Trash and Eggs Top Hannibal City Council Agenda

What do eggs and dumpsters have in common?  They both produced lively discussion in Council Chambers Tuesday evening.

The dumpster debate centers around  the city-owned public parking lot in the 300 Block of North Main. City Manager Jeff LaGarce said complaints have been received regarding two private business dumpsters located near the corner of the lot.  The complaints state the dumpsters are unsightly and problematic in Hannibal's historic district.  Councilmen discussed solutions such as installing dumpster enclosures or moving them to a less conspicuous area.  Concerns were expressed that city code does not require dumpster screens or enclosures. After a period of debate, Councilman Barry Louderman made a motion to require the dumpsters be moved to the alley behind the buildings.  The motion failed for lack of a second.

The council approved closing the sidewalk and one lane of Church Street next to the Hannibal Public Library for an egg drop experiment from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19.  Kids will test their science and engineering skills by creatively packaging eggs to withstand a drop from the roof of the library.

City Engineer Mark Rees told the Council there is at least one logging company interested in harvesting timber from the city landfill site in Ralls County.  The Council approved soliciting requests for quotes from companies interested in buying the timber from the City.

In other business, Bills regarding the city budget and employee pay for fiscal 2014-2015 received second and final readings.  Second readings were also given to ordinances establishing the Sleep Inn Hotel Plat west of Hannibal and local historic designation of 311 North 6^th Street.

The Council tabled a resolution to enter into a revised lease between the City of Hannibal and Clemens Field Management, LLC.  City Attorney James Lemon told the council additional review is needed due to some last minute changes to the agreement.  A memo from Lemon to the council states revision is needed to more clearly delineate responsible parties for maintenance and insurance regarding Hannibal Baseball operations.

The Council awarded the following bids:

• A $2250 contract with lowest bidder Darrel’s Lawncare for 2014-15 mowing of the Old Baptist Cemetery.

Contracts for demolition of condemned properties to the lowest bidders:

• $8800 with Nieman General Contracting for demolition of 620 North Street.
• $8500 with Robert’s Demolition for 313 Bird.
• $9500 with For Him Salvage for 717 Olive.

The Council voted to designate no parking areas from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. July 5^th,  in a portion of the downtown area.  Main St. from North to Church St. and Church Street from Main  to 3^rd will be affected.  The area is part of the Hannibal Cannibal race course.

Gail Bryant of the Hannibal Convention and Visitor’s Bureau received approval to declare a Buick Terraza van as surplus property for the next City auction.

The Payroll Ordinance will be amended to accommodate the promotion of current Recreation Supervisor Aron Lee to Assistant Parks and Recreation Director.  Director Andy Dorian told the council the promotion was already included in the new budget beginning July 1.  Dorian said the new position needs to be added , while the Recreation Supervisor position will change to Recreation Supervisor II/ Director of Aquatics.  As Assistant Director, Lee’s salary will be $42,930.  A new Recreation Supervisor II will be hired at a salary of $35,219.

Following the regular meeting, the council met in closed session.