The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

The Council approved to set a public hearing for the next Council meeting on February 10th to amend an ordinance that would allow for the discharge of firearms for hunting only within 20 parcels of land that is owned by Dan Pauley on the southwestern portion of town. The land would be part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Iowa Habitat and Access Program. Police Chief Mark Clouse pointed out that he preferred if the ordinance would only stipulate hunting. 

The Council then approved Red Lion Renewables for access to city-owned easements and a power purchase agreement for net-metering with Alliant Energy to save electricity costs at 11 locations with solar panels. Next, the Council approved an application for an Iowa Economic Development Authority Catalyst grant to help with costs of renovating a downtown building that would allow for two businesses to operate the main floor and rehabbing two possible upper story apartments. 

They also approved purchasing an aerial lift for the Public Works Department for $40,500, including the trade-in value of the current lift from Mid-Country Machine. The reason that was mentioned for replacement was due to the age of the machine and speed control issues with the bucket. This was a budgeted item. The Council approved a forestry attachment for the skid loader for Public Works for $38,700 from Bobcat, with payment to come from the rest of the budgeted item, as well as the Sewer Fund. 

Additionally, the Council approved an engineering agreement with Bolton and Menk for surface improvements to the alleyway with Doc’s Stadium on the east side of the downtown square. Several improvements were mentioned for a total of $16,000 for the engineering cost and the project to be bid as an alternate with the general obligation bond for the Westwood Drive sidewalk project. Next, the Council approved an engagement letter with Bolton and Menk to conduct an interior and exterior inspection of the water tower for $6,500 and the 34th pay estimate to Shank Constructors for $20,688 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project.

During a review of the 2027 fiscal year budget, it was mentioned that the proposed tax levy rate would remain the same at $14.88.