28 REQUESTS FOR FUNDS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL

A request for proposals for use of Cape Girardeau's tourism funds procured 28 separate suggestions for the city council to consider.

The council Oct. 21 voted to solicit proposals for use of motel and restaurant tax revenues that total about $600,000.

Part of the tax revenue is used to retire bonds used to build the Show Me Center with the remainder earmarked for tourism and economic development efforts.

Specifically, the fund is restricted by the city code of ordinances to:

"Pay the interest and principal of the general obligation bonds issued in connection with the University/City Multi-Use Center (Show Me Center) and to promote tourism, conventions and other related activities, and programs for the fostering and development of manufacturing, industrial, retail, scientific, educational and business enterprise, and economic development in the city."

The 28 proposals include a wide variety of projects from motorized trolley service in the city to a tourist attraction at 5-H Ranch, complete with tours and hiking, biking and horse back trails. The council will consider the proposals at its meeting tonight.

Below are thumbnail sketches of the various proposals in the order they were received at City Hall:

Tony Stephens, manager of West Park Mall, submitted a proposal that calls for funding of motorized trolley service in the city. The Chamber of Commerce Retail Steering Committee also is involved with the project.

Kim Koehler, a 14-year-old student at Central Junior High School, asked that the tourism money be used to install air conditioners at the public schools, and to fund the city's Safehouse for Women.

The Cape Senior Center asked that at least some of the money be used to help finance construction of a new center on North Clark Street.

Terry Risko, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, asked for $100,000 to purchase a bookmobile.

20Earl Norman, chairman and chief executive officer of Health Services Corporation of America, asked that the city consider a plan "involving two significant properties in the downtown area." Norman asked on behalf of the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation to meet with city officials to review the proposal.

Ed Kaiser, chairman of the city's Golf Course Advisory Board, asked that tourism funds be earmarked for improvements at the course.

Richard Withers suggested four projects to promote the city, including production of a 30-minute television show; a film based upon the Lower Mississippi Delta Commission's findings regarding infant deaths in the Mississippi Delta region; a movie filmed in the area based on the life of William Faulkner, and a family music festival at Trail of Tears State Park, north of the city.

Betty Meehan of Jackson suggested tourism funds be used for "education at all levels, special classes in kindergarten, grade schools and high schools," and that it be used to establish a college scholarship fund.

J. Tim Blattner of the River Heritage Mural Association asked that the funds be used to help the group meet its goal to paint 10 murals in 10 years.

Patricia Strom asked on behalf of the Safe House for Women Inc. that $12,000 be earmarked for basic "core expenses" at the facility.

Max Prill, president of the River Heritage Association, asked that the Convention and Visitors Bureau continue to support the association.

Dorothy Lell, secretary of the Cape River Heritage Museum, requested $9,000 from the tourism fund for staff and materials costs at the museum.

Kala Stroup, president of Southeast Missouri State University, submitted several proposals including: $19,500 for operations at the Small Business Development Center; $17,500 for a city-university advertising supplement in the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch Magazine;" joint sponsorship of certain cultural programs, and joint sponsorship of certain athletic events.

Harry Rust, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, requested that tourism money be used to fund the chamber's economic development position.

Charles Hutson, a downtown businessman, requested that some of the tourism funds be used to light the new Mississippi River bridge when it's built.

20David Ross, director of the Show Me Center, asked that the money be used to share the costs of a 30,000-square-foot addition to the south side of the Show Me Center.

Jim Grebing, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, requested that the funds be used to build a softball and soccer complex at Shawnee Park.

Melvin Gateley, chairman of the city's Bicentennial Commission requested that $4,100 be earmarked for supplies, postage, marketing, and other activities associated with planning for celebration of the city's bicentennial next year.

Robert Hahn, vice president of development for MidAmerica Hotels Corp., asked that the money be used to replace the deteriorated bubble over the Central High School swimming pool; purchase property bounded by Hopper, Mount Auburn and Kingshighway for development as a park, and construct a 24,000-square-foot multipurpose building on the site.

Jack Kinder suggested that the city fund containers to place near apartment buildings for separation of recyclable materials.

Jerry McClanahan, chairman of the city's Airport Advisory Board, requested that $50,000 of the tourism money be loaned to the airport to secure the U.S. Navy Blue Angles air show May 9-10.

Beverly Strohmeyer, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts, proposed that a "Cultural Challenge Grant" of $50,000 annually be established with the tourism fund for area cultural events and facilities.

Betty Statler, president of the Heartland Treatment Center, asked for $2,000 to develop an education and treatment program for young mothers with unwanted pregnancies.

Danny Johnson, a clinical social worker, requested that $2,500 be earmarked to research and help set up a treatment program for people who commit acts of domestic violence.

Art Mattingly, chairman of the city's Historic Preservation, asked that some of the money be allocated toward the commission's historic survey of the city.

Pete Poe, general manager of Drury Lodge and Cape Budget Inn, asked that a 25,000-square-foot convention and tourism center be built near the Interstate 55 and Route K intersection for conventions, meetings, exhibitions and shows.

Neyland Clark, superintendent of Cape Girardeau Public Schools, also proposed using tourism funds to replace the Central Pool bubble.

Linda Pepple suggested the money be used to establish a tourist attraction at 5-H Exotic Animal Ranch. The attraction would include tours and hiking, biking and horse back trails.