PLANNING BOARD LOOKS TO NEEDS IN 20 YEARS

Planning for the city's needs, whether it be roads, public utilities or even building usage is part of the job of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Commissioners heard about proposed sewer bond issues and continuing projects and building use during a meeting Wednesday night.

Cape Girardeau voters will be asked Feb. 8 to approve an $8.5 million bond issue to continue sewer work throughout the city. The work would be funded by a quarter-cent capital improvement sales tax in existence.

There would be no tax increase and no tax extension for the projects, said City Manager Michael Miller. Two public meetings about the sewer bond are planned later this month.

The commission also heard a report about building and facility needs. Many existing buildings are old and nearing capacity for office and storage space.

The public works building needs to be more-centrally located to wastewater treatment sites and water plants, as well as the transfer station for waste removal. The building is at a commercial site along North Kingshighway. Its age also means it continually needs repairs, said Ken Eftink of the city's planning services division.

The fire department needs new stations that are more central to developing areas, and are situated on arterial streets. A training facility is also a priority. Storage areas at the police department are overcrowded, and the headquarters need remodeling and possibly an annex built.

Looking at future needs also means looking at parks and recreation areas for residents. Adding park space in developing areas, renovating the golf course clubhouse and replacing Capaha Pool with an aquatic center are possibilities.

A team of city workers studied building needs, growth and development issues to develop a report on future needs, said Martha Brown of the planning division.

The city also hired Horner and Shifrin, Inc., of St. Louis to study building needs in Cape Girardeau and report back. That report is expected in midyear.

"We are attempting to look at the next 20 years" for needs and see what needs are "around the corner," Miller said.