Casey Brunke

The study session focused on the 'Safe Return' program initiated by the Cape Gerardo County Transit Authority, developed in collaboration with the chief of police and the co-responder unit. The program aims to provide a structured alternative for individuals stranded in the city, often after leaving treatment programs or hospitals, by coordinating their return to verified support systems outside the local jurisdiction. Key benefits highlighted include reducing repeat service calls, lowering pressure on jail capacities, and strengthening discharge planning, resulting in significant cost avoidance for the city and organizations. The presentation detailed that out of 45 referrals since November, 33 individuals were successfully returned to support systems. Discussion also touched upon the need for increased officer awareness, securing stabilized funding, and potentially establishing a dedicated staff position as the program expands, acknowledging the city's role as a regional hub for medical and social services.

The session began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, with a moment of prayer requested for the family of the recently deceased Pastor Phil RP. The primary discussion involved a study session regarding the redevelopment of the vacant Sears Grand Building and surrounding area by Dury Development Corporation. Key aspects covered included converting the 150,000 square foot structure from single commercial use to multi-tenant commercial use, involving partial demolition, renovation, and creating dedicated dock access. The redevelopment plan intends to create a cohesive visual appeal with the adjacent Cape West Plaza. The developers presented proposed incentives totaling an estimated $11 million, including a Chapter 353 property tax abatement and a Community Improvement District (CID) mechanism involving a 1% sales tax on purchases within the district to reimburse the developers for eligible costs capped at $1.5 million, in addition to a sales tax exemption on construction materials (Chapter 100). The estimated private investment ranges from $23 million to $27 million. The process timeline for ordinance consideration regarding the redevelopment incentives was outlined, scheduling initial hearings for February 19th and 26th, with ordinance consideration scheduled for March.

The meeting included a study session dedicated to presenting a joint memorandum of understanding between the city of Cape, Jackson, SEMA University, and Cape Troto County to unify their emergency operations centers in the event of a disaster. The presenter detailed how this collaboration would improve response times, resource allocation, personnel sharing, and standardized training procedures, noting that other entities had already approved the agreement. Council members inquired about the implementation timeline, the alignment with state emergency frameworks (like JOCK or SEMA), and the inclusion of the Southeast Healthcare Coalition. Following this, council members acknowledged community efforts, including the operation of a warming center by volunteers at Grace United Methodist Church and the Porch Initiative's donation of $5,000 to the Parks and Recreation department. The Planning and Zoning Commission reported on their January 14, 2026 meeting, specifically noting the unanimous approval (8-0) for an exception request concerning the reduced parking lot interior landscaping percentage at 110 South Broadview Street.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions focused on communications and reports, notably the celebration of the first flight service to Dallas Fort Worth via Contour Airlines at the Cape Gerardo Regional Airport, complementing existing service to Chicago. The agenda included consent items such as vacating a utility easement, approving the record plat for Starview Groves, and acknowledging an annexation petition for property near the airport. New business involved considering an ordinance to rezone property at 825 South Ellis Street from Neighborhood Commercial District (NC) back to High Density Single Family Residential District (R3), following the closure of a commercial daycare that previously necessitated the NC zoning. Additionally, the council accepted a general warranty deed from the Patre revocable family trust for property adjacent to the airport. Appointments were made to the Golf Course Advisory Board, appointing Dale Pingle, and reappointing Mayor Kinder and Dr. Haskin to the Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Incorporated board of directors.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Council members provided reports highlighting the extensive efforts of city departments, including Amarind, Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works, in responding to severe winter weather conditions, noting successful storm mitigation and specific statistics regarding salt usage and water main repairs. The council also acknowledged volunteer work at the Cape Warming Center and praised the Deputy City Manager for leadership during the crisis. The consent agenda included approvals for annual grant applications (DWI and Hazardous Moving Violation grants), an agreement with Simo Ready for economic development services, and an extension request for a special use permit regarding a billboard. New business focused on Bill 2610, authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding for a joint emergency operations center with Cape County, the City of Jackson, and Southeast Missouri State University, which was discussed at length regarding activation protocols.