The Perryville Board of Aldermen tackled a wide range of issues — from winter storm response and zoning changes to public safety, economic development, and infrastructure planning — during its regular meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Perryville City Hall.
The meeting was chaired by Larry Riney, with City Administrator Brent Buerck discussing many of the agenda items covered that evening.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Perry County Emergency Management Director Pat Naeger told aldermen he is eight months into the role and has focused on strengthening relationships and preparedness across the county.
Naeger reported that formal shelter agreements are now in place with the Perry County Senior Center, the Park Center, Christ Savior Church in Brewer, and Altenburg Lutheran Church — agreements that did not previously exist. Following a recent fatal house fire, the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team was activated, and 14 local residents have since completed disaster response training to strengthen local capacity.
Naeger thanked county commissioners, city officials, police, and firefighters for their coordination and support.
ZONING, ORDINANCES, POLICY
Aldermen approved a number of ordinances addressing zoning, development and city policies.
Among the actions taken:
• Aldermen approved a zoning map amendment following a second reading, completing a multi-year effort to update Perryville's comprehensive plan and modernize zoning regulations.
• The Board approved easement agreements related to the MoDOT-funded Edgemont Boulevard shared-use path project, allowing trail connections through private property.
• An ordinance addressing the displacement of transient individuals was approved, making it a violation for outside entities to drop off homeless individuals in Perryville.
• A final plat for the Crestview Place Subdivision was approved on an expedited basis.
• A proposed amendment to the city’s utility main extension policy for single-family residential development was tabled to a future meeting so aldermen could review marked changes.
• Several ordinances, including regulations related to hemp-derived intoxicants, kratom, and data centers, received initial readings and will return for further consideration.
SNOW RESPONSE, PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS
Winter weather and snow removal generated significant discussion.
City officials addressed concerns about private snow removal equipment pushing snow into streets and driveways, sometimes blocking access. Aldermen discussed possible future policies related to snow routes, temporary parking restrictions during snow events, towing authority, and one-side-only parking on narrow streets.
The importance of public education rather than enforcement was encouraged by Buerck and Public Works Director Jeff Layton, noting that residents are asked to shovel snow to the downhill or right side of driveways to reduce re-plowing issues. Buerck added that the city staff plans to prepare a snow-removal and parking advisory flyer for distribution before next winter.
Aldermen also expressed support for acquiring an additional bucket attachment for the city’s skid steer to improve snow removal efficiency on streets.
PUBLIC WORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE
Layton reported that crews located and shut off a buried valve feeding an abandoned water line on Holly Street, resolving a long-standing issue that had caused recurring water main breaks.
During a recent ice storm, two city crews handled simultaneous water main breaks. City officials noted the cooperation between crews helped speed repairs and maintain morale.
Aldermen also approved maintenance and repair agreements related to the Perryville Regional Airport, including ongoing work on the airport’s automated weather observation system (AWOS).
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FUTURE PLANNING
In an economic development update, Crystal Jones, executive director of the Perry County Economic Development Authority, spoke about a recent meeting with Missouri’s new director of the office of entrepreneurship and the launch of a statewide small-business survey was mentioned.
She also presented the board with preliminary results from a Perry County business survey identified access to capital, affordable workforce housing, and workforce shortages as key concerns. Jones also discussed participation in MoDOT’s long-range transportation and freight planning efforts, noting projections that truck tonnage could increase by as much as 50 percent by 2050.
Those projections, she said, raise questions about future infrastructure needs near Interstate 55, including the potential feasibility of a truck stop in the area.
POLICE AND PARK CENTER REPORTS
Capt. Ryan Worthington with the Perryville Police Department reported that nearly all officers have completed recent training, with one new officer still onboarding. During the recent snowstorm, the department provided motel rooms for out-of-town officers working extended shifts to ensure safe travel and reduce overtime.
Worthington also reported an increase in domestic assault calls in January and noted continued complaints about excessive “jake brake” noise from trucks, which will be addressed through education and enforcement.
Park Center officials reported successful event operations during winter weather, strong concession sales, and positive feedback from visiting teams. Planning is underway with the school district to coordinate gym scheduling for next year.
LOOKING AHEAD
Aldermen approved entering closed session to discuss real estate, contractual, and security matters. The next regular Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, though city officials noted quorum planning will be required due to travel commitments.
