CAPE CITY COUNCIL DENIES LIQUOR OPERATION NEAR CHURCH A THIRD TIME

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- An effort to reopen the old Sprigg Street Tap Monday was squelched for the third time in two years when the City Council failed to act on a liquor license application for the tavern.

Phillip McClellan, who submitted the latest liquor license application, didn't speak on behalf of the request at Wednesday's council meeting.

But the Rev. Robert Shipp, pastor of the True Christian Pentecostal Witnesses Church, told the council his congregation was opposed to the tavern, situated at 316 South Sprigg, being reopened. The church is at 325 South Sprigg.

"We're opposed to the liquor license being so close to our church," Shipp said. About 15 members of the church also attended the meeting.

McClellan's application was submitted only months after the council rejected last November John and Jerrianne Malone Wyman's liquor license application for the tavern.

The council also voted against an application by the Wymans in 1989, after church members and residents of the neighborhood packed the council chambers to oppose the license.

At the council's study session Monday, council members asked the city staff to draft a resolution that would mandate a six-month interim before someone can reapply for rejected liquor licenses and rezoning requests. The staff is expected to have the resolution prepared next month for the council's consideration.

In other action Wednesday, the council:

Approved a resolution in support of Operation Desert Shield and U.S. efforts in the Persian Gulf.

Endorsed an Easter Seal Society application to the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program.

Approved a law increasing the fee the city charges for building code appeals. The fee will increase from $10 to $25.

Authorized the city's application to the Missouri Certified Local Government program.

Denied a variance request for a street curve at the Rockbridge Subdivision. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the request be denied and the subdivision's developer alter the plans.

Approved a change in managing officer at Tantrums in West Park Mall. The new managing officer is Councilman David Barklage. Barklage didn't vote on the change.

Appointed F.R. ("Rock") Wilferth to the Cape Special Road District. The Cape Girardeau County Commission must also approve the appointment.

Accepted property transfers from Charles F. and Joyce Blattner and Jerry and Martha Erlbacher; Drury Development Corp.; First Exchange Bank; and Joe David James Jr. for the Cape LaCroix-Walker Creek flood-control project.

Authorized a special warranty deed to H.W.I. Building Corp. for property in the Nash Road industrial tract.