City of Cape Girardeau

Get involved with one of our citizen academies!

We hope you enjoy this Winter/Spring 2022-2023 edition of PLAY CAPE! It is our privilege to provide this publication for you to ensure you get the most out of your Parks and Recreation Department offerings.

Miss the volunteer fair? Find opportunities online to make Cape Girardeau and even better place to live, work, and play!

Only recreational marijuana shoppers would pay the tax to benefit priority programs set by the community and Council every year.

Community to host volunteer fair. Offices closed Jan. 16 to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Monday/Tuesday curbside services one day late that week.

Monday and Tuesday, Trash and Recycling, one day late thru Jan. 4.

View exhibits of the proposed improvements and ask questions or comment. The project design professionals and City staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you have.

How the Cape city government, along with other organizations, is involved in both proactive and reactive crime prevention will dictate whether we see notable improvements of crime issues in our streets and neighborhoods.

99 Homes are no longer under an extended boil advisory from an Oct. 19 main break in Northwest Cape

Find the new Council Ward Map here

A Transportation Conversation is scheduled for October 20, 2022, at the Shawnee Park Center from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Cape Girardeau’s 2022 Community Dock Feasibility Study is complete but there are no plans to move forward with the project. Building a marina would require broader community support, in addition to grants, private investment, and annual maintenance funds to build and operate.

I have heard many times in my first 100 days of office that Cape Girardeau has “a lot of potential”. For something with potential to progress, it must move, having an amount of work applied to it to see the creation of a new kind of energy, and an improved product as a result.

Just 500 city employees make a lot happen each week in service to Cape Girardeau's residents, businesses, and visitors.

The project will widen the current street, add sidewalks, and improve stormwater drainage between Rose and Bertling streets.

The City has already opted to use $3.6 of over $8 million from ARPA for sewer repair, fiber installation, ShotSpotter, and public safety health and wellness programs. The Council is considering another $3 million from remaining ARPA funds to improve the retirement plan for public servants.

Ward boundaries in Cape Girardeau will be updated soon to reflect the latest Census data.

We are often hiring all job types and we offer a remarkable compensation and benefits package including: Competitive Pay Dependable Work Growth Opportunities Paid Retirement Paid Employee Insurance: (Health, Dental, and Life ) Paid Vacation and Sick Leave, and Personal Days MORE: www.cityofcape.org/jobs

Cape's celebration will be a day filled with fun, information, and music. The highlights will include children's activities, door prizes, food, raffles, and entertainment.

While SkyWest has not submitted a formal proposal, the company has offered several informal suggestions of what they might see happen with CGI in the future. At the June 6 city council meeting, Ms Amos informed us that SkyWest told her that day that they would like to rescind their termination notice with the USDoT on June 24, just days before the USDoT June 30 deadline for a new agreement to be reached for air service.

These street renovation projects were approved by voters through the Transportation Trust Fund.

In observance, City Hall and other offices across our departments will be closed Monday. Monday's trash/recycling route will be run on Tuesday. Tuesdays trash/recycling route will be run on Wednesday. All other routes remain the same.

Examples of government services that may be funded according to the ARP include, but are not limited to: street maintenance and repair; police, fire, and other public safety services; government administration; water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure; and demolition or deconstruction of vacant properties.

Sprigg Street from William Street to Broadway is starting! Lappe Concrete will begin the work to replace the road surface, adding new curb, sidewalk and pavement along the length of the project. Another TTF job getting done in 2022.

While we face large challenges ahead in our city and region, there are a lot of dedicated people working to create great ideas and smart plans for the future. How we can best coordinate on all these challenging issues is the question we must answer, to make the most financially efficient and timely progress.

The tour of Common Pleas and the Carnegie Library which is once again CIty Hall ill begin at 5:30 p.m. at the north entrance near the fountain

To attract quality candidates for key positions, the City is excited to announce a new hiring incentive. For positions which require specific certifications, such as Police Officer, Firefighter/EMT, and CDL drivers, we are offering a $6,000 certification stipend to be paid over a three-year period.

The City’s new mayor and staff will soon propose to City Council to use $125,000 from American Rescue Plan funds to almost triple the amount available to demolish unsafe, abandoned buildings.

In 1922, Cape Girardeau dedicated its first public library, funded by the Carnegie Corporation and located next to the Common Pleas Courthouse on Lorimier Street. Learn more Thursday, April 21st at 6:00 PM

The Tree Board planted some trees at Common Pleas to celebrate Arbor Day

WEDNESDAY 4/6 - An electrical repair at the Cape Girardeau city court and police facility will close office doors but they will still serve the public by phone and website.

All City water customers are charged this fee one time every year in the month of May. Most households pay a fee of $2.16, which will increase this year to $3.92 and to $4.80 in 2023. The State of Missouri requires the City to collect the State annual fee from our customers to support the Department of Natural Resources and safe drinking water across the state. Your fee is based on your meter size. Check for the meter size on your bill.

Anticipate slick roadways even as Public Works is salting the streets and afterward. Trash and recycling should run normally. Osage/Shawnee will not open before noon. Most offices will be closed. Thursday trash and recycling routes are anticipated to run as scheduled. Salting streets as normal.

Council establishes policy and law in the city. They establish, reorganize, abolish, and prescribe the functions of boards, departments, offices, and agencies as they deem necessary. The Council also appoints the City Manager who appoints all but a few (Judge, Attorney, and City Clerk) city employees.

Until 2022... Thursday's trash/recycling route will be run on Wednesday, Friday's routes will be run on Thursday. All other routes remain the same.

The community is encouraged to line the procession route in a show of support. The Mayor of Cape Girardeau requested all flags be at half-staff through dusk the day of interment.

THANKSGIVING WEEK - No Trash or Recycling Pickup Thursday or Friday.

Administrative offices at various departments including all of City Hall are closed. No curbside service today.

Hunting will be limited to Nov. 1 - Dec. 5 in a few natural areas on the fringe of city limits which will be clearly marked. Do not enter hunting areas during this period.

This fall we are asking voters to consider keeping important services funded, and to support local businesses, by just paying the same tax rate whether shopping online or off .

The Utility Billing Office will be closed to the public from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 and reopen in a new location in front of the Osage Centre with new hours Oct. 4.

"Residents want better, and I don't blame them, I do too,” said Councilman Robbie Guard after this recent presentation on street conditions. The City uses real-time pavement conditions, traffic counts, citizen input, and other data to prioritize street repair funding. While most of the driving surfaces in Cape are in fair or better condition, almost one million square feet are not.

YOU are the FIRST RESPONDER!

The 2021 Flying Legends of Victory tour is underway! B25J Bomber Tours & Rides. Reserve at azcaf.org/tour

Cunningham has served the City of Cape Girardeau for 26 years as City Attorney following decade in private practice. He was presented with the Lou Czech award this past Saturday, July 24, at the Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association (MMAA) business meeting held in Osage Beach.

We want you to know the people and programs that run behind the scenes in Cape Girardeau. When you graduate, we hope you'll be eager to start or join a neighborhood group, apply for our advisory boards, or even run for City Council!

Several services at City Hall will be unavailable as we improve our accounting, billing, and permitting system. While it is offline from 11 a.m. on July 9 through most of Monday July 12, online and other credit/debit payments to City Hall cannot be accepted.

Great American 4th of July event includes awards, music, and fireworks. The City of Cape Girardeau will observe Independence Day on Monday, July 5. City Hall and various other administrative and service offices at Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks & Recreation and elsewhere will be closed.

**TESTED SAFE - use water normally** View map here. Affected properties were notified door-to-door. Parts of the university campus and some nearby homes and businesses have been issued a precautionary boil advisory notice in response to a low pressure incident earlier today. While there is no known issue with the water, customers should boil and cool before consumption until water can be tested and verified safe.

Our Wastewater Treatment Facility was recently presented with the 2019 Plant of the Year Award – Large Facility (for facilities with over 5.0 MGD flow). This honor recognizes outstanding treatment plant operation and is presented to only one Missouri facility annually by the Missouri Water Environment Association. The 2019 award would have been presented in the spring of 2020, but was delayed due to COVID. Congratulations to all involved with the successful operations of our Wastewater Plant and thank you to our voters for approving the funding!

Over 130 startups from 25 states and 17 countries have already applied to move their business to Cape Girardeau through Codefi’s 1ST50K competition.

A precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted for 350 addresses on and around West Cape Rock Dr.. Crews went door to door originally and will now remove signage.

Monday's trash/recycling route will be run on Tuesday. Tuesdays trash/recycling route will be run on Wednesday. All other routes remain the same.

Friends, partners, and the public are welcome to attend an open house career celebration for our outgoing City Manager Scott Meyer, Thursday, June 24 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Osage Centre

A new plan to reduce false alarms could refocus some police time back where it belongs – essentially adding the equivalent of another officer (and then some) back to the crime fighting department. Police estimate 2,192 to 3,208 officer-hours are spent on false alarms each year.

Cape Girardeau is fortunate to have a large number of historic resources

UPDATE - ADVISORY EXPIRED. The water was tested and found safe.

Dr. Kenneth Haskin has over 25 years of progressive, responsible experience in public management as a senior level administrator. His educational background includes graduate of Brinkley High School (Arkansas), Bachelors in Management from Henderson State University (Arkansas), and Master’s in Public Administration from Webster University (Missouri). He is credentialed by the ICMA, an active member of the Arkansas City Managers Association and Texas City Managers Association, involved within the National League of Cities, and a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Board member.

The Airport Advisory Board plays a huge role in effectively communicating the importance of the airport and its services to the community. They review and advise of major airport capital project needs to assist the airport manager in carrying out the airport’s mission: “To provide safe and efficient air transportation service for the local and regional traveling public, whiles offering quality customer service and products to the private, corporate, and military aviation community”. Key areas of involvement include: • Assist with establishment of annual goals and objectives • Review and development of Airport Master Plans • Planning air shows and other special events One of the Board’s most important tasks is recommending an air carrier during the Essential Air Service bid selection process to the City Council. The airport’s EAS contract is open for bid every two years. The Board reviews airline proposals and conducts interviews to develop a selection recommendation for the City Council.

**DOWNTOWN behind the Merriwhether Pump Station at Merriwether and Water.** In 2008, the ownership, operation, and maintenance of the flood wall and levee system were transferred to the City of Cape Girardeau. Prior to 2008, the North Main Street and Main Street Levee Improvement Districts operated the system. Productive partnerships among the former Levee Districts, the City, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local property owners and businesses, and the railroad have provided for the continuing success of the Cape Girardeau Flood Protection System. Following remarks today, we will take a commemorative photo with project partners, and you are welcome to walk the floodwall on a self-guided tour. We hope the community is proud of this successful collaboration that has helped us further reduce flood risks for Cape Girardeau.

Stan Polivick has had an impressive career in Public Works and Engineering. We are so proud to have him serving the Cape Girardeau community!

Spanish Street renovations will be similar to Main Street and include new asphalt, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. The $1.6 million project funded by casino revenue will be complete late July.

As we thaw-out from winter, we start to notice more litter, and litter complaints. The City has litter abatement programs, and we encourage everyone to do their fair share, by picking up their property, keeping garbage bagged, carts secure and by helping neighbors or reporting those routinely out of compliance with City ordinances.

Boil advisories are posted in an abundance of caution until the water can be tested. See your door hanger for details.

Former Nuisance Abatement Officer and Council Ward 5 Representative Shannon Truxel and City Manager Scott Meyer will discuss the multitude of city departments, partners, and citizens that come together to keep Cape safe.

There are 100+ managed deer hunts statewide promoting public safety and healthy wildlife. In Cape, only adults with archery devices will be allowed (no guns). Unlike our last plan rejected by voters in 2013, this hunt is restricted to a five-week period in five natural areas at city limits, and State-selected pre-registered hunters.

Your tax dollars at work. A glance at our weekly workload in service to you in this whimsical infographic.

Improving neighborhoods is one of Council's top five strategic goals and the subject of our next One Cape Virtual Learning series webinars.

2/15 Council Meeting ONLINE ONLY. A managed deer bow hunt in a few natural areas in northeast Cape has been proposed. Staff researched the issue in 2011, Council passed an ordinance in 2012, but when put to a vote of the people (by a citizen-driven referendum petition) in 2013 it was defeated 1,486 votes to 1,278. The Council is anticipated to pass an ordinance Feb. 15 with input from residents.

Supplies are limited. Vaccines are availability according to the state's plan.

This five-member City advisory board is responsible for hearing and deciding requests for variances from the City’s zoning regulations. Learn more....

In addition to 29 years of clean water service, the Council also approved a plan to partner with AWR on infrastructure, geographic information systems, and utility location services (1-800-DIG-RITE).

Missourians will qualify for vaccination based on the priority phases at covidvaccine.mo.gov, anticipating a limited initial supply.

Monday's trash/recycling route will run on Tuesday. Tuesday's trash/recycling route will run on Wednesday. All other routes remain the same

From healthcare workers, to social justice warriors, to teachers, family members others, Council took time during the first public meeting of the year to say thanks to some special people and groups.

The Tree Board staff liaison will report on board activity to the Council at their Jan. 4 meeting. The Board is now open to citizen applicants.

Before Christmas & New Year's, Thursday's trash/recycling route will be run on Wednesday, Friday's routes will be run on Thursday. All other routes remain the same.

“If we do not slow the spread of the virus, our health care system will quickly become overwhelmed,” said Missouri Governor Parson. “This creates a major risk not only for COVID-19 patients but anyone requiring health care support, from emergency situations such as car accidents to the treatment of serious health conditions such as cancer.”

Get those cans to the curb EARLY the week of THANKSGIVING. Set an alarm, mark your calendar!

City leaders will celebrate Nov. 10 at 11:30 a.m. The project was made possible by voters approving the 2018 Parks, Recreation and Stormwater sales tax. Read more about those projects and future Fort D improvements at cityofcape.org/PRS.

WATER TESTED SAFE..... ORIGINAL.... 350 affected households should NOT consume water from their taps before boiling and cooling first.

MASKS REQUIRED. The City is working closely with the Cape Girardeau County Health Department to monitor the situation. Let’s keep using good hygiene and housekeeping practices and stay tuned to credible sources of health information. Always stay home if you are sick or at-risk.

Vision 2040 Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing

The new online incident reporting system is an effort to offer citizens a method for safely and immediately filing reports.

Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered between March 12-20.

Check out which streets will receive concrete work:

We’re excited to restore this historic building and re-imagine the future of City services!

Join us for a public meeting regarding future Independence Street improvements on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

It takes a lot of hard work and dedicated people to keep Cape Girardeau running smoothly

The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport hit an important milestone of over 10,000 commercial flight boardings this year. At that level, the airport can combine federal funds with local tax revenue approved by voters in August, to build a new control tower and terminal for the regional airport.

Following research, proposals and interviews, City staff has decided to recommend the team of Penzel Construction Company, Inc. and architecture firm, TreanorHL, for the $12 million project to renovate the historic Common Pleas Courthouse and move City Hall back to its former home.

Deputy City Manager Molly Mehner on Oct. 23. was installed as Midwest Regional Vice President of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, during the organization’s 105th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The grant allows the Department to hire one more firefighter per shift.

City Council seats in Wards 3, 4 and 5 are up for election in April. Nominating petitions will be available in the City Clerk's Office starting on Sept. 30.

Join us anytime for either of these open house public meetings about TTF-6 and help prioritize projects.

Cape Girardeau is now a Purple Heart City along the Purple Heart Trail.

The Community Caring Council intends to relocate their headquarters to the building allowing for the strengthening and deepening of all its programs and allowing the organization to help more people in need. The increased space will allow them to specifically expand their housing services by providing supportive day services to unsheltered homeless individuals, including showers, laundry facilities, and enhanced housing case management.

Asphalt overlay and concrete street repair are two of the ways the City of Cape Girardeau works to maintain streets and alleyways.

Due to global changes.

Input from the proposed Independence Street improvements public meeting and online survey is now available.

Social Media

Please review project information and provide feedback.

Join us for an open-house style public meeting on Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss proposed traffic flow improvements on Independence Street.

Note: This survey closed on Nov. 1. Thanks for your input!

Workshop on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m., Police Department Community Room

A public-private partnership between the City of Cape Girardeau and the Marquette Tech District Foundation led to another awesome way to connect in Cape: Free downtown Wi-Fi.

Sprigg St Bridge is Project of the Year for ASCE St. Louis Section

Effective Immediately plastic shopping bags, garbage bags, and newspaper sleeves are no longer accepted in our single-stream recycling (green carts) due to changes in worldwide use of recyclable materials.

Cape Girardeau Named 36th Best Small City to Start a Business According to WalletHub.com

Street repair ranks among our top priorities. Read more about what to expect in 2018.

SportsPlex named a Top 10 Indoor Sports Facility in the Midwest and Outstanding Courts and Recreation Facility of the Year

Improving traffic flow and safety

Cape Park info

Info about new police app

City Council Information

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live and raise their children in safe communities where they can achieve their full potential.

As of the start of business on Friday, July 10, visitors to City facilities are required to wear a mask or face covering inside City-operated buildings.

Find the new Council Ward Map here