COUNCIL MAY APPOINT WASTE TASK FORCE; GROUP TO EXAMINE VOLUME-BASED TRASH BILLING

The Cape Girardeau City Council Monday will consider appointing a citizens "Solid Waste Task Force" to examine volume-based trash billing and the city's role in the formation of a solid waste district.

The council June 1 agreed to appoint the task force in a meeting where a split council approved a plan to raise city solid waste and sewer fees despite the objections of residents.

The council voted 4-3 against postponing the solid waste fee hike until after the task force was formed and could make recommendations on trash fees and billing methods.

The council Monday will consider final approval of the fee hikes as part of the city's $26 million budget. If approved, the average monthly sewer fees for a typical city customer would increase from $7.73 to $9.92, and the trash fee would increase from $8.90 to $10.54.

In addition to volume-based billing and formation of a solid waste district, the task force also is expected to examine the new Missouri solid waste law often referred to as Senate Bill 530 and how it relates to Cape Girardeau's solid waste plan.

The citizens committee would be responsible for reviewing and making additional recommendations on building and equipment needs for the city's recycling, solid waste and compost programs.

The council Monday also will reconsider a matter it's been unable to resolve: whether to allow recreational vehicles to set up as residences in the city's mobile home parks.

Last month, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission failed to act on proposed changes to the city's "travel trailer" law that addressed the problem.

The council has twice before considered and failed to take action on the issue, which was initiated by residents of a mobile home park who complained of recreational vehicles parked there.

Council members have since approved six-month permits for travel trailers in one mobile home park, and now owners of two other parks have asked for permits.

William J. Beggs, owner of Pioneer Mobile Home Court at 606 S. Silver Springs Road, Monday will ask for permits for five travel trailers.

Also, Narvol Randol Jr. and Amy Randol, owners of Pinewood Mobile Home Park at 1400 S. West End Boulevard, have asked for permits for two travel trailers.

In a letter to City Manager J. Ronald Fischer, the Randols said: "Since the city allowed these units to move into the park, we concur with the opinion that they should be allowed to remain, `grandfathered,' until they decide to leave."

In other business, the council will consider appointment of a representative to a county-wide economic development group.

Last month, the Cape Girardeau County Commission agreed to form the committee, which will consist of one representative each from the cities of Jackson and Cape Girardeau, the Cape Girardeau County Commission, the Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Scott City Chambers of Commerce, and the Regional Commerce and Growth Association

One of the group's goals likely will be to hire a full-time regional economic developer whose salary would be paid collectively by the entities involved.

The council also will consider a request for a special use permit for a day care center in the 1800 block of Delwin.

Last week, the Planning and Zoning commission recommended denial of the request by Jerry and Melba Keele. Commissioners said that because the Keeles no longer live at the day care center, it's essentially a commercial business in a residentially zoned area.

The council may set a public hearing on the request, or "file" the commission's recommendation. In that case, the request would be deemed rejected in 10 days unless the Keeles were to request a hearing.

Some council members indicated last month they would be willing to consider changing city zoning laws with regard to day care centers to better align with state law.

Although it's prohibited by city zoning codes, state law does allow operators of day care centers to live off the premises.

Other agenda items include:

Ordinances to place yield signs on Industrial Drive, Progress Street and Gerhardt Street.

20An ordinance to accept a general warranty deed, construction easements and permanent easements for the next section of the Lexington Avenue project.

A resolution to authorize an agreement with the Cape Girardeau Redevelopment Corporation for a downtown redevelopment project.

A resolution to authorize an agreement with Southeast Fabricating for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

Appointments to the Public Library Board.