill was given a First Reading.

In other business, a Resolution is approved amending the lease agreement with the developers of the old St. Elizabeth’s Hospital building. City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the property’s lengthy legal description had an omission of some part lots. LaGarce said although the city did not make the error, the property description needed to be corrected. The council approved a resolution amending the original lease agreement with the developers known as The Villas of St. Elizabeth, LP.

The investors plan to turn the former hospital building into senior apartments. They are seeking low income housing tax credits from the state of Missouri as well as federal tax credits. Last fall, there was talk in Jeff City of discontinuing the state credits. However, the developers are hopeful some funding is still available for 2018. They are filing an application with the Missouri Housing Development Commission next week. The city of Hannibal is assisting with the project by seeking a grant of up to $200,000 to assist with asbestos removal. LaGarce says the adaptive reuse of the building is much better than demolishing the building, which could cost the city as much as $850,000.

Finance Director Karen Burditt received approval to contract with Wade Stables, PC for audit services in the amount of $42,600, including the Board of Public Works.

A public hearing to rezone 10 acres of land just north of Mayapple Lane was held just prior to the regular council meeting. Clinton Conrad is requesting the land be rezoned from Industrial to 1 & 2 Family. He plans to build a family home. One resident of the area spoke from the standpoint of not opposing the rezoning, but expressed concern as to whether Conrad would join the road association which contributes to maintenance of the private road. During the regular council meeting the rezoning bill received a First Reading.

Second and Final Reading was given to a Bill extending the outdoor alcohol consumption boundaries. This will allow establishments on Broadway between the riverfront and 10th Street to apply for a license to serve liquor outdoors.

The Y Men’s Club received approval for street closures in the Hill Street area for several upcoming Down by the River events, and Mud Volleyball July 4-8.

Street closures were also approved in the downtown area and out Highway 79 South for the 23rd Annual Hannibal Cannibal event July 7.