Cape County Commission appoints disabilities board members; buyout meeting in Dutchtown tonight

The Cape Girardeau County Commission reappointed two members to the Cape County Board for Developmental Disabilities at its Thursday meeting. Jim Andrews and Dixie McCollum were given three-year terms.

Andrews has been on the board since 2002 and is the second-longest serving member after Arlysse Popp. Andrews has a son with disabilities who uses services of VIP Industries. VIP services are funded by taxpayer money administered by the board. Currently, VIP has a $200,000 lawsuit filed against the board, claiming six months of unpaid insurance, maintenance and other costs.

Andrews said in a phone interview Thursday he is very pleased with the VIP services his son receives, and he hopes in the future the board can work toward expanding those services. He declined to comment on the board's recent unanimous vote to remove Bob Dale as its executive director, as well as the resignation of board member Bryan Noack. The seat vacated by Noack remains open.

Dixie McCollum did not return a call made Thursday seeking comment on her reappointment.

After the commission meeting, commissioner Jay Purcell said he will attend today's informational meeting on the federal buyout process for flood damaged areas in Dutchtown. Dutchtown officials and residents have been discussing the possibility of applying for a buyout in recent weeks. SEMA's state hazard mitigation officer will meet with the Dutchtown Board of Trustees at 4 p.m., and will answer questions from residents at 6 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public and will be held in the former Affordable Merchandise building located at 10464 Highway 25.

Purcell said he plans to attend because he wants to know the roles of the Cape Girardeau County and state and federal governments should Dutchtown qualify for a buyout. He said he will report his findings back to the county commission.

Other action

*Minutes were approved for a June 16 closed session meeting regarding personnel.

*Appointed Michael Gardner the Road and Bridge Advisory Board.

*Reappointed Linda Sebaugh to the Riverside Regional Library Board.

*Reappointed Doug Richards and Scott Ringwald to the Cape County Transit Authority Board.

*Authorized negotiation with Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc., for bridge construction services on County Road 274.

*Received three bids for painting and caulking of the county administration building. Referred bids to the county public works director for analysis.

*Received one bid for publishing delinquent land tax listings. Referred bid to county collector for analysis.

*Postponed a proposal by County Collector Diane Diebold regarding salary changes for two employees.

eragan@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO

10464 Highway 25, Dutchtown, MO