The ground under East Main Street in Jackson is solid as a rock. No more sink holes, or voids, have been found under or near that section of roadway, it was reported to the Jackson Mayor and Board of Aldermen Oct. 1.
A sink hole 18 feet wide and 16 feet deep was discovered on the north shoulder of East Main Street this past spring. It took two cement truckloads of concrete to fill the void.
The City hired Geotechnology Inc. to use ground-penetrating radar to search for any additional voids. No additional voids were found.
In other action:
• Abandonment of East Jefferson Street: The Board tabled a vote on an ordinance authorizing a contract with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for the abandonment of East Jefferson Street between South Hope and South Ohio Street. This portion of Jefferson Street is between Immaculate Conception Church and school.
Some of the Board members had questions about the agreement. The matter will be discussed in study session Oct. 15, and may come up for a vote again Nov. 5.
• Old Bethel well: The Missouri Baptist Convention has requested permission from the City of Jackson to drill a private well at Old Bethel Church, which is in the City of Jackson but is 1,500 feet away from the nearest city water main, and finds it cost prohibitive to connect to city water. It would be cheaper to dig a well.
The Board requested that a representative from the church attend the Oct. 15 study session to answer questions about the request.
• Diverging diamond intersection: Jackson City Attorney Tom Ludwig reported that the City had received a municipal agreement from MoDOT regarding the diverging diamond intersection at Highway 61 and I-55. The agreement is currently under review, and will be discussed again at the next study session Oct. 15.
• Employee insurance: Jeff Bierman of Swinford and Associates gave a presentation on city employee medical insurance. There will be a slight increase in the renewal rate. A further presentation may be given before the insurance policy comes up for renewal at the end of the year.
• Water mains: The Board approved two change orders in regards to the water main renovation project. Both were with Jokerst, Inc., of Ste. Genevieve. The first was for $2,674, and the second was for $5,861.20. These change orders are for additional work on Harmony Lane, White Oak Street and North Street.
• Wastewater: The Board authorized Mayor Dwain Hahs to represent the City as it applies for loans from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund Program for improvements to the Jackson wastewater treatment facilities.
• MML meeting in Jackson: It was announced that the City of Jackson will host the next Missouri Municipal League southeast regional meeting Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Jackson Civic Center. A presentation will be given on the design-build process by the City of Jackson, City of Cape Girardeau and the County, all of which have used, or are using the design-build process for construction projects.
