Council may OK three-year deal with Old Town Cape

Between contract approvals, parking ordinances and the first vote on new building codes, Cape Girardeau City Council members face a packed agenda tonight.

The renewal of a contract for services with Old Town Cape was an issue discussed at length by the council when it met in a special study session May 12.

Executive director Marla Mills addressed the council at its retreat in April, requesting members consider a multiyear contract with the organization. The city typically approves one-year contracts with Old Town Cape. That makes it difficult for the organization to set its budget for long-term plans and projects, especially because Old Town Cape's fiscal year runs with the calendar year and the city operates on a July 1 to July 30 budget cycle.

Councilman Wayne Bowen and Mayor Harry Rediger were quick to voice their support for the request during the May 12 study session. Old Town Cape is contracted by the city to work with businesses, coordinate events and provide leadership for downtown revitalization.

Bowen said he believed the organization more than lived up to expectations each year, pointing to work that made Cape Girardeau one of three cities in the nation recognized as a Great American Main Street Award winner this year.

The resolution to be considered by the council tonight would approve a three-year contract with Old Town Cape, subject to annual review.

The contract sets aside 30 percent of the revenue from the Riverfront Fund for the organization each year. Revenue from Isle Casino Cape Girardeau goes toward that fund, which is dedicated to downtown enhancement.

Old Town Cape received about $100,800 from the last approved contract, which also followed the 30 percent agreement.

Other business

The council also will take its first vote on an ordinance that would amend penalties for parking violations.

The city for many years has used a graduated scale, on which those who were issued tickets were required to pay $25, $35 or $45 depending on the number of days before the fine was paid. If a ticket is not paid after 60 days, a citation is issued, and court fees are assessed.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is switching to an e-ticketing system. The software would not be compatible with the graduated scale, prompting the request for change. Under the new ordinance, fines would be set at $35 per violation.

If not paid within 30 days, the fine would increase to $45, and a citation would be issued and subject to court costs. The ordinance also would change the fine for handicapped parking to allow a maximum fine of $300, as set in state statute.

Another proposed traffic ordinance would repeal no parking anytime along a portion of William Street next to Indian Park. City staff were contacted by a concerned resident who visits the park, according to staff reports. The resident pointed out it was difficult and unsafe to cross William Street with children.

"Historically, parking was allowed on both sides of William in the Indian Park area," the report said. "Because of some crime issues, no parking was established in 2001 on the north side of William, directly adjacent to Indian Park. The character of the area has changed over the years, and City Staff agrees allowing parking next to Indian Park would not be a detriment."

Finally, the council will decide whether to give first-round approval to an update of the city's building codes.

New building codes are published every three years, and the city typically has adopted every other code cycle. The update also is necessary to keep the city from losing points when it receives its Insurance Services Office -- or ISO -- visit later this year. A lower rating could increase property insurance rates.

Many of the updates focus on improved safety. One key update would make fire protection, such as gypsum board or drywall, a requirement on the bottom of manufactured wooden I-joists. If a fire starts beneath the floor, the addition can keep the floor from collapsing as quickly.

Another requires radio operability within new structures. Near the end of construction, tests will be performed to determine whether radios can transmit and receive messages from inside a building.

Signal-boosting equipment may be necessary for buildings where radios are inoperable throughout the majority of the facility.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.