Sikeston to step up blackbird control

SIKESTON - Sikeston will step up its blackbird control measures by initiating a baiting program.

Robert Byrd, wildlife specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the University of Missouri's Delta Center in Portageville, made a presentation on the program during the regular September Sikeston City Council meeting held Tuesday due to Labor Day.

Byrd said between 5 million and 6 million blackbirds roosted in Sikeston last year, although numbers fluctuated and roosting sites varied.

"In Sikeston, all we've done is harass," Byrd said, adding these efforts will continue as requested by the city. Harassing the birds is a very effective but short-term solution, he said.

The first baiting program in Southeast Missouri in Malden last year went very well, Byrd said. Several other communities in the area are considering a baiting program for this year.

In order to have a baiting program in Sikeston, the city would be responsible for the cost of the chemical and cleaning up the dead birds, Byrd said. The dead birds can be buried or incinerated. Malden used community service workers for its program, he said.

"It's a slow-acting avicide," Byrd said of the poison. Birds die about 20 hours after eating the poison.

Byrd said he and his associates will bait a field frequented by blackbirds with rice and check to make sure other bird species are not in the area feeding.

Animals that eat the poisoned birds won't be poisoned but the avicide will effect other bird species, according to Byrd. He added there is no danger in picking up the birds other than diseases the birds might have already been carrying.

A program that poisons about 2.5 million birds would be effective for Sikeston as the roost would probably move elsewhere after suffering such losses.

Byrd recommended starting the program in November, "as soon as the birds start showing up."

"We're very interested in pursuing this," said Mayor Mike Marshall. "We want to do it."

Byrd said a workshop for residents in October would also be helpful. "Education will, I think, go a long way," he said.

In other business Tuesday:

* Jim Bucher, treasurer for the Historic Midtown Development Group, presented an overview of the group's efforts at rehabilitating the old downtown area and the group's Neighborhood Assistance Program application.

Bucher explained that the NAP would enable the not-for-profit group to sell tax credits that purchasers can use to offset various state taxes.

To proceed with the NAP application, the group needs the city to certify the project does not conflict with the city's existing plans or ordinances. The certification does not signify approval for the project. Bucher added the chances of the application being accepted are less that 50 percent.

The group has an option to purchase a large lot on the corner of New Madrid and Front Street having placed a $1,000 non-refundable deposit with the lot's owner. A local engineer has provided plans for a two-story building at that site which would be offered for retail, office or restaurant operations.

The building would be rented for at least five years and then sold with money from sales immediately going toward another revitalization project.

* Council renewed the Delta Area Economic Development Corporation's lease on the Homeless Shelter at 820 Anderson St. for a five-year period with an option to terminate without penalty with a 90-day notification.

The current lease expires Sept. 30.

* Council members rejected the offer from Jesse Redd on behalf of King David Lodge No. 11 for the building at 203 Luther St. King David Lodge has leased the property from the city for $100 per month.

The five-year lease included a clause giving the Lodge first option to purchase if the city decided to put it up for sale after three years.

By retaining ownership, "we can manage what goes on," said City Manager Doug Friend, "not allow it to be a party hall."

Public safety problems have been reported around the property, according to city officials. If no further problems come up there, the property's sale could "be reconsidered down the road," Friend said.

"You get two more years to prove to the Council you will run that building appropriately," Marshall said.

In related action, council members rejected the request to approve the application for a consumption of liquor license for the facility. Both city and state liquor license applications require approval from the property owner before a license can be issued.

Councilman Jerry Pullen said it was his understanding when he approved the deal with the Lodge that the group would conduct religious services at the facility, not having liquor parties.

* Council approved the transfer of Aldi's original package liquor license from their current location at 1073 East Malone to their new premises at 1045 South Main.

Aldi's plans to open their new store on Sept. 12, according to Karen Bailey, city treasurer.

* A bill establishing traffic control measures around the city was approved by the Council as traffic committee members have determined them necessary due to rapid growth throughout the city.

Stop signs will be placed on Plaza, Dudley, Willow Way and Tulip Trace; yield signs put up at the intersection of Salcedo and Plaza; and speed limits established on Plaza from Dudley to Salcedo of 35 mph and from Dudley to Kennedy of 25 mph.

* Council members accepted the bid of $750 from Merideth Properties on a piece of surplus real estate on South Kingshighway.

* A resolution was approved declaring surplus equipment.

The city's surplus auction will be Oct. 25 at the Public Works Complex, 316 North West St. Gates will open at 9 a.m. for viewing and bid registration with the auction beginning at 10 a.m.

A complete listing of offerings will be published in the Standard Democrat.

* Council approved a resolution declaring 608 Dempster surplus real estate. The property, which is outside of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority's target area, will be offered to the highest sealed bid, according to Friend.

The property was purchased by the city in August 2001 through a tax sale.

* A letter to Miner city officials was sent regarding weeds on property located on Ables Road.