CAPE TO SEEK FEDERAL FUNDS IN DRUG FIGHT

The city of Cape Girardeau has signed on with the Operation Weed and Seed anti-crime initiative.

The City Council Monday night approved a contract for services with Southeast Missouri Weed and Seed, Inc., and will seek funding to strengthen law enforcement programs against drugs and gang activities.

Police Chief Rick Hetzel said funds received through Operation Weed and Seed will be used to strengthen the city's Operation Safe Streets program, which targets high-crime areas with beefed-up patrols and surveillance, to upgrade the city's GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) and DARE programs and to possibly open a substation in the South Cape area.

Calvin Bird, Weed and Seed's executive director, said the program helps local police work in cooperation with federal law enforcement.

"So we're not just talking about the chief and his law enforcement personnel, but the U.S. Attorney, as well as the FBI and all the other federal agencies," Bird told council members.

In addition, a special federal prosecutor and an FBI agent have been assigned to work directly with the program, he said.

Hetzel called Operation Weed and Seed "a comprehensive community program," and said a focus group made up of community members will be set up "to develop a strategy and work more actively toward removing violent crime and drug activity in our community."

The program will benefit all areas of the city, not just the South Side, city officials said.

"It not only needs to be focused on the South Side, but on the city as a whole," said Councilman James "J.J." Williamson.

Hetzel agreed, and pointed out Operation Safe Streets has activated patrols all over the city.

"Everyone's talking about the problem with drugs," said Councilman Tom Neumeyer. "It's all over the city. People are frustrated. We know you're doing the best you can, 110 percent. But everybody still sees the same stuff, the dealing."

Hetzel said calls for service are increasing annually, and every time officers respond to a problem, that means one less opportunity for them to try to prevent a problem, he said.

Operation Weed and Seed will allow officers to respond proactively rather than reactively, he said.

Hetzel said he's "particularly concerned" about methamphetamine use, distribution and production in the city.

Operation Safe Streets has had "significant impact" on street-level drug dealing, he said, but when one dealer is arrested, there's always another waiting to take their place.

Adding to enforcement efforts will send a strong warning to those dealers "that if you dare take that spot, you run a very high risk of being arrested and sent to jail."

He said the community has been very supportive of the department's drug enforcement activities.

"I think more people in the community are starting to understand how significant this problem is," Hetzel said.

The city will apply, through Bird's office, for official federal recognition in the program.

Hetzel said funding could range from $75,000 to $200,000 and will be allocated based on community needs.

Cape Girardeau was originally part of Operation Weed and Seed's strategic plan, but until now had not applied to participate in the program, he said.

Operation Weed and Seed was introduced in Southeast Missouri in Sikeston's Sunset addition, an area known for drug activity, in 1995.

It has since expanded to include Poplar Bluff, Charleston and Caruthersville.

The program "has been a tremendous impact in the Sunset area," Bird said.

So far the program has resulted in "24 or 25 federally prosecuted cases, and those individuals are off the streets and doing time," Bird said.

The program, operated under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Justice, is aimed at weeding out crime and seeding communities with a variety of resources to revitalize neighborhoods.

In related action, the City Council voted to enter into a $44,167 block grant agreement with the Department of Justice to upgrade radio equipment and automated systems.

The city will kick in a 10 percent cash match for the grant, or $4,417.

Cape Girardeau City Council

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Consent ordinances

-- Approved an ordinance amending the City Code regarding air pollution.

-- Approved an ordinance accepting general warranty deeds and a corrected general warranty deed for the police firearms range.

-- Forwarded until Feb. 2 an ordinance accepting temporary construction easements for the Cape LaCroix-Walker Branch Flood Control Project.

-- Approved an ordinance accepting sewer easements and temporary construction easements from Kishan Corp., Joe D. and Candis K. Frod and Florence C. Schlemeyer.

New ordinances

-- Approved an ordinance annexing land into the city at the request of Larry D. Brown, Carl W. and Shirley A. Patterson, Horace L. and Robbie H. Eastman, Betty L. McCulley, trustee, and Paul C. and Barbara B. Horn.

-- Approved an ordinance amending the City Code relating to fair housing.

-- Approved an ordinnce accepting a sewer easement and temporary construction easement from Clyde W. and Elizabeth L. Hughes to serve Cape Commercial Park subdivision.

Resolutions

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice for a local law enforcement block grant.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract for services with Southeast Missouri Weed and Seed, Inc., for the Weed and Seed Program, and appointing Police Chief Rick Hetzel to the regional board.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a Historic Preservation Fund contract and grant agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the historic preservation program.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a demolition contract with Nip Kelley Equipment Co., Inc.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Lemons Waste Systems, Inc., for solid waste transportation and disposal.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a construction contract for the Cape Commercial Park Sewer.

Appointments

-- Reaffirmed appointment of Jackie Todd to the Cape Girardeau County University Extension Council.