COUNCIL, SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSS ROADS, TAXES

Cape Girardeau residents and local school district patrons can expect to see more joint meetings of the City Council and Board of Education.

The two groups joined Thursday evening to discuss issues of concern to both. Mayor Al Spradling III said such meetings are needed more often, particularly as the city and school district come closer to some important goals.

Originally proposed by Councilman Melvin Gateley, the informal meeting had no agenda. Topics for discussion included the city's road plan, an upcoming bond issue for water system improvements, the Enterprise Zone and the school district's long-term building plan.

Dr. Bob Fox, school board president, said the city and district already worked together early in the process of deciding what new school facilities are needed. People from the Vision 2000 committee, a city-organized group committed to improving the future of Cape Girardeau, helped survey district patrons about their building wishes.

Later, a school-organized facilities committee came back with a report on what the district should do. Suggestions included building new elementary school and new vocational and high schools. Other buildings need to be renovated, and some -- May Greene and Washington elementary schools and Louis J. Schultz School -- should be abandoned, the committee concluded.

As the district comes closer to building, the school board wants to consult with the city council about where new roads and sewer and water lines will be. They also may look for suggestions about what to do with abandoned buildings.

Councilmen pledged to keep the district aware of annexation trends. An organized, five-year annexation plan currently is being prepared by city staff.

The school district may put a bond issue on the April general election ballot to pay for building, but plans to do so haven't been finalized. Officials said that having a water bond issue on the November ballot and a school bond issue on the April ballot wouldn't discourage taxpaying voters.

"I appreciate the approach the school board is taking," Councilman Richard Eggimann said. "If people have a positive perception of what you're trying to do and what we're trying to do, it will help both of us."