COUNCIL TO CONSIDER WATER PROJECT CONTRACT, ANNEXATION POLICY

The city of Cape Girardeau has concluded negotiations with an engineering firm for work on the first phase of improvements to its water system.

Under the negotiated agreement, Burns and McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc. of St. Louis will handle construction engineering and design services for the upgrade and expansion of the Cape Rock Water Treatment Plant. The city would pay no more than $1,885,000 to the company.

The City Council will vote Wednesday on whether to approve the contract when it meets at 7:30 at City Hall.

The council also will discuss a proposed annexation policy and award a contract for sidewalk and gutter replacement.

By retaining Burns and McDonnell for the water project, the city would be amending an existing contract with the company. Burns and McDonnell has had a services agreement with the city since 1994 for work on the water system.

Among projects the firm completed for the city was development of the conceptual design for the Cape Rock treatment plant improvements.

The Cape Rock expansion is part an extensive water system overhaul intended to increase system capacity.

The overall project will be funded by a $26.5 million bond issue approved by city voters in November. A quarter-cent sales tax passed at the same time will pay for the bonds. The tax, which is expected to raise $750,000 annually, will take effect April 1.

At the council's Feb. 3 meeting, Councilmen Melvin Gateley and Richard Eggiman suggested that instead of automatically pursuing negotiations with Burns and McDonnell, bids for the project be solicited. However, City Attorney Eric Cunningham informed them that state law requires that a professional services firm be selected solely on the firm's qualifications.

Periodically, professional firms file statements of qualifications with the city. When a project arises, the city chooses three firms it finds most qualified.

If negotiations with the city's first preference fail to lead to an acceptable price for services, the city is allowed to negotiate with one of the other firms.

Based on Burns and McDonnell's familiarity with the Cape Girardeau system during its previous work for the city, Mark Lester, the city engineer, is recommending the council retain the firm for the Cape Rock project.

City staff will submit for council discussion a proposed annexation policy. The proposal was developed as a guide for future city expansion. Action is not expected to be taken tonight.

The policy encourages voluntary annexation as the easiest and least costly option. It recommends that involuntary annexation be pursued only when absolutely necessary due to the lengthy legal process and expense involved.

The policy also forbids the city from providing water, sewer or fire protection outside the city limits.

The council also will act on a resolution to award a contract for the repair of sidewalks, curbs and gutters to Nip Kelly Equipment Co. of Cape Girardeau. Eight bids ranging from $139,514.52 to $290,300, were submitted for the project.

Although the Kelley bid was the lowest, it exceeded the city engineer's cost estimate of $131,254.15. However, Lester and City Manager Michael Miller said the bid is within an acceptable range.

CAPE GIRARDEAU CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

City Hall

Consent Ordinances

(Second and third readings)

-- An ordinance accepting a temporary construction easement from Ronald J. and Marlene Honaker for the Belleridge Subdivision street improvement project.

-- An ordinance accepting a permanent easement from Terrence A. and LaDonna Jo Juden for the Locust-Maple Neighborhood improvement project.

-- An ordinance accepting a general warranty deed from Kerry F. and Sherry L. Aden for the Cape LaCroix/Walker Branch Flood Control Project.

New Ordinances

(First readings)

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

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

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

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

Resolutions

(Reading and passage)

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

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

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

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

-- A 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.

-- A 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.

-- A 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.