HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil.Minutes.06-11-2004.SpecialProceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Speeial Session juno 11, 2004 403
SPECIAL SESSION — JUNE 11, 2004
The Cape Girardeau City Council convened in special session on Friday, June 11, 2004, at 10:00
a.m. with Mayor Jay B. Knudtson presiding and Council Members Evelyn Boardman, Matthew
Hopkins, Marcia Ritter and Hugh White present. Charles Herbst and Jay Purcell were absent.
Mr. White made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boardman, to canvass the returns and declare the
results of the June 8, 2004, special municipal election regarding the '/4 cent Fire Sales Tax. The
Sales Tax was approved as stated on the ballot with the following vote:
Yes 4,130
No 991
The motion was approved upon the following vote: ayes, Boardman, Hopkins, Knudtson, Ritter,
White. Nays, none. Mayor Knudtson commended City Manager Doug Leslie and his staff for
working tirelessly to get the message out on this issue. Mr. Leslie continued that it took many
people to present the information, and the support was unprecedented.
BILL NO. 04-120 was given first reading as follows:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., AND THE COUNTY
OF CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Hopkins made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boardman, to approve the first reading of BILL
NO. 04-120. Mayor Knudtson introduced Teresa Lynch, Susan Russell and Pat Nasi,
representatives of Sears. Upon questioning by the Council, Ms. Russell discussed the future Sears
Grand development, including the partnership with the City and County, the public improvements
and funding, the public information sign, the donation of landscaping materials and possibly a sign
at the I-55/William interchange, and goods and services offered in the Sears Grand store.
Following discussion, the motion was approved upon the following vote: ayes, Boardman,
Hopkins, Knudtson, Ritter, White. Nays, none.
BILL NO. 04-121 was given first reading as follows:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH DRURY LAND DEVELOPMENT, INC. AND THE
COUNTY OF CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. White made a motion, seconded by Ms. Ritter, to approve the first reading of BILL NO. 04-
121. Mr. Leslie reviewed details of the Kohl's development, including the location, public
improvements, and infrastructure improvements. Following discussion, the motion was approved
upon the following vote: ayes, Boardman, Hopkins, Knudtson, Ritter, White. Nays, none.
BILL NO. 04-119 was presented as follows:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH CONDREY AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES
Proceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Special Session June 11, 2004 404
Ms. Ritter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hopkins to approve the reading of BILL NO. 04-119
and adopt the resolution. Mr. Leslie explained the purpose of this agreement is to review the
overall pay and benefits plan for all employees, but more specifically for public safety positions.
The objective is to have a third party analysis of our system and implement the suggested changes
in late fall through a budget adjustment. In addition, there have been changes to the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA), and this company will complete a comprehensive study of all job
descriptions to bring the City in compliance with the new regulations. It will also include a review
and update next year to make sure the plan is working. Over 50 percent of the employee groups
will be involved with this process, and it should be completed within 90 days. It is important to
make sure that the proposed changes in pay and benefits are done right and are sustainable. It is
important to demonstrate to the employees that this review is being done as soon as possible and
that it is fair and equitable. The contract will be paid from one time savings from vacant positions
within the city and not from the proceeds of the new sales tax. Police Chief Steve Strong
continued that previous salary studies completed by the city have not been consistent or believable
by the employees, and it is important to complete an unbiased study. Ms. Ritter expressed her
support for this outside study. Ms. Russell of Sears also stated that Sears completes this type of
study every three years. Following additional comments by the Council, the original motion was
approved upon the following vote: ayes, Boardman, Hopkins, Knudtson, Ritter, White. Nays,
none. BILL NO. 04-119 is RESOLUTION NO. 1974.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned upon Mr. Hopkins' motion, Ms.
Boardman's second, and the following vote: ayes, Boardman, Hopkins, Knudtson, Ritter, White.
Nays, none.
Gayle L. o ad, City Clerk
on, Mayor