Last Zoom meeting unless the public requests their continuance
~by Janice Harbaugh for Greene County News Online
The Jefferson city council met in regular session on May 26 through videoconferencing with Zoom. Mayor Matt Gordon chaired the meeting in person at the city hall council chambers while council members, the public, and media attended through Zoom and by telephone.
Mayor Gordon announced the next council meeting on June 9 would be regular attendance in the council chambers at city hall. Attendance by Zoom and telephone could be considered if the council receives comments and emails from the pubic supporting it.
Community development was an item of business with two projects discussed.
The council discussed the White House Apartment project, 215 S. Wilson, proposed by Court Street Apts., LLC, of Carroll. The developer presented a photo tour of buildings rehabilitated by his company in Carroll and a drawing of how the proposed White House Apts. in Jefferson might be designed.
The developer envisions 12 units on two levels with a mix of 1-and 2-bedroom apartments. There would be one 3-bedroom unit. Apartments would be smoke-free with a community space inside and a covered patio on the back lower level.
There would be a common laundry with two washers and two dryers, storage units, and surveillance with well-lit areas inside and outside.
Two-bedroom units would rent for $700 a month.
The project could be completed within a year, according to Court Street Apts., LLC. However, the project would depend on Workforce Housing tax credits.
The council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the application of Court Street Apartments, LLC for tax credits in order to proceed on plans for the 215 S. Wilson project.
The council discussed an agreement for a $150,000, 10-year forgivable loan to Sebolt Wrestling Academy to assist with the development of the Fieldhouse building, 202 S. Chestnut, into a wrestling academy. The council unanimously approved.
A public hearing was held concerning amendments to the FY2019-2020 budget. No comments had been received by the council and the budget amendments were unanimously approved.
Chief of police Mark Clouse recommended hiring Mark Wolterman as patrol grade 1 at annual salary of $42,554. The council unanimously approved.
In other business, Jamie Daubendiek spoke of progress on the 2020 action plan for Jefferson Matters: Main Street. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many plans but Daubendiek said, “Businesses have found creative ways to stay open.”
Daubendiek cited selling on Facebook Live, promotion team funded gift cards to local businesses, Jeff from Jefferson video segments, and the economic vitality team of Becky Wolf and Thomas Laehn as being helpful to local businesses.
Deb McGinn of Tower View Team reported on three sculptures being installed on the courthouse plaza. She said the public can vote online beginning June 13 for one of the sculptures to be chosen to stay on the plaza for one year. That sculpture’s artist will receive an extra $500.
Councilmember Pat Zmolek spoke of working on a possible noise ordinance.
Councilmember Matt Wetrich said he has made a video explaining recycling and councilmember Harry Ahrenholtz said the city is “due for new rates on sanitation and recycling, maybe charging for cardboard.”
It was announced the Jefferson swimming pool will open June 6.
