COUNCIL MAY SOON GET BUILDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Which of Cape Girardeau's city buildings is in most need of expansion or relocation? In which part of the city should a new fire station be built? What is the best design for a new aquatic center or park development plan in Cape Girardeau?

All those questions, and more, have been plaguing city staff for more than a year now. But the answers might come soon if the Cape Girardeau City Council decides to hire Horner and Shifrin, Inc., to help develop a future facilities plan.

The council will decide Monday at its 7:30 p.m. meeting whether to pass a resolution approving a contract with the St. Louis planning and architectural firm.

The cost of the work is $85,000 and a report would be completed by May or June.

For more than a year, a team of city staff from the public works, police, fire, finance, parks and recreation and planning departments have been looking at the city's capital improvement needs.

The wish list for new or improved municipal buildings includes a new public works site, an annex to the main police station, relocating a fire station and adding two new stations in the city and expanding parks and replacing Capaha Pool.

If the council gives its OK, Horner and Shifrin will be hired to study the city's building needs and present a needs analysis to the council.

The St. Louis-based firm has been operating for 66 years. Most of its clients are county or city governments or state and federal agencies, according to information from its Web site, www.hornershifrin.com.

The city sent requests to 40 architectural and engineering firms and received 11 responses. Of those 11, three were selected because of their experience in designing and building local government facilities.

The council is also expected to approve an ordinance that calls for a sewer bond election. The city will ask voters to approve an $8.5 million bond for sewer work to finish some sewer work and add some additional projects.