The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

During open forum, Greene County Animal Facility Organizer Don Orris gave an update. He talked about trying to make reductions in the overall price tag to build a new animal shelter of over $1 million. However, he said he didn’t think the reductions would be enough to overcome a $500,000 gap to make the project possible. City Council member Darren Jackson asked for feedback from community members to see if there still is interest in wanting the project to happen. Orris asked for solutions from the Council, which they said they would look into the issue. 

The Council then approved the third reading of an ordinance for a commercial cardboard collection fee, which will go into effect next month. 

The Council also approved the union contract. For the police department wages, there will be a $2,500 increase starting January 1st, then a 4.5-percent increase on July 1, 2021, then a 4.25-percent increase at the start of each of the next two fiscal years on July 1st, followed by a negotiable time period for the final two fiscal years. For other city employees and their wages, there will be a 4.5-percent increase starting January 1st, followed by a four-percent increase at the start of the 2022 fiscal year, then a three-percent increase at the start of each of the next two fiscal years, followed by a negotiable time period for the final two fiscal years.

Additionally, the Council approved hiring Marty Murphy as the water superintendent to replace the current superintendent Tom Schilling, who will be retiring at the end of the year. The Council also approved an engagement letter with Piper/Sandler for financial services not to exceed $12,500 to issue bonds for the downtown improvements to be recovered through tax increment financing funds. They also approved the five-year capital improvement plan for the airport, the city’s insurance plan for next year, a resolution to sell 204 East McKinley Street and set the public hearing for the January 12th council meeting, and a resolution for completed construction and final payment of $18,600 for the roof replacement project at 100 East State Street. The Council also approved a professional services agreement with Bolton and Menk to hire an interim water plant operator until Murphy has the proper certification needed to run the water plant following Schilling’s retirement. 

Finally, City Administrator Mike Palmer acknowledged Schilling’s retirement, as well as City Attorney Bob Schwartzkopf’s retirement. Schilling served the City over 20 years, while Schwartzkopf has served as city attorney for 29 years.