Cape Girardeau County Commission ready for hearing on peripheral zoning request

Cape Girardeau County commissioners said they are ready to move forward on the city of Cape Girardeau's request for instituting a peripheral zoning area in the two miles surrounding the city.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said he would like to have a public hearing within the next few weeks and vote on the issue shortly after the hearing.

"I would like to have it this year and not throw it on the back of a new commissioner," he said.

The county will elect a new presiding commissioner during today's general election.

Commissioner Jay Purcell, who represents Cape Girardeau, said he, too, would like to see resolution.

"I am uncomfortable putting it off," he said.

During Monday's meeting, Jones said he was concerned the city was asking the county to do something it has no authority to do, namely setting agriculture regulations.

If approved by the commission, the peripheral zone would become an AG-1 district, a less-restrictive agricultural designation allowing farming, single-family houses, small businesses and other specific uses. Deviations from the permitted uses would go to the city's planning and zoning commission for review, before going to the Cape Girardeau City Council for final approval.

Commissioners said they will talk with Cape Girardeau officials and set a date for the hearing at Thursday's meeting.

Other action

Commissioners also:

• Signed the second general warranty deed to a property housing VIP Industries. The deed, along with one that was signed in June, is now ready to be recorded.
• Learned more about the county's involvement with the proposed enhanced enterprise zone. Mitch Robinson, executive director of Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, outlined the county's role in appointing three members to the zone's seven-member board.

The county will advertise the board positions on the county's website, and will make recommendations at the Nov. 18 meeting.

• Approved a recommendation from county IT director Eric McGowen to accept a document-imaging system proposal from Records Management for $22,945. The system includes software, scanners, support and maintenance services and training and will be used by multiple offices. Funds for the system will be taken from the technology fund, the prosecuting attorney's new equipment fund and the auditor's new equipment fund.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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