Hannibal looks to determine what is a Gallery

The Hannibal City Council has taken steps to change the definition of the term “galleries” as it is used in the city’s zoning ordinances.

The issue was broached during a meeting earlier this year after a resident asked to be allowed to place an art gallery in a residence. The owner had asked for a change in the zoning of the residence but council members refused saying change would put a business among residences.

City Attorney James Lemon says the change in the B-Multiple Family zoning now means that the term “gallery” means at least 80 percent of the income derived from the gallery must come from the display of art. Lemon said without that definition someone could claim just about anything as a gallery which he said could be an improper burden on that zone. Such burdens previously addressed by council included increased traffic and parking in a residential area. First reading was given to the ordinance making that change.

First reading was also given to an ordinance that changes the zoning of property in the 3700 block of Palmyra Road from E-Commercial to B-Multiple Family. Shad Terrill is planning to build triplex and duplex buildings in that area.

Council also heard from Lemon about another issue that was tabled after discussion during a previous meeting. That issue concerns a possible half cent infrastructure sales tax issue on the April 2022 ballot. Lemon presented proposed ballot language for the tax so council could discuss the language before it is officially submitted and placed on the ballot. As worded in Lemon’s proposal, the tax would sunset in 5 years.

The ballot language also included language specifying how money collected from the tax might be used. Storm and sanitary sewerage were included in the proposal. Several council members expressed concern that sanitary sewerage should be addressed by the Hannibal Board of Public Works. Some also suggested seven years might be a better term for the sunset of the tax. Lemon said most of the people he spoke with about the tax preferred fiveyears. He was instructed to rework the proposed ballot language and bring it back to council. The ballot language needs to be approved by January 25 in order to be placed on the April ballot.

Council approved a budget amendment to allow the city to accept and then spend the proceeds from a U. S. Department of Agriculture Grant to upgrade first responders radios. And the city has agreed to accept right-of-way along Shinn Lane that is currently owned by Marion County. The city already owns the remainder of the right-of-way along the road near the medical center.

City Manager Lisa Peck said, “For maintenance reasons, it would make sense for the city to own that portion also.”

Peck said the county is agreeable to the transfer.