The Perryville Board of Aldermen met on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 4, at city hall, with a full agenda covering infrastructure updates, funding opportunities, departmental needs, and several long-term planning items. The meeting, led by Mayor Larry Riney, also included a public hearing on updates to the city’s zoning, subdivision, and construction codes.
Among the early actions, the board approved October meeting minutes and bills, along with several long-running project payments. That included a $110,662.34 pay estimate for the Heimos Lift Station project, which Buerck noted is now fully functioning—a relief after years of frequent pumping at the old holding tank. A final $2,195.60 payment was also approved to close out improvements to the School Street Lift Station.
A significant consent-agenda item involved shifting the city’s technology infrastructure to the new Perry County Joint Justice Center. The board approved a $22,725 purchase order to Forward Slash Technology, a cost shared with the county. The move represents the city’s full relocation from the former police department into the new regional facility. Public safety also received attention as the board awarded a contract for a new breathing air compressor for the fire department. Assistant Chief Mantz has been using a loaner unit after the city’s compressor failed, and the board approved two related items, granting the purchase and installation of replacement equipment for $50,678.54. Buerck noted the cost was originally scheduled for next year’s CIP but needed to be advanced due to the failure.
Parks and recreation improvements also moved forward. The board awarded a $28,885 contract to Dreyer Electric to address multiple electrical repairs throughout the park system, including volleyball court lighting, pavilion electrical, an Armony Circle streetlight, and several alternates. In addition, the board approved the relocation of the Perryville Youth Football field to the soccer field behind Field #9 — an idea Buerck described as “brilliant,” noting the move solves spatial concerns and simplifies insurance and FEMA reimbursements. Plans are underway to install lights at the new location.
City crews will also prepare for winter after awarding salt quotes to Morton Salt Company at $93.75 per ton. Last year’s rate was $90.60.
The board approved several subdivision plats, easements, and ordinance updates, including the long-discussed Rental Property Registration and Standards ordinance. With the measure’s approval, an enforcement moratorium that has been in place for seven weeks will be lifted. Registration will not officially be required until January 2027, giving landlords and staff time to prepare.
Administrator’s report Buerck’s report covered a wide range of updates affecting city operations and long-term planning. He began by summarizing Mayor Riney’s recent visit to Perryville High School, where the mayor met with students to discuss city government and civic engagement.
He then highlighted the state’s cost-share program for tornado disaster recovery, explaining how new funding guidelines could significantly improve Perryville’s ability to “storm-proof” vulnerable facilities, especially roofs and field lighting systems. FEMA’s recent clarification that mitigation funding can be calculated on total project cost — not merely insurance or FEMA contributions — was described as a major win for the city.
Buerck also discussed an ongoing short-term rental tax issue, noting that letters have been sent to ensure fairness and compliance among all lodging operators. He updated the board on repairs to Fire Station #1’s parking lot and shared the committee’s enthusiasm for a proposed chainsaw-art carving for the city park.
Additionally, he reported progress on the mobile home park conversion project, saying staff have been reviewing updated guidance and training on HUD and state regulations. Concluding his report, Buerck previewed several upcoming dates of community interest: the Nov. 6 Humanitarian of the Year event; a planned Nov. 11 protest; Coffee & Connections featuring Chester Airfield on Nov. 13; and the Perry County Historical Society Open House scheduled for that same afternoon.
The meeting ended with reports from the city engineer, city attorney and police chief, followed by board concerns and a closed session for real estate, personnel and contractual matters.
