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Jacob Henneman, a member of Scout Troop 250 in Perryville, is eager to advance to Eagle, the highest rank available in Scouting.
Like all potential Eagle Scouts before him, he’s required to complete a community service project. To that end, Henneman, 15, made a presentation to the Perryville Board of Aldermen during Tuesday’s meeting at Perryville City Hall.
Henneman’s project centers on constructing a batting cage at City Park, one that would be located near Veterans Memorial Field nearest the Perry Park Center.
According to his plans, the new batting cage would be constructed similar to ones the city is already constructing with a concrete base, and would be intended for use by both softball and baseball players, as well as golfers, although it would be 15 feet shorter. Henneman estimated the cost of his project at $5,000-$10,000 and explained that he was collecting donations to complete the project at no cost to the city.
After hearing Henneman’s proposal — which included plans to coordinate with city Parks and Recreation director Jim Cadwell, aldermen voted unanimously to approve the project.
“Let me know if you need any help laying concrete,” said Ward 1 Alderman Tom Guth.
It was the second Eagle project approved in December.
In other business, the board also approved a number of items, including renewing the Mini-Park Mowing agreement with Kueker’s Nursery for 2020 mowing season, plans and specifications for the Perryville Fire Department Concrete Apron Replacement Project, a Drug and Alcohol Plan prepared by UCI Testing, a recommendation from the city police department regarding a no parking designation on TG Way, and a request to sell the city’s old Oshkosh Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting truck on an online auction site.
The board also gave approval to the Perry County Economic Development Authority 2020 budget
“We’re a non-profit,” said Scott Sattler, director of the Perry County EDA. “We get funding from the city and county, plus private individuals, and it’s used to help market Perry County and Perryville for economic development.”
The board voted against granting a Special Use Permit request from Henry Griffin to operate a home gym on his Feltz Street property. The vote came after a public meeting regarding the issue held during the Dec. 3 meeting, at which Griffin was the only person to speak. Aldermen voted to approve a general warranty deed to Gotto Investments, LLC, relative to property on Zeno Street where the former mobile home park was located, along with entering into an amended farm lease with Dale and Kevin Brown for property at Perryville Regional Airport and a similar lease with Todd Schilli Farms, LLC; as well as a T-hangar rental agreement with Erle Tomlinson.
City administrator Brent Buerck delivered an update on the planned Fun for All Playground, informing the board that the project — first imagined by local youth Lucas Fritsche as an inclusive space for disabled children to play — was nearing its final stages.
“The equipment has been ordered,” Buerck said.
The board also met in a closed session to discuss contractual matters before adjourning. The Board of Aldermen’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7.
