City Attorney Tom Ludwig announced to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen Aug. 2 that he plans to retire from his law practice on Dec. 31, or “as soon thereafter as the press of business allows.”
Ludwig said he has enjoyed his time representing the City of Jackson. “For me, it was the best 20 years any lawyer could ask for. There were very few problems I didn’t enjoy working on.”
Ludwig gave a brief history of his practice in a letter that he presented to the Board. “On Sept. 10, 1977, I was licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri, and on Nov. 16, 1984, the State of Illinois also granted me a law license. Since Oct. 1, 1977, I have practiced law in Jackson and have worked continuously as a practicing lawyer.
“During that time, I have represented many distinct individuals and businesses. I have the unique opportunity of representing the Cities of Jackson and Perryville as well as other public and governmental entities. I have dedicated my practice to advancing the needs of the citizens of the cities, counties, and school districts that I have represented.
“My staff and I will dedicate ourselves in the upcoming months to assure a smooth transition to my successor so that the continued interests of the citizens are advanced and protected.
“I will miss everyone with whom I have worked over the years.”
In other action
• Use tax: The Board approved an ordinance calling for a use tax election in the City of Jackson on Nov. 2.
During study session, the Board discussed getting a use tax request on the November ballot. The tax will be 2-1/2 cents per dollar on purchases Jackson residents make outside of Missouri (where state sales tax is not collected).
If a use tax is passed, the money raised will help fund the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department.
City staff will interview various agencies to help spread the word as to why this use tax would help Jackson, and bring a recommendation back to the aldermen on which agency to hire.
• Industrial Circuit 21: The Board authorized engineering services in the amount of $5,000 from Allen & Hoshall of Memphis, TN, under the Industrial Circuit 21 Power Study.
• Old McKendree Chapel and Cemetery: The Board rescinded the historic landmark designation for the Old McKendree Chapel and Cemetery at 4080 S. Old Orchard Rd., as requested by the McKendree Chapel Memorial Foundation. This will speed up the process of maintaining and improving the site, which will continue to keep its historical nature.
• Pickleball: The Board approved an addendum to the memorandum of understanding with the Southeastern Missouri District Pickleball, LLC, of Cape Girardeau, relative to the pickleball improvement project at Litz Park.
The City had previously committed to fencing the area, but the fencing has been completed by the LLC. Instead, the City will now contribute up to $30,000 to complete the surfacing of the playing area, the purchase of pickleball nets and posts, and the installation of those nets and posts.
• Water tower: The Board approved an addendum to the water tank maintenance contract with Utility Service Co., Inc., of Perry, GA, relative to full containment at the north elevated water tower as paint is removed down to the bare metal and the tower is repainted.
• Plat approved: The Board approved the preliminary plat of The Grove at Bent Creek Subdivision, as submitted by BBratz, LLC, and Williams Brothers Contracting, LLC.
• Concrete improvements: The Board approved the $315,105 bid of Putz Construction, LLC, of Millersville, and approved a contract in that amount for the 2021 Concrete Pavement Improvement Program.
• Minor plats: The Board approved two minor plats. The first was in Stone Creek Subdivision No. 2, as submitted by Anything Storage, LLC, and the second was a re-subdivision of Lot 20 of Parkview Terrace Subdivision Phase H, as submitted by Guilliams Brothers Revocable Trust.
• Health insurance: The Board was given a mid-year city employee health insurance report from Todd Obergoenner of Swinford & Associates, who said, “We’re trending in the right direction.”
