By ANN PIERCEALL

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- The Hannibal City Council heard the first reading of two ordinances designed to bolster the city's street improvement and maintenance programs.

Second readings for both ordinances will be May 20.

The council also recognized the service of outgoing council members Jeff Hatton of the 5th Ward and Terry Hull of the 6th Ward, and witnessed the swearing-in of new council members from the two wards, Jim Behymer and Jeff Lyng, respectively.

The first ordinance related to bettering Hannibal's streets ratifies voters' decision April 8 to continue a half-cent sales tax that funds street improvements and the city's regular street maintenance program.

The second ordinance approves the formation of the Hannibal Municipal Assistance Corp. as a nonprofit organization. The nonprofit corporation's job will be to finance specific capital projects under the direction of the City Council.

The city plans to issue $5.1 million in revenue bonds to finance improvements to the city's roads at a faster pace.

City Manager Jeff LaGarce said the corporation is required by the Missouri Department of Revenue to issue the revenue bonds.

"It's an important tool," he said.

Lyng said that while he would support the corporation's formation for the $5.1 million bond issue, he would not support any additional bond sales and called for an amendment to the ordinance to limit the corporation's actions.

Thomas Cunningham, a special bond counsel to the city, told Lyng he'd be happy to provide an amendment if the mayor and council want one. He addressed Lyng's concerns by noting, "No bond can be issued, no action can be taken ... unless this council approves it."

When the ordinance came up for first reading, Lyng offered no amendment, and it was read without further debate. The corporation board members were also named Tuesday night. They will be Jack Herring, Tom Boland, Jon Obermann, George Walley and Randy Park.

Lyng also questioned an ordinance proposing that the city vacate a section of right of way along Rackliffe Street to allow Gosney Pharmacy to build a drive-through service. He suggested the city instead sign a licensing agreement so the city would retain ownership of the land.

Council members debated the idea for several minutes, with City Attorney James Lemon providing advice. But when it came to a vote on the first reading, the ordinance was read as written.

The council also heard a first reading on an ordinance that will require itinerant merchants with outdoor displays, sales inventories or display vehicles to maintain a 100-foot setback from any four-lane highway or road or signalized intersection.

The council also:

* Approved an agreement with Marion County to split the costs of nuisance abatement for property held in trust by the Marion County trustee.

* Approved a request by the Kiwanis Club for use of Central Park for the 32nd annual Samuel Clemens Arts and Crafts Festival July 3-5.

* Approved a request from Hannibal High School to close Brookside from McMasters Avenue to Edgewood from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 for commencement.

-- apierceall@whig.com/(573) 221-5879