Perryville expenses pile up with snow

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- When the snowplows run, expenses pile up along with the ice.

"This last snowstorm we're still suffering through is about a $15,000 deal," city administrator Brent Buerck told the Perryville Board of Aldermen Tuesday night.

Because the ice and snow fell on a weekend, the pile of expenses grew, thanks to the amount of overtime pay involved, Buerck said.

The city also had to buy more salt after using up half its stockpile, he said.

"It's been an expensive year," Buerck said.

Despite the snow outside, the board found itself looking ahead to spring Tuesday as it approved requests for street closures and liquor sales at Mayfest -- set for May 9 and 10 -- and approved an application by the Perryville Downtown Revitalization Committee to hold monthly classic car "Cruise In" events downtown.

Buerck said supplying power for food vendors and performers at downtown events soon will be easier, as the city has identified four locations -- one at each corner of the square -- for power pedestals.

He said the city is planning electrical upgrades to the gazebo downtown as well, which should allow bands to plug in sound equipment.

In other business Tuesday, the board:

* Accepted several easement deeds.

* Approved a police department recommendation for "Children at Play" signs on West St. Francois Street.

* Discussed a recommendation by the police department concerning parking on Ganahl Street.

* Heard the first reading of an ordinance that would ban text messaging by drivers age 21 and younger and by commercial drivers.

* Heard the first reading of an ordinance increasing the fines for traffic violations in emergency zones.

* Heard the first reading of an ordinance revising the language in the part of the city code concerning concealed weapons, bringing it into alignment with current state law.

epriddy@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Perryville, MO