At its July 18 meeting, the Jackson Mayor and Board of Aldermen set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, to consider the proposed 2022 parks and recreation, general revenue, cemetery and band tax rates.
In related financial matters, the aldermen approved the semiannual financial statement ending June 30. To view the financial statement, turn to page 9B of this week’s issue of The CBJ.
During study session, the board discussed assessed valuations, noting that they had increased this year.
In other action
• Public hearing for high-density mixed residential development: The Board of Aldermen held a public hearing to consider a special use permit for a high-density mixed residential development in a C-2 (commercial) district at 957 W. Independence St., as submitted by Brennon Todt.
Chris Koehler of Koehler Engineering, representing Todt, spoke in favor of the project, which will include condos, small homes and apartments. A roadway along the east side of the property currently connects to two mobile homes, and they will be cleaned out, Koehler said.
Dee Welker, who owns some adjacent property, spoke in favor of the improvements but complained that people who used the road to the mobile homes were cutting across his property. Koehler said he did not expect that road to be utilized in the new development.
Later in the meeting, the aldermen approved the special use permit.
• Civic Center sign: The Board of Aldermen approved a change order to Coast toCoast Signs for the Civic Center directional and informational sign. Its location will be moved to give it better visibility and yet not be in the way of the roundabout to be constructed at Deerwood and U.S. Hwy. 61 North.
• Ethics: The aldermen readopted Chapter 1, Article VIII of the Code of Ordinances relative to ethics.
• Insurance: The Board of aldermen approved the application with CRC Group of Chicago, IL., for the company to provide consulting services regarding insurance.
• Liquor license: The sale of intoxicating liquor, malt liquor (beer) and nonintoxicating beer was authorized for Oktoberfest at three locations in Uptown Jackson on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, as submitted by the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization.
• Comprehensive plan: The aldermen accepted a $101,175 proposal from Houseal Lavigne Associates, LLC, of Chicago, IL, for providing services for the 2022 Jackson Comprehensive Plan Update. A contract was authorized.
• Retaining wall: A memorandum of understanding with Beussink Family Trust was approved regarding the construction of a retaining wall in the public right of way at 300 E. Jefferson St.
• Utility and recreational off-road vehicles: The Aldermen again discussed allowing utility and recreational vehicles on city streets. No consensus was reached.
They did seem to agree that if allowed, they should be only on city streets of 30 mph or less. However, some wanted neither utility nor recreational vehicles on city streets and some would allow utility vehicles but not recreational vehicles.
They will discuss the matter further in a future study session.
• Emergency Operations Plan: Fire Chief Jason Mouser presented a draft copy of the update to the Emergency Operations Plan to the aldermen.
• Fire truck gift: The aldermen were informed that the City is planning on giving an old fire truck to the Career and Technology Center because it is starting a firefighting program for juniors and seniors. The gift will be formally approved at a future meeting.
• Paving behind South High Street merchants: Behind the businesses on South High Street are both a parking area for the businesses and a city parking lot. The merchants requested that the City overlay its parking lot at the same time they are doing theirs, so the parking lots will match. The Board gave the go-ahead to do the work.
• Bond issue outreach: The board was updated on the outreach being done to educate voters about the bond request being made by the City on the Aug. 2 ballot to repair and renovate the wastewater treatment plant.
• American Rescue Plan: The board gave the Park Board the green light to use ARP funds to update some of the restrooms, including making them heated and more “winter-friendly.”
