Board discusses multiple issues

The Perryville Board of Aldermen discussed multiple things at its latest meeting on Nov. 7, the first of which was to cancel its public hearing for the special use permit to construct a Dollar General on the southeast side of Highway 61 and Sutterer Place.
The matter was tabled at the Planning and Zoning meeting on Oct. 25, but a recommendation is expected to follow at the next scheduled meeting. Until a recommendation is presented the public hearing will not be held.
A public hearing was also had on a request from Mark Hager to rezone property located at 1208 West North Street from R-2 to R-4. Hager with Hager Home LLC wants to allow construction of duplexes . The lot next to it is already R-4 and has duplexes on it.
In the consent agenda, the board accepted bids received from the Climbing Rock Safety Surface Refurbishment project and award to Forever Lawn of the Ozarks per recommendation of Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cadwell and approve 50 percent down payment to order materials. This particular playground sees more vandalism than seemingly all others combined. City officials are unsure why this is the case but have researched an alternative surface. This new surface is made of a similar material to what is used on turf playing fields like football and soccer. Research has indicated it is commonly used on playgrounds as well and should provide a safe and durable surface going forward.
The board also approved rejecting bids received for City Park basketball court Redevelopment project per recommendation of City Administrator Brent Buerck. Although not originally a part of this year’s budget, this project was previously discussed with the board as part of the pickleball court painting when the new pickleball courts were placed on previously existing basketball courts. This project  would have replaced the lost basketball court with a full-size, half court for the city park. At this time, staff believes the small size of the project resulted in higher than expected bids.
Instead of proceeding with this time, staff would like to bundle this project with a couple other small projects that are expected to be part of next year’s budget, including the sidewalk extending from the area of the pickleball courts to the bathroom and an ADA parking spot near the Big Pavilion (#10). Staff believes combining the three smaller concrete projects will result in a better bid price overall.

The board also authorized staff to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (LWCF) to assist with construction of a 10’ wide hike and bike trail around Viola Blechle Park. This program is designed to help develop park infrastructure in communities throughout Missouri. The city has been a successful applicant multiple times in the past and this year’s proposed project was first identified in our parks master plan.
The project’s goal will better connect Viola Blechle to the soccer park and the sidewalk infrastructure running along Bruce Street. Additionally, it will add a perimeter trail around Viola Blechle Park to better serve the neighborhood there.
The board also acknowledges receipt of MoDot’s Notice of Award re 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program – sidewalk from Miget Park Pavilion to Edgemont Boulevard. Staff had proposed the City submit two different applications for the upcoming Transportation Alternative Program which is designed as a partnership with MoDOT to help develop non-vehicular transportation projects throughout the State. One proposed project would extend the greenway to Edgemont and the second which would extend sidewalks along Star Street as the Board has previously requested. Staff worked closely with MoDOT representatives on these projects and are excited to see them move forward.
In regular business, Entering into a Financial Assistance Agreement with Missouri Department of Natural Resources relative to a Land Water and Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant for Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventure Phase 2 to help finish that phase of the project.
The city also entered into an agreement with Jackson Street Brew Co or J Street Eats! to use of right of way for outdoor dining parklet. The city will allow the parklet on a year to year basis
The board postponed amending the ordinance pertaining to group developments. Several aldermen felt like it would give the board too much power and wanted to look into the matter further.
The next meeting will be on Nov. 23.