The Jefferson City Council met last night in regular session.
During the open forum, Police Chief Dave Morlan told the Council that Dave Sloan and Gunnar’s in Jefferson raised money for the police department to purchase a second taser. He commented that Captain Mark Clouse received training to be a certified taser instructor. The cost for the taser is $1,825.
Annette Renaud with Alliant Energy gave her annual report. She said that in 2012, Alliant Energy donated $2,330 to Jefferson and Greene County through community chest, annual support of the Chamber and other programs and events.
Other business items the Council approved were the agreement with Mark Bauer to demolish and rebuild the property at 500 South Maple Street. The purchase price was $5,000 and he has 90 days to demolish the current building and within two years, he must be finished building a new home.
Another item that was approved was the resolution to add property at Vine and Wilson streets to the Jefferson Urban Renewal Plan so Tax Increment Financing money could be used for future improvements to that site. And the first reading for the ordinance to change the zoning of that property from multi-family to central business was approved.
The Council approved acquiring land for runway 32 landing protection zone at the Jefferson Municipal Airport. A public hearing is set for May 28th at 5:30pm for the 2012-13 budget amendment. The Council then approved paying $27,404 for Greene County Development Corporation Business Park #1 for topsoil stockpile and respreading. The 11th payment was approved to Wick’s Construction for $34,644 with only $2,400 left to pay off for the downtown restoration project in the city.
City Building Inspector Mike Wright told the Council that Jefferson’s ordinance from 2008 limits the ability to maintenance and remove signs up to 32-square feet and with larger billboards and the possibility of adding more, he suggested the Council look at that ordinance and adjust it.
During committee reports, there was a long discussion regarding the casino and entertainment facility in Jefferson. Each council member gave their opinion and most agreed that the positives were the potential for economic growth, driving in new businesses, creating new and more jobs and giving money back to nonprofits and schools. Some of the negative comments brought up from citizens to council members were increased gambling addiction, crime and creating more domestic problems. However, each agreed that they like the idea that it will before the citizens of Greene County on a vote by August 6th.