The Jefferson City Council met last night in regular session.

The Council approved paying $2,000 to an adjoining landowner at 602 South Oak Street as a reimbursement for demolishing a structure that was destroyed in a fire.  Funds were from the City’s neighborhood incentive improvement program.

The Council also approved paying an additional $4,600 to MHF Engineering for additional inspection requirements to the completion of the water main improvement project around Hy-Vee Incorporated’s property.

The Council approved the engineer’s service agreement to extend water and sewer across US Highway 30 to the northwest corner for the Wild Rose Jefferson facility and other future development.  City Engineer John Milligan said the City would get reimbursed $153,500 of the $1.5 million estimated cost of the project to extend those services.

The Council then approved a 1.5% increase in salary pay for the City Clerk, Wastewater  Superintendent, Water Superintendent, Park and Recreation Director, Street Superintendent, Library Director and Police Chief.  They also approved an additional 1% increase in the salary for the Assistant Park Director and the Wellness Coordinator.  They also approved the City Administrator’s 1.5% increase as per his contract agreement.

The Council discussed the possibility of allowing chickens in the City.  Joyce Allendar, a citizen, initiated the conversation due to her daughter having chickens at a previous rural location and inquired about having them in the City.  After the discussion, the Council recommended to go forward with the idea to the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission to make the final recommendation whether or not to allow chickens and then it will be brought back to the Council for a final decision.

The Council also commended citizen Bill Smith during the open forum because he purchased and donated a sound system to the City to be used at Council meeting and any other type of ceremony or event.

City Clerk Diane Kennedy mentioned that Tammy Tweed, administrative assistant has resigned her position and will be moving to Decorah for her husband’s job and her last day will be on Friday, July 18th.