Council approves contract for demolition planning at St. Elizabeth’s
Published 8:05 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025
HANNIBAL — While the journey still has a way to go, the Hannibal City Council took a large step toward reaching the finish line on the long-standing issue of the former St. Elizabeth’s Hospital facility.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the council approved a contract with Klingner and Associates for $104,500 for the planning and design phase of the building’s demolition and to prepare for the bid process in 2026.
The building has been an issue for years in the city, including vandalism, squatting, and fire hazards. Part of the delay came from the repeated promises of developers that never bore any fruit.
With the approval on Tuesday, the expectation is that the project will go out for bid in early 2026 with the hope that a contractor will have boots on the ground to start the demolition in May or June.
“It’s my honor to declare (the resolution) duly approved and adopted,” Mayor Darrell McCoy said after the council unanimously passed the Klingner agreement.
The council also approved a tax abatement agreement with Jones Poultry on the former Buckhorn Rubber facility. The agreement will abate 50% of property taxes on property improvements for 10 years.
While the plant has already started operations, it’s forecast to expand to include 45 full-time positions when fully staffed.
Two final purchases were approved using funds from the Missouri Blue Shield grant program for the Hannibal Police Department. Two rifle-rated ballistics shields and a compatible dolly system for movement will be purchased from Tyr Tactical for $14,410.60.
In addition, $8,995 will be spent to purchase a computer voice stress analyzer device that will help HPD in investigations and subject statements. Chief Jacob Nacke noted for the council and the public that no city funds were spent for these purchases, with the money coming from the state’s grant program.
In other HPD business, two new officers were sworn in following their graduation. Deacon Stewart comes to Hannibal from Montana and following a stint with the U.S. Marine Corps. Michael Bean moved from New Jersey after serving in the U.S. Army.
In other business, the council:
•Heard a first reading on an amendment to city code 7-26 and the creation of 7-27. These changes will help modernize and clarify city inspections and building code requirements.
•Approved an agreement with HPD to transition to Central Square Records Management System through agreement with NECOMM.
