A Real Tom Sawyer Visits Council Chambers

A man who shares a common interest with Mark Twain and Hannibal appeared at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Thomas Sawyer, Jr. from Troy, Michigan was welcomed by Mayor Hark and the council.  Sawyer says this is his 5^th visit to Hannibal’s National Tom Sawyer Days.  He enjoys the challenge of convincing folks he shares the namesake with one of Twain’s most famous characters.  And, he will show his driver’s license if he needs to.  Sawyer says his son—you guessed it—Tom Sawyer III, is now 15.  The younger Sawyer came to town and competed in the fence painting contest a few years ago.

In other business, the council voted to spend $18,700 for engineering fees regarding structural improvements to Clemens Field.  Parks and Rec Director Andy Dorian told the council the grandstand roof is in need of significant repairs.   The Parks Department has budgeted $175,000 for the actual repairs.  The grandstand and all the structures at Clemens Field are owned and insured by the city.

A Resolution to continue contracting with Barron Aviation Services for management of the Hannibal Airport was approved.  The annual cost to the city is $50,000.

The council approved a request by Lisa Marks of the Hannibal History Museum to use city property for The Big River Steampunk Festival August 30.  Marks says the festival is a Victorian science-fiction event celebrating the apparel and inventions of the Industrial Revolution with a modern twist.  The event will be held in Nipper Park and the municipal lot at Bird and Main Streets.  A tethered hot air balloon will be one of the many attractions.

A request to allow alcohol sales on City-Owned property during Music Under the Stars in the historic district was approved.  The event takes place Thursday evenings in July.

No objections were voiced to Traffic Committee recommendations regarding Bluff City Theater bus parking in front of the old F& M Bank building.  The facility at 212 Broadway is now home to the theater.  The premiere production—Tales of An Urban Indian—will be performed entirely on the bus in July and August.

First Readings were given to Bills:

-Regarding the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest for certain City officials.  The ordinance is required to be ratified biennially.

-Amending the contract between the City and MODot for funding the cracksealing project at the airport.  The amendment adds over $50,000 to the original grant and increases the local match by $2,662 to cover the amount needed to pay the low bidder.

Following the regular meeting, the council went into closed session.