SMOKE ALARM REQUIREMENT ABSENT FROM CITY CODE

Contractors who build new homes in Cape Girardeau won't have to worry about a tougher smoke-alarm code.

The 1996 version of the BOCA Code -- a standard for construction in the United States -- required new homes to have smoke alarms in every bedroom. Each alarm had to be wired to a separate electrical circuit and have a battery back-up.

City Councilman Richard Eggimann said he accepted the rest of the proposed code changes but didn't agree with the new smoke-alarm section. Last month, when councilmen began the procedure of accepting the new BOCA Code as city code, Eggimann voiced his objections.

He discussed them again at Monday night's regular council meeting. Eggimann said the new code would add another $90-$150 in wiring costs to each home, plus $20 for each unit.

The old code only required one smoke alarm per story of residential housing.

"Every time the government intrudes, it costs so much more money," Eggimann said. "The question is, how safe is safe enough?"

He asked that the city code leave out the new smoke alarm requirements. Tom Neumeyer and Mayor Al Spradling voted against Eggimann's motion, but Dr. Melvin Kasten and Jack Rickard agreed. Councilmen Melvin Gateley and J.J. Williamson were absent.

The council voted unanimously to pass the rest of the amended code.

Councilmen also voted unanimously to place signs on municipal right of way.

Mary Miller, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, said 21 signs in Cape Girardeau will help tourists find their way to important sites.

"They are considered trail signs," she said. "Once you hit town and see a sign, you can follow the arrows to where you want to go."

For example, a sign near the junction of Interstate 55 and Highway 61 will point the way to Capaha Park. Other signs of various shapes and colors will show visitors how to find Southeast Missouri State University.

A committee of people from the CVB, the University, the city and the Downtown Merchants Association began work on the sign project three years ago. They wanted to find the best places to put signs.

Now they must determine how much the signs will cost, how much each group should pay and what logos, colors and shapes should be used.

Miller said the signs should be erected by March 1.

Cape Girardeau City Council

Monday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Public Hearings

Request of Scott M. Rhodes, Mark E. Rhodes and Kelly S. Holloway to rezone 1110 N. Cape Rock from R-1 to R-2 and to obtain a special-use permit for a community unit plan.

Consent Ordinances

Enacted a new code relating to special-use permits.

Granted a special-use permit to Max Media Properties for purposes of maintaining a temporary mobile home office at 806 Enterprise.

Amended the city code relating to the 1996 BOCA Codes.

Amended the boundaries of Truck Sewer District No. 14-1-B.

Established the boundaries of Lateral Sewer District No. 14-1-B-2.

Accepted a permanent easement from Ashland Land Development Co. Inc. for the Twin Lakes Subdivision water main extension project.

Accepted a permanent easement for sewer pipe from Kenrick Burrough, Brisco Taylor and the First National Bank of Cape Girardeau for Sewer District No. 13.

Accepted general warranty deeds for the Cape La Croix Creek/Walker Branch Flood Control Project.

Accepted permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the Phase II facility plan for sanitary sewer improvement program.

Levied a special assessment for the improvement of Brucher Street.

Accepted permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the Twin Lakes Subdivision sanitary sewer project.

New Ordinances

Amended the city code by changing the zoning of 1110 N. Cape Rock from R-1 to R-2.

Granted a special-use permit for the purpose of constructing a community unit at 1110 N. Cape Rock.

Repealed a section of the city code relating to campaign signs.

Accepted a general warranty deed from Janice M. Metzler and Arvin N. and Gwendolyn A. Napier for the Cape La Croix Creek/Walker Branch flood control project.

Repealed an article in the city code and enact a new article relating to the sale of cigarettes.

Accepted permanent easements and temporary construction easements for the Twin Lakes Subdivision sanitary sewer project.

Reaffirmed the action of the City Council declaring it necessary to improve Lexington Avenue, Phase Five.

Authorized final payment to Dannie Gilder Excavating Inc. for improvements on Sprigg Street north of Bertling Street.

Levied a special assessment for the improvement of Sprigg Street north of Bertling Street and authorize issuance of tax bills.

Amended the city code to establish no parking on Mount Auburn Road.

Approved the revised record plat of Northside Estates Subdivision.

Approved the record plat of Southeast Properties Subdivision No. 1.

Resolutions

Authorized the city manager to execute an amended release of lien for the Community Block Grant Program.

Executee an amended release of lien for the Community Block Grant Program.

Appointments

Appointed Jerry Deardorff to the Cable Television Citizens Committee.

Appointed Cord Dombrowski to the Show Me Center Board of Managers.

Other

Changeed the dates of some City Council meetings for 1997.

Approved the signs project with the Missouri Department of Transportation.