Proposed changes to the city code pertaining to historic districts and individual local historic landmarks were given preliminary approval Tuesday night by the Hannibal City Council. The measure brought before the council Tuesday was in sharp contrast with the revisions that caused so much consternation in August.
The proposal shot down in August allowed for the creation of Local Historic Overlay Districts (LHOD) in neighborhoods away from the downtown historic district.
“We’ve taken out the overlay process,” explained Mike Kettlekamp, president of the Historic Downtown District Commission (HDDC). Also eliminated is the need for votes to create an LHOD, along with the accompanying debate that centered around allowing residents in such a district the opportunity to opt out.
Property owners will now be allowed to come in individually. Their applications would have to clear the HDDC, Planning and Zoning, and finally the city council.
The new code will include penalties for historic district property owners who violate established guidelines. Fines will range from a minimum of $100 per day to a maximum of $250 per day. The fines would kick in 10 days after the property owner is cited for a violation.
In other business:
• The fire department was given permission to accept a bid of $48,980 from Layneco Construction for work on the new administrative building, 2333 Palmyra Road. It was noted that Layneco’s bid was significantly lower than the other two bids received.
According to Chief Tim Carter, the contractor will have 60 days to complete the work once the notice to proceed is given. It is anticipated that notice will be issued Tuesday, Nov. 10.
• Approval was given an agreement between the parks department and Harry Worrell regarding the sale of 208 Zeigler St. to the city for $15,000. The new property will be added to the eastern side of Riverview Park.
• The council approved paying $7,500 to Klingner & Associates for engineering services on the Commanche Drive stormwater project.
• Council support was given a low-income housing tax credit application for the Hannibal Manor apartments. Millennia Housing Development is proposing a comprehensive renovation and modernization of Hannibal Manor, which was originally constructed in 1982.
• After tabling a resolution regarding billboard advertising by the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau last month, City Attorney James Lemon was asked to review the measure. His recommendation was that it is not appropriate to draft a new ordinance.
• Mayor Roy Hark and Councilmen Barry Louderman and Jim Behymer volunteered to serve on a financial task force being organized by City Manager Jeff LaGarce. According to LaGarce, the group will be seeking ways to provide the same level of service to residents, but at lower costs.
• The Hannibal Jaycees were given permission to stage their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 5. The parade, which will start at 6 p.m., will go down Broadway, turn north on Main Street and end at Hill Street.
• Carolyn Bastian was appointed to the Mark Twain Home Board for a term to expire in November, 2016; John Ravenscraft was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire in June, 2011.
Next meeting
WHAT: Hannibal City Council
WHERE: Council chambers, city hall, 320 Broadway
WHEN: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17
ON THE AGENDA: Second reading of proposed city code changes pertaining to historic districts and individual local historic landmarks.
