Traffic studies in the City of Perryville were the main topic of discussion at the board of alderman’s regular meeting on Oct. 20.
The stop lights on the downtown square and how they operate on the weekend was discussed.
Currently, the stop lights that blink red on Saturday and Sunday return to normal weekday red and green operations from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, because in the past, many more businesses operated on Saturday mornings than they do now. A traffic study was requested and approved to see if this was still necessary.
According to notes from City Administrator Brent Buerck, the police department’s recommendation is to eventually remove the blinking lights completely and operate on a normal “red light/green light” schedule 24/7. The board came to the conclusion that they should temporarily change the lights to blinking red all day on Saturday to see how it would work before any other changes are made.
The board discussed the pros and cons of having “red light/green light” operations full time, but did not make any official decision regarding the lights other than changing the operations on Saturday mornings.
A traffic study was discussed regarding traffic signage at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Bruce Street. At this time, the Police Department’s recommendation includes designating a portion of the intersection as “no parking” to improve both pedestrian and vehicular safety.
A traffic study was discussed regarding the pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of State Street and Rolla Street. The Police Department’s recommendation includes “cross traffic does not stop” signs along with limited parking at that intersection. This is important as some of the homes there do not have off-street parking.
A traffic study was approved relative to a child-at-play sign along E North Street. At a previous meeting on the Board, an Aldermen reported a concern in this particular area, and the Board asked the Police Department to complete a study. The study is now official and will be further discussed at a future meeting.
An amendment to the municipal code that regulates the use and possession of mood and mind altering substances was passed. The amendment provides clarification that employees may not use or possess such substances while working or on city property. The current ordinance had not been updated since the legalization of Marijuana in Missouri in 2022, and also did not include Kratom or 7-OH, which are both also available in retail stores and legal for consumption.
An amendment to the municipal code was passed that updates uniform city standards in parks. This ordinance was suggested by FEMA staff to clarify the city park lighting, particularly on sports fields, must be uniform for safety reasons and cannot be of mixed color, warmth or brightness.
A bill approving the 2027-2028 pay plan was introduced on first reading. The plan includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment, which was approved by the board of alderman at the last meeting.
A pay request from Schuessler Excavating, LLC, relative to the Delaney Street Utility Improvements project was approved. This project will address design weaknesses and storm system failures along this street, solving storm water issues for neighboring properties.
A pay request from Lappe Cement Finishing was approved, to continue work on the Vincentian Way Shared Use Path.
A request from Toys for Tots to place a collection box at the Park Center was approved.
A new City employee, Terry Hergenroeder, a street maintenance technician, was introduced.
The next board meeting, on Nov. 3, will take place at the Catalyst Center, as City Hall will be used for voting.
