PROPERTY CODE DOMINATES COUNCIL MEETING

Arguments over property standards overshadowed the Cape Girardeau City Council's approval Monday of Air Evac EMS Inc. as the new fixed-base operator at the Municipal Airport.

The council tabled action on a proposed minimum property maintenance standard until its next meeting Oct. 10.

But council members wasted little time Monday accepting Air Evac's proposal to take over Cape Central Airways' fixed-base operation.

The council also reached a settlement with Cape Central Airways, thereby ending litigation between the parties and opening the door for Air Evac to take over immediately.

Earlier this year the city tried to evict Cape Central Airways and void its lease. The company contested the eviction, which embroiled the two parties in litigation.

Air Evac president Jim Lentz left city hall pleased that he will be able to begin operation "in a week or so."

Lentz said Air Evac has purchased Cape Central Airways' assets, and he said he has offered to hire Cape Central employees "provided they meet our standards or excellence."

Less affable was discussion of the property standards -- an issue that has dragged on for nearly three years in Cape Girardeau.

Landlords, property owners and tenants raised questions about enforcement of the proposed code and costs inherent in complying with the standards.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling III said many property owners are fearful of "myths" surrounding the fifth draft of minimum property standards for the city.

"This is not designed to force those who have homes that are 15, 20, 30 or 40 years old to completely renovate their property because it does not meet the code," said Spradling.

But many property owners said they feared they would become the target of disgruntled renters.

City Councilman Melvin Gateley countered that a property code would be enforced only on a complaint basis, requiring the signature of the complainant. Also, landlords would have due process through the city's Board of Appeals.

Residents in favor of a minimum property code said the measure is needed to ensure the city has attractive and safe housing.

Cecelia Sonderman, who helped spearhead the campaign for a code, said the law wouldn't be costly for those who take care of their property.

"If anything it will protect my property and raise the value," she said.

One suggested amendment to the latest draft of the property maintenance code was to require the city to notify property owners by letter when a complaint is filed against them.

John Hilpert, who owns rental property, called a property standards code "highly socialistic. We need less and less control by the government."

Another property owner said such a code would encourage lawsuits between tenants and landlord.