It was an emotional moment in Hannibal City Council chambers Tuesday evening. Outgoing Mayor Roy Hark presented a Key to the City to retiring Finance Director Doug Warren.  Hark’s voice was saturated with emotion when he described Warren as a true friend and an outstanding co-worker. Warren retires after 8 years in the position.  Hark is retiring after 15 years as mayor.

In other business, the council approves:

  • An additional $20,000 for the Demolition Budget.  Building Inspector Joey Burnham says the demolition fund is now depleted after  emergency demolition of an unsafe building at 1233 Market St.  Fire consumed it on December 24th. The city incurred the extra costs after it was learned the owner is incarcerated and did not have resources to raze the structure.  City Manager Jeff LaGarce told the council the funds are available from an additional $20,000  received over and above projected property tax revenues.
  • A Public Hearing is May 3 at 6:45 p.m. regarding Beth Haven Group Home's request to annex and rezone land at 8976 County Road 412.  The intended use would be for off-site senior housing.  A Planning and Zoning public hearing is April 21 at 4 p.m.
  • Parks and Rec Director Andy Dorian sought and received approval to purchase two pieces of property that will enhance adjacent areas  owned by the city.  The city will pay $4200 for a  330' x 260' lot owned by Richard L. O'Brien and located within the Sodalis Nature Preserve.  The other piece of property at 411 Monroe Street  owned by Albert Williams, Jr. will be purchased for $4000.  It is adjacent to the Bear Creek Trail in the South Main area.
  • Relay for Life on Marion County received approval for an additional road closure of Main Street from North to Broadway the evening of June 3. The event is returning to downtown Hannibal after being held in other locations for a number of years.
  • Street closures are approved for Friday, June 17 in the historical area for the Bike Across Missouri event that culminates in Hannibal. The area of closure includes North Street to Bird Street and Hill Street from Main to the flood wall.
  • A Public Hearing on the FY 2016-17 city budget is set for June 7.
  • First Reading was given to a bill that would create a new position of Parks Maintenance Worker II.  Parks and Rec Director Andy Dorian told the council the plan is to hire from within with some increase in pay due to added responsibilities.  Dorian says the position is necessary due to increased usage of parks, shelter rentals, softball and volleyball tournaments, as well as the pool, skate park and other special events.

Three council seats were empty Tuesday.  Councilmen Knickerbocker, Dobson, and Lionberger were not in attendance. Mayor Hark declared a quorum was present to conduct city business.

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