Cape City Council selects temporary Ward 3 representative

The temporary Ward 3 representative was appointed by the Cape Girardeau City Council at it's Monday night meeting.

Four men turned in applications for the position, including two who also announced their intent to run for the elected position. The council ultimately selected Patrick Koetting during the regular session when Charles DiStefano announced during the study session his decision to step down.

"When I applied, it was to ensure the ward had appropriate representation until the election was held," DiStefano said to the council. "I believe Patrick will do that well and I will find another way to serve the city."

Patrick Koetting

Mayor Harry Rediger expressed his gratitude to DiStefano for his willingness to serve the ward and encouraged him to submit an application to serve on a city board.

After the unanimous decision by the council to appoint Koetting, he said he was happy just to get the opportunity to serve.

"I have a lot of interest in city government," said Koetting, who serves on the Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board. "I felt in a situation where there was an immediate need that I could step in and help out until voters could step in and pick a candidate."

Both Rediger and Councilman Mark Lanzotti said it was encouraging to see such interest in both the temporary and elected position.

"It's amazing to see multiple people want to serve our community," Rediger said.

Other business

• The council also had final readings on an ordinance approving a petition to create a downtown community improvement district. The CID will have to be approved via mail-in ballot from the registered voters in the district before it can take effect. If approved, it would impose a half-cent sales tax and $0.6708 property tax within its boundaries.

The measure passed with Councilwoman Shelly Moore the only member to vote against.

"I'm for the beautification of Cape Girardeau, but not for taxing property owners to make it happen," she said.

• The council unanimously approved an ordinance placing a question to extend the fire tax on the August ballot, as well as a resolution stating the city's intent to seek grant funding to rehabilitate substandard homes. The city plans to request $219,990 in affordable housing program funds, provided through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa. That money would be used to renovate 30 homes.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.