CITY COUNCIL PONDERS ANNEXATION POLICY

Cape Girardeau would be the first city in Missouri to establish an annexation policy if the measure discussed at Wednesday's City Council meeting is adopted, City Attorney Eric Cunningham says.

The council voted Wednesday to forward the policy to the city Planning and Zoning Commission for input. Further council discussion on the matter will follow April 25-26 during the council's annual study retreat.

While pleased with what is in the policy, Councilman Melvin Gateley expressed some disappointment at what is not.

"I compliment them on every word in the plan -- I wouldn't take any of them out," Gateley said. "But I don't think it is comprehensive."

Specifically, Gateley wants areas targeted for annexation to be outlined.

The policy was developed by a team of city staff based on extensive research and input from residents interested in the city's future growth.

Among the provisions of the proposed policy:

-- The city will pursue voluntary annexation over involuntary annexation because the former is less costly and more expedient.

-- Involuntary annexation will be undertaken only of defined areas adjacent to the city that are logical areas for growth.

-- Water, sewer and fire services will not be provided to areas outside the city limits unless the property owner petitions for annexation.

City Manager Michael Miller said the policy is intended only to be a guide for handling future annexations, not a specific plan for expansion.

"The team avoided outlining specific areas for a number of reasons, one being when you outline an area you plan to annex it tends to up the price of land," Miller said.

Gateley said the city should be innovative and plan ahead. As surrounding municipalities continue to expand their borders, Cape Girardeau is rapidly becoming landlocked. If a specific plan for expansion is not in place, the city could eventually find itself with nowhere to go.

"Unless we are on alert and have some tentative plans, I think we'll be sorry one of these days," Gateley said.

"I want Cape Girardeau to be the greatest city in the United States, but we have to work for it."

Mayor Al Spradling III said the general direction annexation will take is obvious.

"We can only go west and north. We have no other ways to go," Spradling said.

He noted that no surrounding cities are currently pursuing major expansions.

"Cape and Jackson had their annexation wars a few years ago and those have calmed down," Spradling said.

Cunningham said he would be hesitant for the city to target specific areas without first reaching an agreement with neighboring cities. Councilman Tom Neumeyer suggested approaching the city of Jackson to discuss the annexation plans of both cities.

CAPE GIRARDEAU CITY COUNCIL

New Ordinances

(First readings)

-- Passed ordinance accepting a general warranty deed from Wesley J. and Nelda L. Steffen for the Cape LaCroix Creek/Walker Branch Flood Control Project.

-- Passed ordinance accepting permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the Twin Lake Subdivision sanitary sewer project.

-- Passed ordinance accepting permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the Twin Lakes Subdivision water main extension project.

-- Passed ordinance approving the record plat of 633rd Subdivision.

Resolutions

(Reading and passage)

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a lease with Darrell L. Long for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute COPS Universal Hiring Grant packet documents.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a pipeline license agreement with SEMO Port Railroad Inc. for a sewer force main and casing.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Nip Kelley Equipment Co. Inc. for sidewalk reconstruction, curb and gutter repair.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with the National Weather Service for connection to the automated surface observing system at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a settlement agreement with the Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety and the Burlington Northern Railroad Company for the closing of the Cooper Street crossing.

-- Passed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute Amendment No. 2 with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc. for the potable water treatment and distribution system improvements.

Other

-- Scheduled the annual City Council retreat for April 25-26.

-- Passed motion authorizing final payment of Control Line Inc. for the remarking of Runway 10/28 and associated taxiways.

-- Passed motion approving the improvements plans for streets, storm and sanitary sewers to serve Northfield 18th Subdivision contingent upon the payment of estimated inspection fees.

-- Passed motion authorizing partial release of escrow in the amount of $15,300 for the water improvements associated with 632nd Subdivision.

-- Passed motion adopting policy statement for use of cable Public Access Channel 5.