More Funding Approved for Red-Light Camera Prosecution

The City of Hannibal is spending more time--and money--following up on red-light camera violations.

City Attorney James Lemon told the city council Tuesday evening his staff has a greatly increased workload related to red-light camera violations.  Lemon says the Eastern District Court of Appeals ruled violators must now have points deducted from their license.  With more at stake now than just a fine, there has been a ten-fold increase in requests for information. Lemon says a good deal of follow-up is also required with trucking companies who are not always cooperative in releasing the names of drivers caught on camera.  The council voted to give the City Attorney an additional $12,000 for a part-time secretary to help handle the cases.

Despite the increased enforcement workload, Police Chief Lyndell Davis termed the red-light camera program a success. He noted the intersections that had cameras installed in the initial rollout have seen a 50 percent reduction in violations.

In other business, the Council voted to renew a contract with Supervised Probation Services for those assigned probation by the Municipal Court.  City Attorney James Lemon said the costs of probation services are borne by the offender, not the city.

The council voted to increase funding for consulting services related to environmental cleanup of a flood-buyout property. The council voted to increase payments to Terracon Consultants by $9,000.  The property located at 929 Warren Barrett Drive recently saw a  spike in a contaminant. The problem emanates from a leaking underground storage tank.

BPW Engineer Matt Munzlinger revealed plans for replacement of water mains from the pumphouse to the Water Treatment Plant in Riverview Park.  The upgrade also includes a new drain line from the plant all the way to the Mississippi, which is a DNR requirement.  Bids will be solicited later this summer with construction expected to begin in November.  The project will be financed with funds from the bond issue approved by voters last year and a $108,000 Mo. DNR grant.

A Resolution to spend $10,000 with the engineering firm Poepping, Stone and Bach was approved for leachate management and maintenance at the landfill.  City Engineer Mark Rees assured council the city is doing everything possible to document compliance with DNR regulations.  He said one of the maintenance priorities is attending to the clay cap.

A proposed fiduciary agreement with Nationwide Retirement Solutions will see administration fees eliminated for the City's deferred compensation plans and the addition of more investment choices via Morningstar Funds.

A Proclamation was read regarding May being observed as Mental Health Month in Hannibal.   Representatives from the Northeast Mental Health Coalition spoke on the new ER Enhancement Program to address needs in the area.

City Clerk Angelica Vance certified election results for 2 councilmen--James Hark in the 5th Ward, and James Locke in the 6th.  Mayor Roy Hark administered the Oath of Office.

A number of street closures were approved Tuesday night:

The area around Hannibal High School Thursday evening, May 22 for Graduation.

4th and Broadway all day Saturday, June 21 for Fiesta Del Sol.

Several downtown streets for the Hannibal Cannibal  the morning of July 5.

Mark Twain Avenue the morning of Saturday, August 23 for Mississippi River Run.

Approval was given for use of two city-owned lots on Main Street for the Twain on Main Festival May 23-25.