CITY COUNCIL GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO PARKING, TRAFFIC MATTERS

The Cape Girardeau City Council gave the green light to all matters of parking and traffic safety in Monday's meeting.

Michael Ballou, spokesman for a citizens' request for parking changes at the 300 and 400 blocks of North Louisiana, saw the passage as a triumph for ward representation.

"I really believe that the ward system is what helped us get the no-parking signs down," said Ballou. "Finally, each district will be represented by someone who listens to the needs of the people he lives with."

The city council voted to amend the code of ordinances to prohibit the parking on the east and west sides of North Louisiana Street from the intersection of Broadway and Louisiana southward for a distance of 235 feet on both the east and west sides of the street.

In addition, the council voted to amend the code of ordinances to create two no-parking spaces to allow residents of 317 and 321 Louisiana Streets to safely back out of driveways.

The first no-parking space will begin at a distance of 288 feet north of the northeast intersection of Luce and North Louisiana Street and continue northward along the east curb line for a distance of 26 feet. The second no-parking space will begin at a distance of 339 feet north of the northeast intersection of Luce and Louisiana Street and continue northward on the east curb line for a distance of 20 feet.

Mayor Al Spradling III opposed putting a four-way stop sign at Lexington and Sherwood. "I don't think a four-way stop sign is necessary," said Spradling. "It's been said that there's a speeding problem there, but I think a four-way stop would worsen the problem."

City Councilman Richard Eggimann countered Spradling's argument. "I feel there's a lack of vision to the east of Lexington and there's a dead spot where you can't see to the top of the hill," said Eggimann. "It's very dangerous. I think a four-way stop sign is perfectly in order."

Spradling cast the only no vote and the matter was passed.

There was no opposition to install stop signs on Centennial Drive at the northeast and southwest corners of Rand Street facing east and west. There will also be stop signs installed on Rivercrest Drive at the northeast and southwest corners of Rand Street facing east and west.

In other business Monday, Melvin Kasten was named ex-officio of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The council passed impact studies on water, traffic and sewer facilities by Boyd Development. Spradling pointed out that all costs for the study, some $64,000, will be paid by the Boyd Group, which intends to build a riverboat gambling casino in Cape Girardeau.

Steve Robertson, Alan Maki and William E. Walker were appointed to the Airport Board. Lynette Shirrell was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.

John Schneider reminded members of the city council and those in the audience that this is National Historic Preservation Week.

Assistant City Manager Doug Leslie reported before the meeting that Clean Up Week became a record-setting endeavor. "The public works crews picked up 629 tons, which sets a record over what they picked up last year by about 130 tons," said Leslie.

Dorothy Jones stood before the city council and asked for some direction in her effort to fight an eviction notice. "I would suggest going to the East Missouri Action Agency," said Spradling. Jones said she has tried that and was told there was a waiting list for people seeking low-income housing. Spradling suggested Jones try the Legal Services organization to fight her eviction.

City Councilman J.J. Williamson moved that the council put on its May 16 agenda a discussion of the Washington Street Project. "I would like to know where we are with that," said Williamson. The matter was put on the agenda and will be discussed at the next city council meeting.

The Washington Street Project is part of the city's Capital Improvements Program to construct a picnic shelter and playground unit.