Louderman sworn in as Hannibal mayor; Munger takes over in 6th Ward

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Every seat on the panel in the Hannibal City Council chambers is filled for the first time since June.

Barry Louderman was sworn as Hannibal’s mayor during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. When Louderman took his seat, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Dobson returned to his council seat representing the 2nd Ward.

Dobson has been serving as mayor pro tem since former Mayor James Hark resigned in June. He addressed the group before making the move, thanking everyone for their cooperation during the six months he served as mayor. 

“There’s exciting things moving forward. We have a new tourism director and a new economic development director, and a new city clerk was added in the last six months,” he said.

Dobson also thanked City Manager Lisa Peck for her efforts.

“I’m thankful for everybody who helped during the interim until the election,” he said.

Directing his attention to Louderman, Dobson said, “Barry, you are very good hands going forward. I look forward to your tenure.”

After the meeting, Louderman said he was nervous during his first meeting as mayor but felt like it went well. 

“We now have all seven seats on the council, and we’re just going to work on concentrating on moving the city of Hannibal forward,” he said.

The Hannibal City Council voted Nov. 7 to appoint Nathan Munger, associate pastor at Tabernacle of Praise in Hannibal, to the 6th Ward seat. It became vacant in October when Jeffrey Veach moved out of his ward.

A special election will be held on April 2 for the 6th Ward. The April election also will decide who will represent the 1st Ward, currently held by Darrell McCoy, and the 3rd Ward, currently held by Stephan Franke.

Munger said he is honored to be chosen.

“I pray God leads the entire City Council in doing what is best for Hannibal. I love this community, the people of Hannibal, and I look forward to our future,” he said.

In other business:

• Historic Hannibal Marketing Council was approved for a street closure for Christmas Living Windows for Saturday, Dec. 9.
• Kevin Kruse from Loafers Car Club was approved for a street closure for the 28th annual car show on Saturday, May 11.

Resolutions approved:

• They approved the City of Hannibal to authorize the mayor to execute a special warranty deed to River Peak Properties LLC for the sale of city-owned property at 1512 Guernsey.
• They authorized the mayor to execute a service agreement for $37,400 between the City of Hannibal and MECO Engineering for design and a new roof at the Hannibal Police Department.