Report finds few bright spots in Cape economic development

At Monday night's Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, council members took a look at the past to prepare for the future.

In the study session, city manager Scott Meyer gave a presentation on the city's economic development based on the numbers from 2013 and previous years. Then, in regular session, the council approved the first steps for a project that began in 2008.

Meyer's presentation, "Environment Conducive to Economic Development," was one of the 12 Tangible Results of City Services. He said the result takes into account the "small things" that can affect business and measures them to help spur economic growth in the community.

The number of new business licenses issued, building permits and sales tax revenue are among the items measured and compared to benchmark numbers to determine if the city is on track economically. Most of the numbers were labeled as "running behind" in Meyer's report, but there were a few bright spots.

The report also looks at "new leads" from businesses that have expressed interest in possibly opening or expanding a facility in Cape Girardeau. While Meyer said there was "no official announcement," he said there has been "a lot of action" surrounding the business park and the city has been in contact with interested parties.

The city also is working to make the airport self-sustaining by developing an "airport investment strategy" for new T hangers and working with developers interested in the airport.

The city had a big year in 2012, according to Meyer, which also could account for the "leveling out" in 2013.

"[Growth in 2013] may partially look flat because 2012 was so good," he said. "But we are sort of treading water, which is concerning. We just have to be cautious in moving forward."

Councilman Wayne Bowen said he believes the city is moving in the right direction by communicating with and reviewing economic updates from city staff.

"I'm happy to see that it's something that's talked about on a regular basis," he said. "I think the discussion is useful and helpful for us to think about as council members and draw from our staff to see is there anything we can do better."

Other business

When the council moved to regular session, it voted unanimously to approve an ordinance appropriating funds for the Safe Routes to School 2008 project. It also voted to award the contract for the project to Lappe Cement Finishing. The project, which encourages children to walk or bicycle to school safely by building and expanding sidewalks, could begin this month or in April.

The council also took the time to discuss upcoming events in the city. Mayor Harry Rediger encouraged all in attendance at Monday night's meeting to attend the Cape Girardeau Police Department's open house next week. On March 11, 14 and 18 guided tours will be given inside the police department to better show the public the conditions of the station and give more information about the department. A new police station is on the list of contingent facilities projects for the city's 2014-2019 Capital Improvements Program.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.