The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday evening in regular session.

The Council heard a presentation of the feasibility study of the Greenewood Community Center and the golf course clubhouse. City Engineer Jim Leiding with Bolton and Menk conducted a study remodeling the lower level of the community center to the clubhouse, with additional outdoor improvements, along with land development that could be made into possible housing units. He stated that the lower level renovation was a total cost of $834,000, the outdoor additions would be another $482,000 and the land development portion was $1,179,000.

Leiding pointed out that each estimate was very conservative in nature and they recommended not proceeding with any portion of the project, due to several reasons, one of which was the current market conditions and the golf course is operating at a deficit. The Council did approve accepting the study and will refer to the Housing Committee.

The Council also discussed a possible solar panel project from Red Lion Renewables. It was mentioned that the company has done over 50 projects for cities and public school districts in Iowa, with the closest being the city of Perry. A representative said that of the 47 electric meters that the city owns, 11 were viable candidates that would save the city a total of $27,000 per year on electricity. Some of those locations included City Hall, Greene County Community Center, the library, among others areas. The Council then set a public hearing for access to easements for the projects on January 13th at 5:30pm.

The Council then approved a forgivable loan of $72,500 to Doc’s Stadium for a new roof and HVAC system by a 4-0 vote, with Council member Chad Sloan abstaining. The Council also approved to extend its contract with PeopleService to continue to be the operator at the Water Plant through December 31, 2025, hiring Walter Jack Seaman as a water department employee with an hourly rate of $25.20, and the third pay estimate of $17,154 to Shank Constructors for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project. Finally, Mayor Craig Berry recognized Council member Pat Zmolek for his time on the Council. Zmolek became a Council member via a special election in 2020 to fill a vacancy left by Matt Gordon, who became Mayor. He then won his re-election bid in 2021, before deciding not to seek another term this past November.