HERMANN – The Hermann Board of Aldermen could consider a resolution formally voicing support for a Montgomery County Port Authority at its second regular session next month, according to City Attorney Dave Politte.

The city counselor gave an update on the progress of the effort by the Montgomery County Economic Council’s to win state approval for a Port Authority to facilitate and oversee development of a megasite within the Interstate 70 Corridor. Business advocates in Hermann are leading the way for the city of Hermann to be made a part of the Port Authority District. The creation of such a district is subject to approval by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Politte reported that currently the consultant working with the Montgomery Council Economic Council is seeking resolutions of support from the municipalities within Montgomery County in an effort to show broad support within the county for the creation of a district. However, Politte said the resolution that would be considered by the Hermann BOA would amount to more than a show of support.

The city attorney said Hermann would in fact be considered a “co-applicant” along with the Economic Council in formally seeking state approval of a district. Politte’s comment during Monday night’s second regular aldermanic session of the month appears to be the first time Hermann has been characterized publicly as a co-applicant in the effort to create a large industrial site at least 15 miles north in Montgomery County.

Politte said City Hall has reviewed the documents to be presented to the state and it now appears there might be eight Port Authority directors on its board, rather than the seven originally envisioned by consultant Steve Etcher, who outlined the Port Authority project to aldermen in recent months. The Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce is leading business group advocating for the city’s participation in a Port Authority District; the Hermann Regional Economic Development (HRED) Corporation, a coalition of business, government and education leaders, also is supporting Hermann’s participation.

However, Politte noted, the proposed district’s board still would have only one representative from Hermann. And, as Politte explained, that representative would be directly appointed to the board by the aldermen, rather than being recommended for appointment to the panel by the Montgomery County Commission, which apparently will be appointing all other members of a district board.

Politte said he doesn’t think the issue will be ready to be taken up by the Hermann aldermen by the first meeting on June 12, but it could be ready for consideration by the June 26 session.

In the meantime, he said, the effort to build support continues. “It’s still rolling,” Politte said.

In other matters at Monday night’s BOA session, city policymakers gave final approval to a measure outlining restrictions on personal use of marijuana. It will be illegal to smoke marijuana in any public place, on or in any moving vehicle and essentially elsewhere other than in a person’s home. The measure is aimed at bringing the city’s code on marijuana in line with the provisions of Amendment 3, which was adopted in November and legalized the recreational use of marijuana.