Downtown district makes plans for contractors, tasks

Before the Downtown Community Improvement District begins offering services later this year, it will go through contracting with an outside entity to administer tasks of safety, beautification and more.

The district's board of directors Tuesday night approved a request for qualifications so contracted entities can execute and administer tasks outlined in its five-year plan.

The plan calls for half the district's funds -- which come from a half-cent sales tax levied within the district's boundaries -- to be dedicated to litter pickup, maintenance and other tasks in the "clean and attractive" category.

Another 20 percent will be allotted for additional security measures such as patrols or security camera incentive programs. Another 20 percent will fund the "vibrant" portion of the plan, which could go toward marketing to enhance the district's image or offer small grants to events.

The remaining 10 percent of the funds will be set aside for professional services required by the board, such as accounting and legal expenses.

The sales tax, approved last year by residents living within the district, is estimated to generate about $175,000 per year. The district has been collecting the tax since the beginning of 2015, and the most recent reports from the Missouri Department of Revenue show slightly more than $19,000 has been collected.

The district's fiscal year ends July 30. It expects to collect about $40,000 by that time.

The request for qualifications outlines criteria that will be used to rank bidders. It includes project management experience, contract management experience, understanding of processes and procedures specifically related to political subdivisions and ability to establish partnerships.

A bidders meeting will be held May 12 to answer questions about the request, and the deadline for submissions was set for June 5.

The board also agreed to set an anticipated contract award date of July 15, which falls in line with hopes to begin offering services by August.

It was pointed out entities likely will bid for portions of the plan, rather than all components. Chairman Jon K. Rust -- also publisher of the Southeast Missourian and co-president of Rust Communications -- said the types of groups that could take interest in bidding ranged from property management companies, security companies and marketing firms to possibly Old Town Cape.

During the discussion of the budget and sales-tax collection, the board also approved a resolution granting certain officers authority to review reports by the Missouri Department of Revenue regarding the collection and administration of the district's sales tax.

The city previously distributed letters to business owners within the district, reminding them to apply the sales tax to customer purchases beginning Jan. 1.

Still, Rust explained, there remains a possibility some businesses may not apply it correctly for the first few months.

The resolution approved by the board also allows Cape Girardeau city finance director John Richbourg to review reports in an effort to monitor sales-tax revenue.

The board also approved a resolution appointing officers of the district. The vote keeps the officers in the same positions to which they were elected in October throughout the year. Rust remains chairman, Dave Hutson vice chairman, Lindy Pridmore secretary/treasurer and Daniel Statler assistant secretary/assistant treasurer of the district.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.