Board makes decisions on sidewalks

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The Perryville Board of Aldermen will continue on with the sidewalk project on North Moulton Street, but not as originally planned at its latest meeting on Nov. 2.
Moulton Street resident Steve Keller came before the board about the subject during the Sept. 20 board meeting and noted that he talked with 10 residents that live on Moulton Street and received nine “no’s” as it pertains to the project to add sidewalks to that particular street.
Several other residents on Moulton Street spoke against the sidewalk as well.
After a lengthy discussion, Perryville City Administrator Brent Buerck saw three options for continuing the project: continuing with the sidewalk plan as expected, not doing the sidewalks at all, or the board waits so that residents can submit a letter for reference for future occupants.
It was decided that whichever residents did not want a sidewalk in front of their house had to submit it in writing.
Buerck noted at the November meeting that he had received three letters, one from Jonathan Paulus, who had turned a letter in previously, along with Steve Keller and Caleb Clifton who spoke at a previous meeting.
“We need to honor the letters,” Alderman Curt Buerck said.
The sentiment was echoed by each alderman.
“We made it appear that if they wrote a letter and turned it in, then that is how it would go,” Alderman Clint Rice said.

It was decided that the sidewalk project will continue, but without those three residences.
In other news, the board approved the purchase of an interchangeable bed truck with snowplow, salt spreader, and hook lift frame assembly for Perryville Public Works.
Public Works Director Jeff Layton noted that the purchase will replace two older trucks that are showing “wear.”
The Board had a calling for General Election, which is an annual process that sets the stage for April’s Municipal election that will include three aldermen seats: Ward 1 (Dennis House), Ward 2 (Doug Martin) and Ward 3 (Dave Schumer). The election filing period starts Dec. 6 and concludes Dec. 27.
The board is entering into an agreement with Peckham, Guyton and Albers as it pertains to the Comprehensive Plan update. The city’s plan dates back to 2011 and includes everything from street plans to annexation possibilities. Several Aldermen were worried about the price of the agreement which came in at $118,000, but Buerck assured the board that the plan is of high value and will serve the board for 10-plus years.
In his Administrative report, Buerck spoke about the Raymond Littge Documentary that will be shown at the Perry Park Center on Nov. 6. Littge is a decorated World War II pilot from east Perry County.
“He is one of the most decorated pilots you will ever see,” Buerck said. “He is the definition of a hero.”
Buerck also spoke on the IMGA Gas agreement that will serve the city for six years as the transporter of the city’s supply.
Buerck also gave an update on the Waste Water Treatment project, which should be completed in March 2023.
The next meeting will be Nov. 16.