Interest in Hannibal as a docking destination is growing, thanks in part to the Mighty Mississippi—and the City Council.

Council members voted Tuesday evening to approve a docking agreement with the American Queen Steamboat Company.  In April, the council approved sending a letter of intent to Viking River Cruises regarding their request for future docking privileges at the riverfront.   Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Gail Bryant says 4 riverboats plan to dock in Hannibal a total of 22 times this summer.  That includes a new boat called the American Eagle. The city is planning additional docking infrastructure in the future to accommodate the increased demand.

In other business, a new bridge will be constructed on Ely Street.  Bleigh Construction submitted the low bid of $12,200 for removal of the old structure.  The steel bridge will be erected next to the existing bridge and moved into place with a crane.  The new bridge will cost $182,000.  Removal could begin in 2 weeks and construction is estimated to take 7 days.

Hannibal High School is standing proud after their Finance Team places 1st in the Missouri Personal Finance Challenge.  City of Hannibal Finance Director Doug Warren received praise from the council for his role in mentoring the team of students along with instructor Kurt Haner.  This is the second year in a row the Hannibal team placed first in the state.  The students now move on to the Nationals.  The Hannibal Finance Team is comprised of Joe Meidl, Devin Nelson, Parth Parikh, and Pranati Parikh.

Prior to tackling new business, the council first addressed several agenda items related to the recent election:

  • City Clerk Angel Vance certified and declared the April Municipal Election results.
  •  As a result of voter approval of Propositions 1 and 2, the council gave Second and Final Readings to two Bills authorizing the collection of local sales taxes on vehicles and other major items residents purchase out-of-state.
  • Four city officeholders who won re-election were administered the Oath of Office by Mayor Hark:  Municipal Judge Fred Cruse, 1st Ward Councilman Kevin Knickerbocker, 3rd Ward Councilman Kevin Lionberger, and 4th   Ward Councilman Jim Van Hoose.

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