The Perryville Board of Aldermen adopted a first reading an election ordinance establishing the filing period for the April 5, 2022 election. Candidates for aldermen as well as mayor and city marshal must file the proper paperwork between 8 a.m. Dec. 7 and 5 p.m. Dec. 28. The notice of candidates filing for the April election must be delivered to the Perry County clerk no later than 10 Tuesdays before the future election.
Another related election ordinance was given a first reading. This measure moved up the starting time for the declaration of candidacy period one week, now instead of 16 weeks prior it will be 17 weeks before the municipal election. In addition, the last day of filing went from 11 weeks to 14. Also, for those wishing to withdraw their candidacy, they must do so no later than the eighth Tuesday prior to the election as opposed to the sixth Tuesday. The second reading for both the election-related ordinances will take place at the Council’s second November meeting.
Ordinance related to free speech
In a unanimous decision, the Perryville Board of Aldermen adopted the first reading of an ordinance related to free speech and prohibiting the display of certain words.
The ordinance’s intent is to “prohibit the public display of obscenity, profanity, or indecency that violates the local community standard while at the same time protecting political, artistic and other protected speech. Seven specific words are prohibited, and they can be viewed the the entire ordinance at cityofperryville.com/DocumentCenter/View/5626/ord-free-speech. In an effort to “preserve the evidence of any offense, the sign, banner, flag or other written material may be seized and held as evidence.”
The ordinance is being reviewed by city staff as well as the city's attorney. There is no timetable for when it will be on the agenda for final approval.
Reserve fund policy
The aldermen modified the city’s reserve fund policy by adopting the second reading of an ordinance which calls for the city to “maintain an unrestricted capital reserve equal to 30 percent of its annual operating expenses in the general and enterprise funds.” In addition, the utilization of any cash reserves beyond 30 percent will require notification to the board of aldermen. Also, any use beyond 20 percent shall first get approval by the aldermen.
Public hearing set
Parks director Jim Cadwell reported a public meeting in regard to a potential skate park has been scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Cadwell said it will be an opportunity to get feedback from individuals.
The public hearing will be facilitated by the city’s Park Board. A skate park could be park of the city’s capital improvement plan in the next fiscal year, according to Cadwell.
Administrator’s report
The projected completion date for the city of Perryville’s new wastewater treatment plant is early December 2022.
“We previously added 34 days to the contract, that was based on the construction schedule and the permit provided by DNR (the Department of Natural Resources),” Buerck said.
November of next year will be the substantial completion target with Dec. 9, 2022 the finish date.
Buerck highlighted a few of the programs presently being offered at the Perry Park Center. More than 35 people signed up for a recent line dancing activity and the caving program fills up whenever it is offered, Buerck noted.
“Jim (Cadwell)’s folks have really been doing a fabulous job thinking outside the box on some events,” he said. “We’re opening up the parks to a lot of people who weren’t using the parks before. It’s not just for kids playing baseball or moms swimming. It’s for everybody.”
Downtown Revitalization
The Downtown Revitalization group will be hosting its final event of the year early next month.
“Christmas on the Square” will take place Saturday, Dec. 4.
“We’re working with the county with regards to the lighting,” said Scott Sattler, executive director of the Perry County Economic Development Authority.
The (county) commissioners have spent some money (with lighting) so we’re coordinating with them for the Square to make it more festive.
Buerck said future planning on more Downtown Revitalization efforst will begin in early 2022.
“We’re starting to lose a little energy and we need to refocus again,” Buerck said. “In the next couple of months we’re going to put together an event.”
An event is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11, according to Buerck.
“The idea is that we’ve done a good job to this point,” he noted. “We’re going to talk about where we started and how we got there…We’re excited about that and I think it represents and opportunity for the next 10 years to do something special again.”
Property available
The city is fielding offers for the sale of property at 119 North Jackson Street. Those interested in the property have until Nov. 24 to submit a proposal.
“We’ve had several phone calls, several requests for information, several people have come up and review the appraisals we have at city hall,” Buerck said. “We’re expecting several bidders.”
Engineer’s report
The McDonald’s Drive improvement project has been completed, according to city engineer Tim Baer.
In addition, the water line improvements in the North Parkview area are progressing. Street construction was scheduled to begin earlier this week.
Next meeting
The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
