Ice storm to cost Cape $700,000

In a rare emergency measure, the Cape Girardeau City Council authorized withdrawing $700,000 from the city's emergency fund.

City manager Doug Leslie told elected officials Tuesday that it is not clear if ice storm damages will warrant state or federal disaster certifications.

Tim Gramling, director of public works, said state and federal emergency officials will be touring Southeast Missouri today to begin assessing damages.

Gramling said it could take anywhere from a few days to more than a week to learn if the city is in line for aid.

Either way, the city still has to pay the bills, Leslie told the board. If state or federal aid does become available, the money can be used to repay the city's emergency fund. More than 11,000 of the city's 15,000 households were without power at some point during or after the storm, he said.

So far, the two-day storm has cost the city $62,000 in overtime; $65,000 in supplies, such as salt; $14,000 for equipment repairs; $25,000 for fuel; $21,000 for equipment rental; $11,000 for equipment purchases; $162,000 for contracted services; and $338,000 for generators.

Mayor Jay Knudtson pointed out that the generators will not only make sure that Osage Community Centre is able to provide shelter in future storms, but also power city hall during emergencies. The National Weather Service issued a watch Tuesday indicating a storm similar to last week's may hit this area today or early Thursday.

The emergency fund, established in 1996, has a balance of $6.03 million. The money withdrawn will be paid back at a rate of 10 percent a year. In order to withdraw monies, city attorney Eric Cunningham told the board, the vote would have to be unanimous. It was.

Leslie said every part of the city experienced storm damage.

Jackson has applied to FEMA to determine whether it qualifies for aid. According to city administrator Jim Roach said the damages to the city are approximately $1.13 million.

FEMA has not yet responded to the application for aid.

Cape Girardeau officials also observed a moment of silence for Kirkwood, Mo., city officials killed and injured during a Feb. 7 meeting. The Cape Girardeau Police Department instituted some changes for Tuesday's city council meeting, including locking the doors leading from a hall into the building's main office areas. Police chief Carl Kinnison has a more strategic position in the city council chambers and an officer is on duty as people enter the building.

Dawn Bollinger contributed to this report.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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