New Judge in Hannibal

Hannibal’s new Municipal Judge has donned the robe before.  Donald Bastian is appointed to the position after action by the Hannibal City Council Tuesday evening.

Bastian was one of two attorneys seeking the position.  Stephen Ray Porter also interviewed with the council.

The council voted on each candidate—Donald Bastian received 4 “Yes” votes and 2 “No” votes. Councilmen VanHoose, Welch, Dobson, and Mayor Hark voted for Bastian.  Council members Veach and Cogdal voted “No”.

Stephen Porter received 3 “Yes” and 3 “No”, with Council members Cogdal, Veach, and Welch voting for Porter.  Mayor Hark, Councilmen VanHoose and Dobson voted “No”.  Councilman Welch noted his affirmative vote for both candidates reflected positive feedback from his ward for both individuals.  Mayor Hark agreed, saying the city was very fortunate to have two very qualified candidates compete for the position.

Bastian will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Fred Cruse. Don Bastian began his law career in Hannibal in 1989.  Bastian served as Municipal Judge for the City of Hannibal from 1994 to 1997.  He also served as Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1997 to 1998.

In other council business:

• Radiation detection equipment is coming to the Hannibal Fire Department. Assistant Fire Chief Mike Benjamin told the council MoDNR will purchase the equipment and maintain it for five years.  It was decided the equipment would be transferred to the city after Hannibal hosted a radiation class last August. Benjamin says the valuable equipment will help protect the community in the event of a radiological emergency.
• A contract with AT&T is approved for reduced landline phone service.  The expiration of the current agreement saw fees rise to $75 per line.  The new plan will provide a 36 month term for 33 landline services at a base cost of $27 per line.
• Two Halloween events are approved:  A parade will take place on Broadway from 6 to 8 p.m.  Saturday, October 28.  Also additional street closures are approved on October 31 from 3 to 9 p.m. for the Main Street Trick or Treat event.  The closures will be extended from Main up to the alleys at Bird Street and Center Street,  for enhanced safety.
• Second and Final Reading was given to a Bill amending the payroll ordinance related to the new position of Street Department Foreman.