Cape County Commission OKs transfer of deeds to board for developmentally disabled

The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted unanimously Monday night to transfer the deeds of two properties to the Cape County Board for Developmentally Disabled. The deeds are to two properties in Fruitland and Cape Girardeau that house the Cape Girardeau County Sheltered Workshop, more commonly known as VIP Industries.

The decision follows several weeks of discussion and research by the commission and board representatives.

During the meeting, Commissioner Paul Koeper urged both the board and VIP Industries to work together for the benefit of the people they serve. He said there were a variety of services that could be provided to meet the needs of all people with developmental disabilities, but not at the expense of losing the sheltered workshop.

Board attorney James Marks thanked the commission for its decision and reiterated the board's position on the workshop.

"Nobody has any intention of shutting down the sheltered workshop. We have no intent of creating controversy," Marks said.

Board chairwoman Dory Johnson said she was glad the decision was finally made and that it will allow the board to move forward. Like Marks, she said there was no plan to close the workshop.

VIP president Richard Aufdenberg said he was taking a wait-and-see approach.

"Time will tell. This could lead to more confusion or lead to less confusion," he said. "It depends on how far-reaching they go to spend their money."

Aufdenberg said the board only has approval from voters to spend their money on sheltered workshops and residence facilities.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle provided legal advice to the commission before Monday's decision. Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said Swingle recommended recording the deeds in the county's name and then have the county redeed them to the board. Jones said that would give the board a clear title to the properties. Marks said he was comfortable with the arrangement.

No time estimate was given when the deeds would be recorded in the board's name.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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5616 U.S. 61, Jackson, MO

1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO