Prosecutor Candidate Sign Deemed Illegal by City of Hannibal

Former Hannibal Mayor John Lyng says a candidate for the top law enforcement job in Marion County ought to be following the letter of the law. Lyng says a sign in support of Luke Bryant, a candidate for Marion County Prosecutor, is in violation of city ordinance.

Lyng brought the issue before the Hannibal City Council Tuesday evening. He says the size of the 8 ft. X 12 ft. sign along St. Mary’s Avenue is well in excess of legal limits. City ordinance limits signs in residential areas to 16 square feet.

According to documents released by the city, the Building Inspector’s Office left written messages for the homeowner twice in September, requesting removal of the sign. On October 11, a summons was issued with a November 28 municipal court date.

Lyng says although the Building Inspector’s Office has been diligent in attempting to enforce city code, the council should consider strengthening the ordinance. He suggests making violations of the ordinance a court priority, thus moving them to the top of the court docket. In this case, the court date is scheduled after the November 6 election. Lyng also said holding the candidate’s treasurer financially responsible should be considered. He even suggested the police could be authorized to remove signs in question until the case is adjudicated.

The council did not take any immediate action regarding the ordinance.

In other business:

Broadway will remain broad:
City Manager Jeff LaGarce summarized a report from the Traffic Committee regarding a proposed parking change on Broadway. The change would have reduced Broadway to 2-lanes with angled parking instead of the current parallel parking. The Traffic Committee voted to retain the current parallel parking configuration. The council decided not to debate the issue further, so the proposal died for lack of support.

Wheels put in motion for $7 Million Bond Issue:

The council approved the selection of Stifel, Nicolaus, and Company as the underwriter in connection with the issuance of up to $7.2 million in bonds to finance the riverfront renovation and construction of a new convention and visitor’s center. A bill authorizing issuance of the bonds was given a first reading.

Voters to Pick Mayor and Council Members in April:
A Municipal election is approved for April 2, 2019. Voters will decide races for Mayor, and 2nd and 4th Ward council members.

New Visitors' Guides Planned for 2019:
Bids are approved for printing and design of the 2019 Hannibal Visitor’s Guide: Next to Nothing Designs was the low bidder for design at $4600. Poole Communications was low bidder for printing at $28,878.

Veteran's Parade Date Set:
Street closures are approved for the Veteran’s Parade in the downtown area on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.