Peterson takes oath of office

The First meeting of 2020 for Perry Mayor and Council was held Tuesday. Newly elected city councilwoman Joy Peterson was sworn in by city attorney Brooke Newby.

The full council also voted on this year’s Mayor Pro Tempore, councilman Willie King, who was also recognized for his previous five months of service in this position, as well as his service as acting mayor. “I love the city of Perry,” King said. “We come together, have a unity in the city, and move forward in a positive way.”

Three public hearings were held, including a hearing on the petition to rezone a piece of land on highway 127 from Residential-Agricultural to Planned Unit Development for the purpose of a new self-storage facility. All three applications were passed.

A vote was also held on the rezoning of property on Keith Drive from R1, single-family industrial to industrial. The property would be used as a medical dialysis clinic. This was passed unanimously.

Sedrick Swan, leisure services director, gave a report on the open house that was held for the department last Saturday Swan said the open house featured 22 instructors, including instructors in yoga, flight simulation, and Spanish. Swan also stated that after the open house, the department has received seven new instructors. “We’re looking forward to the future. We’ve got some good things coming.” Swan said.

Brian Wood, director of community development said that in the year 2019 the city of Perry issued 476 new single-family residential permits, setting a city record. “That was a 36% increase over our best year, and [an] over 50% increase over last year.” Wood said.