Austin Davis, Perryville’s newest police officer, was introduced to the Perryville mayor and board of aldermen and sworn in during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Davis joined the police force after previously working for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
“It’s been a pleasure coming to this city. I know it’s a great community and so I’m glad to serve it,” Davis said. “I am hard of hearing so hopefully I can serve the hard of hearing community and the deaf community here locally and help them, so it’s my pleasure to be here.”
After Davis’ swearing in, the board honored Robert Brown with an award for his 30 years of service as a water plant crew leader.
The first reading of a potential change to the city municiple code regarding data centers was introduced. According to city administrator Brent Buereck, the Staff are continually researching this matter, hoping to identify points of failure that have been experienced in other communities such as noise limitations, specifically how, where and when it is measured. Buereck said this is not meant to be the final iteration of this municipal code but simply a step forward from where the city began, updating codes that were already in place., and is meant to help ensure the City is in the best position to work through the issue as a community if the time comes. Buereck said the board has visited many meetings and summits relating to data centers and is committed to learning everything possible about them while updating policy. More information about the potential changes will be discussed in upcoming meetings.
The board approved a meeting on August 4 to set the tax rates for the coming year, according to Buereck’s notes, the city staff does not anticipate any change to the rates, and will recommend they remain the same as they have been.
A purchase order from Clifton Excavating was approved for the demolition of a park maintenance building that was damaged by the March 2025 tornado. According to Buereck’s meeting notes, the staff would like to replace the building with a large, covered parking area for Parks Department equipment similar to the one found at the Public Works complex. Once removed, staff will begin the process of securing quotes for the replacement structure.
A request from the school district to use noise cannons during home football games was approved.
A conditional use permit was approved for Perryville Real Estate Holdings, LLC to allow the operation of an 80-bed skilled nursing facility at 1307 Brenda Avenue. The property is currently zoned R-4 (High-Density Residential) which allows 5 nursing homes by way of a conditional use permit. The proposed facility will provide skilled nursing and long-term care services to residents with a focus on memory care. According to Buereck’s notes, city staff have toured existing facilities and found them to be high-quality, and staff have submitted letters of support to the State of Missouri for the required licensing.
Amendments to title 5 of the municipal code were passed, streamlining the City’s business license process, eliminating license fees for specifically 6 identified businesses.
Amendments to title 6 relating to livestock and fowl were passed, modifying the existing ordinance to allow a limited amount of livestock in R-2 Districts, similar to what is already allowed in R-1.
The board discussed insurance payments from CHUBB in regards to the 2025 tornado. According to Buereck’s notes, The most recent payment more than doubled the original proposed settlement and the total insurance reimbursement now exceeds $1.8 million, and assuming the Board is still in agreement, it is staff’s intention to now work with FEMA to draw additional funds in the City’s efforts to reduce the impact of future disasters, including a “super” roof for the Perry Park Center natatorium and steel light poles for ballfields, greatly increasing the wind loading and overall resiliency in the process.
