HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil.Minutes.03-27-1995.Special 187
Proceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
S�� S@SSIOfI March 27 �9 95
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SPECIAL SE5SION - MARCH 27, 1995
Council convened in a special joint session with the Charter Review Committee on
Monday, March 27, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor A1 Spradling III presiding and
Council Members Richard Eggimann, Melvin Gateley, Melvin Kasten, Tom Neumeyer
and Jack Rickard present. JJ Williamson was absent. Charter Review Committee
members present were David Barklage, Peter Bergerson, Peter Hilty, David Kaelin,
Keith Russell, Loretta Schneider, Paul Stehr and Don Strohmeyer.
Chairman Stehr stated that the task assigned to the committee was to review the current
city charter and make recommendations on any changes they felt were necessary. Mayor
Spradling stated the Council would review each recommendation made and take input
from the committee as to why they made the recommendation.
Section 5.11. Ethics Commission: Mayor Spradling stated the city judge is reviewed
by the Missouri Commission on Retirement and Removal and should not be included in
this section. The chief purchasing officer is not one individual person, and all major
purchases go through the City Manager's Office. Mr. Fischer explained that the city has
purchasing guidelines that must be followed. Mr. Gateley questioned why board
members would fall under this section. They are citizens who volunteer their service,
and this may discourage them from volunteering.
Section 6.03. Budget: Mr. Barklage explained the recommendation was made
regarding enterprise funds to require the city to operate under a balanced budget. The
recommendation on intra-fund loans was meant to tighten the budget by showing any
loans in the year-end budget.
Section 6.12. Emergency Reserve �nd: Mr. Barklage explained that this
recommendation was made to cover the operations of the city for a three month time
period during the time of a declared emergency. Mr. Fischer explained the city currently
has 15 percent reserve in the general fund, but the enterprise fund is operated on a break
even point. To require a 15 percent reserve in this fund would ultimately force a fee
increase to build up this amount. Mr. Rickard stated that in years the tax revenues are
growing at a rapid rate, such as in the last two years, additional funds should be placed
in reserves.
Section 6.14. Debt Statement: Mr. Barklage stated this recommendation was made
so citizens would be made aware of all city debt prior to voting on incurring any
additional debt.
Section 9.01. Granting of Franchise: Mr. Wells stated that by putting the cable
franchise to a vote of the people, this gives the citizens the impression they have the right
to refuse the franchise. Under federal law, they do not have a choice. We can regulate
them but cannot refuse a franchise.
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Proceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Special _ $@SSIOfI March 27 19 95
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Section 6.13. Fee Limitations: Mayor Spradling questioned whether this would apply
to non-existent fees, such as fees on the new softball complex. Mr. Barklage stated that
once the fees are established, then they would fall under this section. According to Mr.
Fischer, Dan Muser will be discussing park fees at the Council retreat in April.
Section 3.02. Eligibility: Ms. Schneider explained this recommendation was made to
accommodate people who have just moved into the city or to citizens who have just been
annexed into the city.
Preamble: Dr. Bergerson explained that the committee discussed putting this either at
the front of the charter or at the beginning of the section on ethics, and felt it was a
necessary statement.
Section 10.1. Objects of Licensing, Taxation, and Regulation: Mayor Spradling
expressed concerns that this section would take away the power to regulate any business
in the city, and not just certain trades. There was much discussion on licensing and
regulation of certain trades and professions.
Chairman Stehr stated that the committee would like the Council to put the
recommendations passed unanimously to a vote of the people, and to strongly consider
doing the same with the recommendations passed by majority vote. The staff should
review the legalities of all recommendations to make sure they are correct. Dr. Kaelin
requested that if the Council decides to make changes in these sections that the committee
be given the opportunity to review them. Ms. Schneider stated that the committee also
discussed putting a review period of five to ten years in the charter itself and would
recommend the Council do this also.
Mayor Spradling stated the Council will discuss these recommendations at the Council
retreat on April 7 and 8. There being no further business, the City Council adjourned.
A. . Spradi ng III, Mayo
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Gayle . Conrad, Deputy City Clerk