Debra Tracy won't run for re-election on City Council

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau City Councilwoman Debra Tracy, who represents Ward 3, says she will not run for re-election next year.

"My plate is really full. I now have two jobs and one takes me out of town for a couple of days of the week. That was not the case when I started. I was not employed at that time. So it’s a full plate and I’m ready to turn it over to someone else," Tracy said.

Two other city council members are up for re-election next year. Loretta Schneider, who represents Ward 4, and Mark Lanzotti from Ward 5 will both seek another term on the council.

City Council members must be nominated by petition. The petition must be turned in between October 25 and November 22.

The general election will be held on April 3.

Cape Girardeau has a six-person city council. The mayor also holds an at-large seat.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More

Cape City Council supports low-income housing development plan

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Cape Girardeau City Council passed a resolution with a 4-2 vote Monday night in support of a development company’s plan to build low income apartments on Silver Springs Road. MACO Development now has the city’s support, but they may have trouble getting the tax credit they need.

MACO development is not new to Cape Girardeau. They are responsible for three low income senior apartments in the area. They now have their sights set on creating a low income housing off of Silver Springs.

They are trying to get 6 million dollars in state and federal tax credits spread out over a ten year span. Company Vice President, Jason Maddox says that 40 percent of this year’s tax credits are going to developers in the Joplin area, so competition is intense.

Council member Debra Tracy was among those who support the development, saying the city lacks adequate low-income housing.

But council member Mark Lanzotti fears the development would skew the marketplace and dissuade rehabilitation of older apartment complexes. Lanzotti was one of two council members to vote against the measure.

Larry Hartling of West Cape Development Corporation owns the land where the apartments would be built. He supports the proposed developments.

"We think its a good project for the area. I own property adjoining it so I am going to be a neighbor to it. We thinks its a good use for that property," Hartling said.

This is the first year that the council is required to approve residential development before developers can attempt to submit an application to the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

MACO’s next step is to rezone its proposed location from a commercial to residential district.

Hannah Parent, KRCU

Read More

Business development leaders propose $400K loan

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau’s business development leaders want the city to apply for a $400 thousand action loan under the Community Development Block Grant program.

The loan money would be used to help persuade a manufacturer looking to open a plant in Cape Girardeau.

The city would apply for the loan through the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Cape Girardeau’s Area Magnet director Mitch Robinson is eager to draw in the business. He is optimistic the city will seal the deal if the loan is approved.

"I think right now where in the front position, they wanna come here we want them to come here," Robinson says. "Now we just gotta work out all the details and get the right place for them and get them pined down and get the deal done as they say."

Robinson said the loan would have to be repaid at a four percent interest rate.

Robinson could not disclose the identity of the manufacturer, but said that 20 jobs would be created.

The loan application was brought up at Monday’s City Council Meeting.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

City Council takes step closer to limiting parking near campus

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - An ordinance limiting daytime parking near Southeast Missouri State University’s campus took a step forward during Monday’s City Council meeting.

The streets that will be affected are Normal Ave., from Henderson to West End, Park Ave, and the stretch of West End from Broadway to Highland Drive.

The parking ban was sought by residents of the area who were tired of congestion on the streets due to university students.

Some residents sought a permit system to allow homeowners to park on the street, but the council decided it was unfair to allow preferential treatment on a public thoroughfare.

The counsel plans to amend part of the ordinance prior to the possible final passage at the next city counsel meeting.

In other business, the city announced the class of two-thousand twelve will be Cape Central High School’s Centennial class and that August two-thousand eleven is Fort-D Month.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

Cape neighborhoods prepare themselves with "Nuisance Party" law

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - School is drawing near and some Cape Girardeau residents are bracing themselves for the return of college parties.

They are hoping a new ordinance will help keep the parties in check.

Lieutenant Rick Price of the Cape Girardeau Police Department helped facilitate an informational meeting Thursday night. He hopes the law will help create better neighbors and better neighborhoods.

"They are actually living in fear, these older people that they may have a house next to, it becomes vacant somebody buys it and turns it into rental property. And then several people move-in and have wild parties, and these people can’t sleep. And hopefully this will take care of it to where the college students and the community of Cape Girardeau can live in harmony," Lt. Price said.

Among other things it allows the police to cite party hosts if parties are not dispersed after they are ordered to so.

Despite working feverishly for two year to get the ordinance passed, Dr. Linda Heitman hopes the ordinance will not be needed.

"We are hoping it does not, were hoping it will serve a purpose and it will never have to be used because people will behave appropriately and will respect the people of their neighborhoods," Dr. Heitman said.

Thursday's meeting was intended to help people better understand how to file a nuisance party complaint.

The ordinance, dubbed the "Nuisance Party Ordinance," was passed on June 20 by the City Council.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

Liquor license cap not on tap

CAPE GIRARDEA, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau city officials are looking at new ways to issue liquor licenses … but a mandatory cap is not on tap.

Currently, businesses must undergo a background check and maintain a neat and orderly facility.

But assistant city manager Heather Brook says that city council wants a more stringent process.

"The impression I have is most of the City Council seem to be a little hesitant to try to restrict the number or to have to much government interference," Brook said. "But they did seem to really want to look into a way of setting the bar a little bit higher for the impacts that some of these establishments could have on their neighbors and to do a little more research into that."

The topic was brought up at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More

Council extends Old Town Cape's contract

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau’s City Council renewed its contract with Old Town Cape.

Old Town Cape is a non-profit organization that works to revitalize the downtown area through historic preservation and economic development.

Executive director Marla Mills says that the new contract has more specific objectives for the coming year.

“Instead of just working on the strategic plan and on the task on that plan, we are going to better prioritize which ones we might work on and identify those that seem the most likely to work on over the next year,” Mills said.

Mills says that those goals will include already-begun plans … such as the Broadway redevelopment project … and continuous plans, such as the development of a community improvement district.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More

Council passes nuisance party ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The city of Cape Girardeau is now just ten days away from enacting a new ordinance that aims to bring an end to what it views as nuisance parties.

Bill number 1181, aptly dubbed the nuisance party ordinance, was approved at Monday nights City Council meeting.

The ordinance was first purposed by a group of citizens who were fed up with all night college blow outs in their neighborhood.

The ordinance seeks to curtail loud and unruly parties of over ten people by enacting tougher punishments for those hosting the parties, if need be.

Mayor Harry Rediger says that the city needed the ordinance.

“We were glad to get that brought forward this evening for the citizens. It’s been an ongoing issue and rightfully so, we should taken action; were glad to get it accomplished,” Rediger says.

A similar ordinance is on the books in Columbia, Missouri.

Even with Cape’s nuisance party ordinance, the mayor and members of city council are still planning to do more to end raucous college parties.

They plan to purpose an ordinance that will allow for landlords to inspect their property and potentially terminate the lease if they feel that parts of the contract are not being fulfilled.

The possible ordinance is intended to allow landlords and neighbors to deal with problem tenets and neighbors.

Mayor Rediger describes the nuisance party ordinance as a stop gap and the first step in allowing residents to take their neighborhoods back.

“That ordinance will, will uh protect even more the neighbors and citizens of our community because that will give us some teeth on the landlord side, this really does not,” he said.

A public meeting will be held at the Osage Center this Thursday at seven p.m. to discuss and get feedback on the matter.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

Cape Girardeau may require licenses for landlords

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) -Cape Girardeau city officials want to issue licenses to landlords. They also want to inspect rental property at least once every three years.

Assistant City Manager Ken Eftink says that the city will work with the City Council to develop the guidelines that will be used to determine the licensing procedure and inspection criteria.

"It’s more of a neighborhood protection program," Eftink said. "If you have one house on the block that is in poor condition or has other problems, it really brings down the value of the other properties on that block. So to protect that neighborhood, you try to make sure that all the houses on that block are being properly maintained."

The city currently does not have a licensing system in place for landlords.

Eftink says that the inspection will include a checklist of basic items that should be in good condition, such as the foundation, windows, doors, chimney, and roof.

The city will likely hire two addition employees to act as inspectors. Eftink says the licensing fees should cover the cost of the program.

The City will work with City Council over the next few months to hammer out the details of the program.

The city will take input at a public meeting on Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osage Center.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More

Julie Thompson named as new Parks & Rec director

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau’s new Director of Parks and Recreation bolsters a strong resume and even stronger ties to the city.

Julia Thompson has over thirty years of administrative experience in the field.

In addition to numerous other positions, Thompson served as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in Kissimmee, Florida for fifteen years.

And she was the acting Director of Parks and Recreation in Seminole County, Florida prior to accepting the job in Cape Girardeau.

Thompson’s mother, Marge Thompson, was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, and after an interlude in Florida, she returned to her hometown.

City Manager Scott Meyer says that both he and the city are eager and enthusiastic to work with Thompson.

“She was a strong Candidate from very beginning. Her resume is just an impeccable resume. And then to follow that up with the type of enthusiasum and passion she has is it is really the complete package,” Meyer said.

The decision was announced at Monday’s City Council Meeting.

In other business, the City Council gave first-round approval on a nuisance party ordinance that would control late-night parties in residential neighborhoods. The law would hold party hosts responsible for misconduct at their events … as well as give police the power to order party-goers to disperse.

The Council will vote on final approval at the next meeting on June 20.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

Cape City Council to look at "nuisance party" ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Any college town that is home university knows that college parties are a fact of life.

However, a group of residents near Southeast Missouri State University's campus is finally putting its foot down… saying enough is enough.

The group has managed to get an ordinance on the schedule at next Monday’s City Council Meeting.

Councilmen John Voss says he is acutely aware that some of his constituents struggle with the all night cacophony.

He says he will support an ordinance that takes a much harder line on punishing party hosts.

"There’s two additional measures, one is the host of the party can now be fined or summoned and then if the party is not dispersed upon the first command or communication from law enforcement, then there is also the ability to fine the host for that as well," Voss said.

A similar ordinance is on the books in Columbia Missouri.

However, fraternities and sororities both feel that they are both being singled out.

While many ‘Greeks’ are willing to admit that their parties can be a bit loud, they still feel such an ordinance is not a good move.

One such fraternity member, Bryan Huff, feels that it would be more fruitful for the citizens of Cape to work with the Greeks.

"I wish that there was more communications going on with the people that this is an issue with as opposed to just trying to a-go about this way. Like… like I said I mean it seems like there’s ways we could be worked with, this type of issue as opposed to just trying to work against cuz I think it is just going to lead to bigger problems," Huff said.

While Huff says he understands what the community is trying to achieve, he feels Greek life would be easily assaulted by such measures.

Tim Filla, KRCU

Read More

Cape City Council to consider rental inspections and licenses

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The city of Cape Girardeau may soon call for landlords to become licensed as well as require rental inspections in hopes to enforce property maintenance codes.

The Neighborhood Protection Program was designed to provide safe living environments for tenants, protect property values, and encourage reinvestment, which Assistant City Manager Ken Eftink believes can be accomplished one block at a time.

"The goal is to protect neighborhoods, basically protecting one block at a time. If you look at a house that is in a dilapidated condition it brings down the values of all the other properties on that block," Eftink says.

Eftink asked for City Council approval last night and will meet with landlords this week before drafting an ordinance.

In other news, the Cape Girardeau City Council voted to authorize the Safe Routes to Schools grant of over $175,000 that will install nearly 5,000 feet of sidewalks around local schools.

The council also passed an ordinance that will require businesses that play outdoor music to apply for a seasonal Outdoor Music Venue Permit.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

Cape City Council looks for middle ground on noise ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau businesses will soon have to pay a little more attention to volume when they play music outdoors.

City Council is attempting to find middle ground on the debate over noise by requiring downtown businesses to apply for an outdoor music venue permit.

After Monday evening’s council session, Police Chief Carl Kinnison says this will set limitations for noise levels on an individual basis.

"The permit process would actually allow businesses to play music outdoors and also set some limits on that noise. If the business establishment went beyond those limits then that permit could be pulled," Kinnison said.

The application will give the city a better idea of each outdoor venue and prevent a one-size fits all noise ordinance that might alienate businesses.

Businesses must apply for the permits seasonally which will allow the city to make changes if necessary.

In other news, the city council approved an engineering study that may lead to co-ownership between the city and Cape County of the former federal courthouse.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

City council designs compromise on noise ordinance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The ongoing debate over the noise ordinance in Cape Girardeau might soon find a compromise.

City Manager Scott Meyer, speaking at the City Council meeting Monday night, said that the city could issue seasonal permits to the few bars and venues that offer outdoor entertainment during warm weather.

"Well really, it’s an idea that is evolving, taking the combination of this event permit that we currently have and expanding that to be more of a seasonal permit that defines parameters of how venues can work, how they’ll be evaluated, and what level of noise, or music would be allowed at different times of the day and different days of the week," Meyers says.

Violations of the proposed permit may be given a small fine, but business owners could risk losing the permit for the next season.

Mayor Harry Rediger likes the idea of the permit and says he “doesn’t want to limit commercial activity.”

In other council news, a liquor license was granted to Cape Mart, at 238 N. Fountain Street, despite strong, outspoken opposition from nearby residents.

The council had previously denied the request at the last meeting due to community disapproval. However, they said their hands were tied because the prior business, Ganix Market, had been granted a liquor license.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

Council members blare loud music in downtown Cape

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Members of the Cape Girardeau City Council conducted a noise demonstration Wednesday evening in the downtown area as they are currently working on the existing noise ordinance.

Sound systems were placed outside of Last Call and Bel Air Bar & Grill, while council members, armed with decibel readers, measured sound from 300 and 800 feet.

Both establishments have live music on outdoor stages which frequently bring complaints from nearby residents. 

Councilman John Voss, who proposed the demonstration, says it is important they experience the noise first hand, rather than assume what concerned residents hear.

"I think we will take the information and experiences that we had today and re-read the proposed ordinance the noise committee has worked on and determine if it is sufficient, if there is a need to modify the proposal to come up with something you know is appropriate for this time," Voss said.

The proposed ordinance states any noise that is plainly audible at certain distances within time bound periods would be in violation.

Nearby residents voiced their concerns that music on the weekends at Bel Air is much louder than the levels on the sound systems during the test.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

Council: $2 mil will go to pay airport bonds

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - In the first round of voting last night, the Cape Girardeau City Council unanimously approved a measure that will use $2 million of casino money to repay local airport bonds as well as replenishing the city’s emergency reserve fund, which had been depleted during the last ice storm.

The casino money had been set aside for improvements to Broadway and ten other civic projects as designated in the development plan with the casino.

Mayor Harry Rediger assured that these city improvements will be completed in the near future.

"We have committed to the Isle of Capri that the enhancements that were on the development agreement for the Broadway project will be done by fall of next year, prior to the opening of the gaming operation in December of 2012," Rediger said.

Using the casino funds to immediately repay the bonds will eliminate $260,000 from the city’s budget.

In other business, the council approved zoning changes to the Central Business District with the creation of a Downtown Commercial Corridor that creates residential space in the rear of the first floor of buildings, something the current zoning laws allow only with a special use permit.

Over the next few months the council will decide the specifics on how to spend a $250,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation of Health. The grant will fund nearly 40 miles of new bicycle lanes, the installation of bike racks, and bicycle education.

Matt Caldwell, KRCU

Read More

Cape Girardeau to redraw ward boundaries

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The City of Cape Girardeau is going to look closely at its ward boundaries after receiving the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Cape Girardeau has six wards, and each ward should have about 6,300 residents.

The city’s population grew from 35,349 to 37,941.

Assistant City Manager Ken Eftink says that areas west of town exhibited the fastest growth.

"That’s where most of the new construction has taken place. In our case, to the northwest we had the Whispering Oak area coming in to the city limits. To the southwest, we had the Dalhousie area coming in to the city limits," Eftink said.

The City Manager’s office redraws the ward boundaries, which are then approved by City Council.

In addition to ensuring an equitable distribution of population amongst the wards, Eftink says that they must take into consideration where council members live.

Eftink says that he is interested in seeing the 2010 census data for the downtown region to see if efforts to encourage residence in the historic district are bearing fruit.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Image courtesy of the City of Cape Girardeau

Read More

Thorngate plan approved, Commander Premier must pay rent

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Cape Girardeau City Council voted Tuesday night to approve the Thorngate Redevelopment Plan which will allow Blair Industries to expand operations to the currently empty building at 1507 Independence Street.

Blair Industries currently operates within the area and their expansion is something that mayor Harry Rediger believes is important.

“History has proven that the majority of new development and new jobs are created by our friends; existing businesses, existing industries, and existing manufacturers,” Rediger said.

The city will grant the business’s owner a real-estate tax abatement for 10 years as incentive to help alleviate start up costs of their expansion. The majority of the abatement will be from the school system, something that Rediger says will be outweighed by new jobs and new residents brought to the community.

The redevelopment should create more than 30 new jobs in Cape Girardeau.

It also appears that Commander Premier’s days at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport could be numbered. City Manager Scott Meyer explained that the city has given the struggling aircraft manufacturer 60 days to pay the $1.2 million it owes the city in rent. Commander Premier has not made a rent payment for over three years. Failure to pay the rent will lead to eviction.

In other business, the council scheduled a sound experiment which will help them construct a new noise ordinance in downtown Cape Girardeau. Members of the council will review noise levels by placing sound systems in several downtown businesses to help decide the size and scale of the new ordinance.

The noise test will take place on the evening of March 8 in the downtown area.

Matthew Caldwell, KRCU

Read More