Paving policy lowering easement size approved by Cape Girardeau County Commission

A new paving policy that requires a 50-foot minimum easement rather than the current 60-foot qualification was unanimously approved by the Cape Girardeau County Commission at its meeting Thursday.

First District Commissioner Paul Koeper, who outlined the new policy, said with a 20-foot minimum of pavement, a 50-foot easement will allow five feet on both road sides for shoulder and ditch space, which he said is an adequate amount.

Others in the county hold different opinions regarding the easement size.

The Cape Girardeau County Road and Bridge Advisory Board approved Koeper's proposed paving policy draft on a 4-3 vote earlier in the week, however, with the exception of continuing to use a 60-foot easement rather than a 50-foot easement.

Larry Payne, of the Road and Bridge Advisory Board, said to be fair and consistent with the people of Cape Girardeau County, it makes sense to continue with the 60-foot policy.

"Looking at the long-term needs of the county, I think we're probably better off staying with 60," he said.

Koeper said that as for the argument of a possible road expansion in the future, he does not believe it will be necessary.

"We can still go up to 15-foot roadway on our county roads, and to me, I don't ever see us getting beyond that," he said.

Another policy requirement is that after 75 percent of landowners sign off on the proposal of paving a specific road, an engineering study will be conducted on the road to address any issues or questions regarding the proposal. After the study is conducted, 100 percent of landowners' signatures will be required before construction begins.

Koeper said that allows for more flexibility and clarity by informing people in advance what would happen to their land.

The policy also addresses the allocation of funding for roads from the hard surface portion of the Proposition 1 sales tax budget set by the Cape Girardeau County treasurer: 5 to 10 percent minimum to the maintenance of existing paved roads, 40 to 60 percent to primary roads, 25 to 40 percent to secondary roads, and 10 to 15 percent to tertiary roads.

Under the old policy, Koeper said, the existing list of approved roads to be paved will not be in jeopardy due to the new policy.

"If they were on that list, their road will be paved in the order it was received," he said.

In other business

• Commissioners will revisit renewing a five-year service agreement with Tipton's Linen Rental after reviewing total costs.
• Commissioners went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

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