COUNCIL DELAYS ACTION ON ADULT BUSINESSES

The Cape Girardeau City Council isn't ready to vote on regulating strip-tease bars and other adult businesses.

Council members on Monday agreed to hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. March 16 to further discuss a proposed ordinance that would regulate and license adult entertainment businesses, ranging from bookstores to bars.

Cape Girardeau lawyer David Rosener contends the proposed regulations are unconstitutional. Rosener has threatened to sue the city on behalf of his client, Regina's House of Dolls, a strip-tease bar that opened recently.

"We know we are going to get sued. That is a given," Councilman Tom Neumeyer said at the Monday night study session prior to the regular meeting. "I want to make sure that we have the best chance to win."

City Attorney Warren Wells said it is important to adopt regulations that can withstand a court challenge. "I am not afraid to be sued, but I sure hate to lose when I am," he said.

Councilman Melvin Gateley voiced frustration over the amount of time it has taken to develop the regulations, noting that other cities like Jackson and Scott City have acted more quickly to restrict adult businesses.

Rosener had been prepared to speak against the proposed ordinance, but withheld his comments after the council said it would meet again on March 16.

Cape Girardeau resident Donna Miller said she was disgusted by the lack of council action.

"I am sad Jackson is voting on an ordinance tonight at this exact time while we only have discussion," she said.

But Pat Wissman of Cape Girardeau suggested the council shouldn't over-regulate strip-tease bars.

"It's entertainment. It is a form of art," said Wissman, who has visited Regina's twice. "The human body is a beautiful thing."

CAPE GIRARDEAU CITY COUNCIL

Action

Monday, 7:30 p.m.

City Hall, 401 Independence

Public hearings

Request of Richard and Carla Knaup to rezone 134 and 136 S. Pacific from residential to commercial, and for a special use permit for a greenhouse.

Request of St. Vincent de Paul Church for a special use permit for an addition at 741 Forest.

Request for construction of sewers to serve Hanover Estates Subdivision

Request for paving of Charles Street from Hawthorne Drive to West Rodney Drive.

Appearances

Heard presentation on the duties of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board.

Consent ordinances

Executed a quit claim deed to Habitat for Humanity for a lot at 526 S. Benton. Second and third readings.

Amended city code to place yield signs on Hopper and Kage roads. Second and third readings.

Accepted a general warranty deed for right of way along Kenneth Street. Second and third readings.

Voted against final approval of a measure placing a transportation sales tax on the August ballot.

Accepted sewer and water line easements for Lexington Place Subdivisions. Second and third readings.

Voted against final approval of a measure to require licensing of rooming and boarding houses.

New ordinances

Rezoned 134 and 136 S. Pacific from residential to commercial. First reading.

Granted a special use permit for construction and operation of a greenhouse at 134 and 136 S. Pacific. First reading.

Granted a special use permit to St. Vincent de Paul Church for construction of an addition to the church at 741 Forest Ave. First reading.

Resolutions

Adopted the five-year capital improvements plan. Reading and passage.

Executed an advertising lease with Robinson Displays Inc. for a Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau billboard on Interstate 55 in Jefferson County. Reading and passage.

Executed a contract with Edgewater Glass Co. for replacement of windows at the Public Works building. Reading and passage.

Rejected the bids for sewer improvements for Hanover Estates Subdivision.

Other

Rejected request of Dr. Chris Jung for fire protection outside the Cape city limits.

Discussed a draft ordinance that would license and regulate adult businesses.

Accepted sewer plans for Target store.