At its July 16 meeting, the Perryville Board of Aldermen approved a lengthy list of consent agenda items, including choosing the date for a public hearing to set 2024 property tax rates and making plans to sell the current police station at 120 N. Jackson St., with the department soon moving to the new Perry County Joint Justice Center.
The public hearing date to set the 2024 property tax rate will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at city hall during a board of aldermen meeting that would have normally been held on Aug. 6 but was rescheduled because that is the same day as the State of Missouri’s primary election.
This annual process will help establish the city’s property tax rates for the upcoming years,” explained City Administrator Brent Buerck. “The current rates were originally set on our best estimates of the debut service required for the new wastewater treatment plant. The current rate is falling short, and staff recommends a minor adjustment of .0005 percent to help close this gap.”
Buerck stressed that the tax rate adjustment will not generate revenue for operating or capital expenses but will solely satisfy the city’s debt obligations for the wastewater treatment plant.
With projections that the Perry County Joint Justice Center (PCJJC) construction project will be winding down in October and become fully occupied in January 2025, board members approved a Request for Proposals relative to the sale of the current police station at 120 N. Jackson St.
“Staff believes it is time to advertise the police station for sale and begin the process of soliciting redevelopment proposals,” Buerck said. “The proposed process has prospective buyers explaining their plans and offering bids for purchase. Simultaneously, staff will be requesting an updated appraisal to aid in our negotiations.”
The board approved pay estimate nine, totaling $37,084.20, to Fronabarger Concreters, Inc., for the Vincentian Way Extension Project.
“This project extends the street currently known as Progress Drive from its current termination point behind Stonie’s and connects it to the street currently known as Alma, which is located behind Frank’s Produce.
The board received two job descriptions from police department staff that they believed would help satisfy clerical and operational needs as the department prepares to move into the PCJJC.
“Applicants will initially be limited to internal candidates displaced by the merged dispatch operations,” Buerck said.
The board also approved the hours of operation for police department clerical staff at the PCJJC.
Buerck said, “Chief Hunt has requested that the PCJJC hours of operation for the police department’s clerical staff be established as Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.”
The board approved Project Information Forms submitted by Gotto Investments, LLC, in relation to receiving financial reimbursement for new construction at 1019 and 1099 Crestview Lane through the city’s builder/homeowner program.
“These are additional applications for the city’s Building Reimbursement Program,” Buerck explained. “In this case of 1019 Crestview Lane, the builder is constructing a 1,600 square foot home with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a two-car garage.”
The board gave its approval to a recommendation from Buerck that it accept Dille Pollard Architecture’s proposal for the Airport Hangar Renovation Project.
Buerck said, “This RFQ (Request For Quote) was designed to meet state and federal requirements for the selection of an architect to design improvements to vacant hangars at the airport — numbers four and seven. This is a budgeted project for the City of Perryville and we hope to apply for a grant to garner additional financial support for this project.”
A request for quotes for the Lucas and Friends Backyard Playground Phase Two Concrete Installation Project was approved by the board.
“The State of Missouri has reviewed and approved the concrete portion of the Lucas and Friends Phase Two grant project, and it is now ready for staff to request quotes for the sand and aggregate, Buerck said.
He added that a vendor is donating cement for the project.
The plans and specifications for the City Park Field Five Improvements Project were approved. Additionally, the board permitted the staff to advertise for bids.
“This project is a complete reconstruction of Field Five, including fencing and dura-edge surface and grading work,” Buerck said. “Dura-edge helps the field dry out quickly and has been successful on the other fields. This project was included in the 2024-25 budget.”
The board approved applying for a MoDOT Governor’s Cost Share for the Alma Avenue Roundabout Project.
Buerck said, “After studying the intersection of Alma, our consultants determined the best course of action was to construct a roundabout. It will improve traffic flow and significantly reduce fatal accidents in that area. This project has been submitted to MoDOT for a 50/50 cost share.”
The board approved the specifications for the Sludge Farm Lease Agreement and advertised staff to advertise for bids.
According to Buerck, the current agreement with Miesner Farms will expire soon. The staff is asking the board’s permission to solicit bids again for a five-year contract that can be renewed for another five years.
After rising river levels canceled the Perry County Heritage Tourism-sponsored Twisted Cat Outdoor Fishing Tournament on July 6, event planners began finding another date for the rescheduled event. The new date for the tournament is Saturday, Aug. 10.
“Tourism Director [Trish] Erzfeld continues to work hard to promote all things Perryville and Perry County,” Buerck said. “Several years ago, she began courting this fishing tournament that was scheduled to be in Perryville as part of our July Cruise-In but had to be canceled due to rising river levels.
“At the time of its cancelation, the event was estimated to include over 50 teams originating from 12 different states. When it occurs, the Twisted Cat tournament promises to be yet another fun event for the whole family. That evening’s activities will include a display of boats, trucks, and even some fish caught during the tournament.”
The board also approved another request from Erzfeld to post a cave interpretation sign at the Lindbergh Memorial site.
“The city has worked with the Cave Research Foundation to post several educational and interpretive signs describing our unique karst topography and helping to explain what treasures lie beneath our surfaces,” Buerck said. “They have been approved for three more grant-supported signs and are requesting permission to locate one sign near the Lindbergh Memorial on city-owned property. The other two signs are proposed to be located on property owned by the County Commission — Legion Lake and the courthouse lawn.”
The board next approved a festival application from the Downtown Revitalization Committee for Bikers on the Square, planned for Sept. 20 and 21.
Buerck explained that this is an annual event that coincides each year with the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
“This year’s event again includes the request to release sky lanterns as part of their remembrance ceremony,” he said. “Although released during past events, these are normally prohibited by city ordinance, it was presented for the board’s consideration and approval.”
Buerck also noted that the burn pit in front of Hopi Lane had been included again in this year’s event.
Closing out the consent agenda portion of the meeting, the board approved the following mayoral appointments: Yvonne Spears and Jennifer Fulford, five-year terms on the Park Board; Dave Clements, a five-year term on the Board of Adjustments; Larry Riney, a two-year term on the EDA Board; Patty Wengert, a three-year term on the Cablecast Board; Dominic Blythe, a six-year term on the IDA Board and Angela Prost, a three-year term on the Advisory Council of the Perryville Higher Education Center.
Buerck noted that replacements are also being secured for Dr. C.C. Carron and Luis Talamantes, who have served on Planning and Zoning.
“Both Dr. Carron and Mr. Talamantes will be retiring from city service,” he explained. “We appreciate their support and assistance. Our records show that Dr. Carron has served as a board volunteer for 57 years, having first been appointed in 1967.”
Members of Planning and Zoning serve four-year terms.
Resolutions and Bills
The board approved the following resolutions:
– Resolution No. 2024-46 allows the city to enter into an agreement with Earth First Contractors relative to Waterline Improvements: Schindler Road to Dowling Drive Project. This is a budgeted project to improve the water distribution and fire flows to the resident area in the city's southeast section.
– Resolution No. 2024-47 allows the city to enter into a Financial Reimbursement for a New Construction agreement with Gotto Investments, LLC, regarding new construction at 1019 Crestview Lane.
– Resolution No. 2024-48 allows the city to enter into a Financial Reimbursement for New Construction agreement with Gotto Investments, LLC, regarding new construction at 1099 Crestview Lane.
Resolution No. 2024-49 allows the city to enter into an agreement with Putz Construction, LLC, regarding Toilet Room Interior improvements as part of the Perry Park Center Project. This project will remodel the lower-level bathrooms at the Park Center, allowing direct access from the gym floor.
– Resolution No. 2024-50 allows the city to enter into an agreement with ServPro for disaster recovery services. This is a non-binding agreement for the city, but it ensures that if or when needed, the city will be the first in line for restoration services provided by ServPro. This could prove critical after a fire, storm or major event that disrupts the city’s ability to use its offices and property. It also allows city staff to work with ServPro to plan parking, floor plans, level of restoration, etc.
The board read the following bills and approved some of them after a second reading:
– Bill No. 6515 for Ordinance No. 6730 (second reading and final passage): Amending the City of Perryville Prohibited Parking Schedule by deleting Alma Avenue and McDonald’s Court and adding St. Catherine Laboure Court. Previously, the board approved renaming this small street connecting to Vincentian Way. This ordinance updates the Prohibited Parking Schedule. The ordinance was approved.
– Bill No. 6516 for Ordinance No. 6731 (second reading and final passage): Amending the City of Perryville Stop Sign Ordinance by deleting McDonald’s Court and adding St. Catherine Laboure Court. This ordinance updates the Stop Sign Schedule. The ordinance was approved.
– Bill No. 6517 (first reading): Entering into a Transportation Enhancement Funds Program Agreement with Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission TAP-5000 (011) – sidewalk on Vincentian Way from Edgemont Blvd. to Route T. This is the city’s agreement with MoDOT for the Vincentian Way trail from Edgemont to Route T.
– Bill No. 6518 (first reading): Entering into a Transportation Enhancement Funds Program Agreement with Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission TAP-5013 (002) – sidewalk on Edgemont Blvd. from Missouri Highway 51 to Vincentian Way. This is the agreement with MoDOT for the Edgemont Boulevard trail from Highway 51 to Vincentian Way.
– Bill No. 6519 (first reading): Entering into a Transportation Enhancement Funds Program Agreement with Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission TAP-5014 (002) – sidewalk on Vincentian Way (f/k/a Alma Ave.) from McDonald’s Dr. to Missouri Highway 51. This is the agreement with MoDOT for the Vincentian Way (formerly known as Alma Avenue) trail from McDonald’s Drive to Highway 51.
– Bill No. 6520 (first reading): Amending Title 2 of the Code of Ordinances by adding Section 2.88.107 entitled “Communication for Employment Matters.” City Attorney Pistorio developed this ordinance to best clarify how HR services are accessed and when it is appropriate to solicit direction from the city attorney. In short, all matters should be brought to the attention of the HR Director, who will solicit input from city administration and the city attorney as necessary.
– Bill No. 6521 (first reading): Amending Title 2 of the Code of Ordinances by amending Section 2.88.980(C) entitled “Outside Employment.” This minor tweak provides a little flexibility for secondary employment during an employee’s probation period, as approved by the city administrator or chief of police, provided it will not interfere with city needs and operations.
– Bill No. 6522 (first reading): Amending Title 5 of the Code of Ordinances by adding Section 5.41.030(O) entitled “Productivity Requirements.” This would require those staying in a homeless shelter to be engaged in productive activities, such as work, counseling, treatment or volunteerism, for no less than 30 hours per week.
– Bill No. 6523 (first reading): Amending Title 10, Chapter 10.20 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Disabled Parking Schedule by removing the designation at 950 West North Street. This disabled parking designation was allowed in 2019 at a resident’s request. A new owner does not need this designation and has requested that it be removed so his family can park in that spot.
– Bill No. 6524 (first reading): Amending Title 12 of the Code of Ordinances by adding Chapter 12.25 entitled “Prohibited Camping.” The Supreme Court recently overturned four decades of precedent, allowing cities to prohibit sleeping in parks and public areas. Staff quickly worked with City Attorney Pistorio to make this adjustment to city ordinances and presented it to the board for consideration and approval.
– Bill No. 6525 (first reading): Approving an amendment to the 2024-25 Pay Plan. This modification reclassifies the desk sergeant and records clerk positions.
Reports
Reports were heard from the city administrator and city engineer.
In his report, Buerck discussed the PPC Pizza and PJ Movie Night set for 5 p.m. July 20; the DNR CWSRF Intended Use Plan 2025 Photo Feature; an article on the Political Yard Sign Ruling; compliments received regarding the city’s fireworks program; and reminded the board about the Perry County Emergency Preparedness Group Meeting set for 1 p.m. on July 22, and that the Aug. 6 board of aldermen meeting has been moved to July 30 due to the conflict of the original date with the primary election.
City Engineer Tim Baer provided updates for the board regarding several ongoing city projects.
Recognitions
At the top of the meeting, Mayor Larry Riney recognized several employees for their years of service to the city. They were Amy Webb, 25 years; Lyle Mudge, 15 years; and Jeff Layton, five years.
