Cape city council to wait on $69,000 transit request

The bus system may be a "baby step," toward the ideal of viable public transit, but Jeff Brune hopes that for those who use it, it will be a giant leap in quality of life.

"This is our first step, and in no way is this the end all and be all of transportation," he said. "But with this system the trips will be unlimited so we feel like this initial bus route will really impact people's lives."

Brune, director of the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, briefed the Cape Girardeau City Council on what, beginning July 10, will be the city's first public transportation fixed-route system since 1969.

The system will run two buses along a 27-stop route created by data gathered on where people were most often picked up in the soon-to-be-defunct coupon system. The buses will run continually on a loop stretching from the riverfront to Siemers Drive.

"We wanted to make sure this bus route most impacted the people who already use public transportation," said Brune.

Brune was before the city council making a pitch for $69,000 from the city. That amount, used to fund the coupon program in the past, would be transferred to the new $1.6 million project.

Tabled ordinance

And though council members were enthusiastic about the proposal, they chose to table the ordinance until the next meeting on July 5.

"This is something that has the appearance of being much more responsive and more consumer-friendly," said Mayor Jay Knudtson.

Knudtson and others want to wait for the results of a 2004 study costing $225,000, conducted by BMI-SG consultants of Virginia and commissioned by MoDOT. Knudtson said he wants to make certain the results of the study are in sync with the new bus system.

The council also voted on a first reading to prohibit noise violations caused by off-road vehicles within 200 yards of where people live or gather. The ordinance was prompted by the complaints of residents living in the area off Cape Rock Drive and Lexington Avenue who say a neighbor has constructed a course for motorcycles and ATVs that is frequently used.

"A man's home is his castle and when that castle is assailed by noise pollution it disturbs the character of the home and the character of the neighborhood," said Kevin Spaeth of Kage Road.

Though the council voted unanimously in favor of the restriction, Knudtson admitted to being conflicted. "This is a difficult thing for me because I'm one of those guys who rides dirt bikes up there every once in a while," he said.

The council proceedings were not broadcast live on Channel 5 due to a technical glitch by Charter Communications, said public information officer Tracey Glenn.

The meeting will be rebroadcast today at 8 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245