New mayor for Perryville takes oath of office

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- A new administration began Tuesday night as new Mayor Ken Baer took his oath of office during the Perryville Board of Aldermen's first regular meeting since the April 8 election.

"My guiding principle ... is to always do what is best for the city of Perryville," Baer told the standing-room-only crowd assembled at City Hall. "I'm an optimist, and I think positive. Good things happen when you do that."

Baer replaces outgoing mayor Debbie Gahan, who held the office for six years.

Gahan addressed the board one last time before leaving Tuesday night.

"It's been my honor and my privilege to work with you ... and I wish Ken Baer all the luck in the world as mayor," she said.

City Clerk Tracy Prost swore in Baer and the city's newly elected police chief, Direk Hunt, who had served as interim chief since last spring, when former chief Keith Tarrillion resigned amid allegations of misconduct.

Also taking the oath of office Tuesday were Ward 2 Alderman Curt Buerck, who survived a three-way race to retain his seat, and Ward 1 Alderman Tom Guth; Ward 3 Alderman Prince Hudson; City Collector Lori Carroll; and Municipal Judge Robert Hershey, all of whom ran unopposed.

During the meeting, the aldermen elected Gary Schumer, Ward 3, to serve as board president.

Also on Tuesday, the board approved a city ordinance establishing zoning requirements for microbreweries, wineries, microdistilleries and tattoo establishments in commercial areas.

Under the new policy, microdistilleries, microbreweries and wineries offering product for on-premises consumption are allowed to operate at least 50 feet from residential districts, provided they produce no more than 3,000 barrel of product per year.

The ordinance further sets limits for the quantity of alcohol beverages such businesses can sell for consumption off the premises.

Businesses producing less than 1,000 barrels per year must serve at least 20 percent of their product for consumption on-premises; that amount drops to 15 percent for businesses producing between 1,000 and 2,000 barrels per year and 10 percent for businesses producing between 2,000 and 3,000 barrels per year.

The new ordinance also allows tattoo, body piercing and branding establishments with a special-use permit.

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