The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

During open forum, Jefferson resident Gary Goodwin spoke on behalf of a group of people about an anonymous letter that was written about some concerns with Council member Matt Wetrich. Goodwin mentioned that he and the group he was speaking for wanted what was best for him as he was going through some personal issues. He asked Wetrich if he was living in the city and Wetrich replied that he has a Jefferson address and that the matter was handled. 

The Council then approved the Street Committee recommendation to not pursue a project from the Iowa Department of Transportation to convert Highway 4 from four to three lanes. They also set a public hearing date for the November 26th meeting for a status update on funded activities with an upper story housing project that is happening at 100 East State Street. Additionally, the Council approved four resolutions for the maximum allowed tax increment financing appropriations, as per development agreements, including the Fairview Veterinary Clinic of $15,000, the Briarwood Estates for $18,500, the Lincoln Ridge Estates for $53,000 and the Jefferson Hotel Group with Cobblestone for $101,200.

Then the Council approved a resolution to create a tree removal financial assistance sub fund of $50,000 to help those homeowners to remove dead or dying trees, with the specific rules to come at a later date. They also approved a 28E agreement for the Multicultural Family Resource Center to remain in City Hall for office space, the city’s health insurance renewal with Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield with a 5.75 percent decrease in the city’s premiums. The Council then approved the first change order and the second pay estimate to Caliber Concrete for the pickleball court project, the fourth pay estimate of the release of retainage to InRoads for the East Lincoln Way road resurfacing project for $41,235, and the 21st pay estimate of $921,552 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project. 

Jefferson Matters gave a report. Pete Bardole spoke about the different events that happened in 2024. Deb McGinn covered all the projects for this year and an upcoming project for next year with Tower View Team. Amy Milligan went over the updates with economic vitality, organizational and design teams.