Sidewalk cafes, business licenses up for discussion at city council Monday

Cape Girardeau's city council plans to discuss or take action on several measures dealing with businesses at Monday night's meeting, including sidewalk cafes and changes to business licensing.

During the 5 p.m. study session, the council will talk over a proposal that would allow sidewalk cafes in the downtown area.

The ordinance sets out rules on sidewalk cafes that would be permitted only along several downtown streets. Rules include restricting sidewalk dining to areas in front of where a restaurant is located, assuring pedestrian traffic is not blocked and requiring good-quality and well-maintained furniture. With the proposed ordinance as written, sidewalk cafes would be allowed on Broadway between Water and Pacific streets, on Water Street between Broadway and Independence Street, and on Main and Spanish streets between Broadway and Merriwether Street.

The availability of space from the promenade sidewalk along Broadway from Pacific to Water streets that was part of a corridor improvement project completed last fall is a consideration for the ordinance, according to city manager Scott Meyer.

Sidewalk cafes also "align well with the intent to bring more residents and visitors to the downtown area, to strengthen its economic viability and to create a more hospitable environment for pedestrians," according to city documents on the proposal.

Marla Mills, executive director of the downtown revitalization organization Old Town Cape, said she views the proposal as a way the city can be prepared for downtown development.

"It's a proactive approach," she said. "as we develop the downtown, it makes it more amenable for restaurants and makes a space that is pedestrian-friendly."

A date for the council to hold a first vote on the ordinance is not set.

The council's second planned discussion for the study session is proposed changes for business licenses.

City staff have been working for several months to come up with ways to reduce the number of business license categories and change fees associated with each category. Although staff determined the number of business-license categories -- which stands at 154 -- can't be reduced because of possible conflicts with state laws, all flat-fee annual business license fees will change to $40 a year. Fees currently range from $5 to $300.

Staff also found while examining business licenses that several other issues, including licenses for peddlers and traveling stores and mobile vending and a mobile vending policy, all need to be addressed.

An ordinance on business licenses is expected to be ready for the council's vote by its Oct. 7 meeting.

At its 7 p.m. regular meeting, the council will hold a first vote on an ordinance that would allow the city to grant liquor licenses to businesses within 200 feet of a school or church, as long as an applicant obtains consent in writing from the city's Board of Adjustment. The ordinance would change language that states a church or school within that distance must provide consent to the applicant for a liquor license.

An ordinance that would amend the city code to reflect changes in state laws on caterers and other people who hold licenses to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink at functions or events will also be considered. The ordinance, if passed, would lengthen the time permits and licenses are in effect.

Meyer said proposed changes to business licenses and permits, along with the sidewalk cafe ordinance, came as the city began looking to reduce license categories and even out fees.

"One thing leads to another," he said. "We did see opportunities to improve multiple things when we delved in."

Meyer said the city's goal is to have all changes to licenses and permits in place before 2014 because annual renewals are due in January.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO