POLICE MAY BENEFIT FROM CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES

The Cape Girardeau Police Department likely will benefit because city budget estimates last year were too conservative.

The city council tonight will formally consider earmarking $25,400 in the general fund for the purchase of two police motorcycles with radios. The purchase is possible because net income at the end of the fiscal year exceeded city projections.

Assistant City Manager Al Stoverink said in a letter to the council members that income was $200,000 over the projected budget at the close of the fiscal year in June.

But Stoverink said much of the $200,000 already is earmarked for other expenses, including $100,000 to cover an unexpected hike in worker's compensation premiums.

"In addition, the city council has authorized $50,000 to be spent for the county-wide economic development program, which is not budgeted," he said. "Finally, there are approximately $20,000 in outstanding contract obligations which carried over, but were not budgeted in this year."

Stoverink also said the council needs to begin rebuilding the city's general fund cash reserve, which has shrunk considerably in the past few years.

Police Chief Howard Boyd said earlier this year that the motorcycles were a "high priority need" for the department.

In other business, the council will consider a request by the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board for a $50,000 "contingency fund" to go toward worthwhile annual events such as the SEMO District Fair, Riverfest and Aviation Days.

The board has requested $50,000 be available this year, and that the same amount be included as a line-item in the annual CVB budget.

The council also plans to reconsider amendments to the city's fence regulations, which was pulled from the Sept. 9 agenda when Councilman Al Spradling III objected to permit requirements in the law.

Spradling also criticized plans to charge fees for fence permits and questioned the law's prohibition of barbed wire on fences.

In a letter to council members, City Planner Kent Bratton said the fence ordinance has been "modified" to address all of the those concerns.

"The ordinance has been modified to eliminate all requirements for permits and fees and to allow security fences to be topped with barbed wire and to be constructed up to eight feet in height in commercial and industrial districts," Bratton said.

Other agenda items for tonight's meeting include:

Consideration of a resolution declaring it necessary to extend Whitener Street to Silver Springs Road. The resolution sets Oct. 5 for a public hearing on the project, and a maximum assessment of $102.29 per front foot for abutting property owners.

The city has agreed to pay for storm drainage improvements associated with the project, which will cost property owners $47,700.

Authorization of a contract for the construction of sewer improvements in the College/Jefferson Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program. Council action will be the first step in beginning repairs of the city's antiquated, south-side sewer system.

Commitment of an additional $70,211 to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for city landfill closing costs.

City Attorney Warren Wells said in a council letter that the city previously entered such a contract with the DNR, pledging nearly $250,000.

"DNR has now determined that some additional costs may be expected and they are requiring the city to enter into another contract to commit the additional sum of $70,211," he said.

Consideration of a law to place electric traffic signals at the intersection of Kingshighway, Lexington Avenue and Mt. Auburn Road.

Presentation of a plaque of appreciation to Spartech Plastics Corp. for contribution to the city's recycling program.

Appointments to the city's Airport Advisory Board and Bicentennial Commission.