Construction of the new animal shelter is progressing. Jefferson building and zoning officer Chad Stevens reported to the Jefferson city council at its Oct. 24 meeting that substantial completion is now set for Nov. 18.
Stevens also reported that developer/builder Andy Roland has started construction on two lots he purchased from the city – a duplex on S. Olive St and a single family home on S. Locust St.
Jefferson chief of police Mark Clouse used his time at the end of the meeting to talk about the jail bond referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Voters are asked to approve Greene County issuing an amount not to exceed $12.685 million for a new county jail. The question must have at least a 60 percent ‘yes’ vote to be approved.
“We do have a horse in the race in the city of Jefferson,” Clouse told the council. “I’m asking people to educate themselves on this before you vote. Don’t just look at the price and say ‘No, we can’t do that.’”
He said the Greene County sheriff’s office Facebook page includes a link for information on the ballot issue.
“If it were to fall to our jail closing here, I don’t have the manpower or the budget to deal with those issues that are going to arise. I’m not telling you how to vote. I’m just asking everyone to do a little homework before you make a decision because it is an important vote,” Clouse said.
Earlier in the meeting the council held a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $453,071 for upper story housing conversion at 100 E. State St (above The Centennial tea room). The council then approved submitting the application and hiring Region XII Council of Governments to administer the grant should it be received.
The council also held a public hearing on the plans, specifications, form and contract and estimate of costs for improvements to the wastewater treatment facility. Estimated cost of the project is $16.3 million. The plans, etc were approved.
A pre-bid meeting was scheduled for Nov. 2, with bids due Nov. 15. The council expects to consider bids at its Nov. 22 meeting.
The council set Nov. 8 as the date for a public hearing on detailed plans and specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost on a sanitary sewer project that will place cured in place lining on existing clay pipes in the neighborhood near the swimming pool. Cost of the project is estimated at $272,550, and will be covered almost entirely by money saved on the W. Russell St water main project.
The council approved the second reading and waived the third reading of an ordinance to establish a no parking area on the north side of Adams St west of Grimmell Rd. The ordinance will go into effect with the legal publication of the ordinance on Nov. 3.
Council member Matt Wetrich, ex officio on the park and recreation commission, set there will be a meeting Nov. 17 of persons who may be interested in moving forward with fundraising and construction for an indoor pool. If no one comes forward, the project will be tabled; the park and recreation commission does not intend to lead the project.
Jean Walker, president of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens board, presented the annual report. She reported there were more than 5,000 visitors during the past year. She said sponsoring the farmers market was a “challenge” and thanked the city for assistance with traffic considerations. The Gose and Ecklund families made memorial donations. The building was used many times by non-profit organizations and for family events.
TJG received $20,000 from the city of Jefferson’s hotel/motel tax fund and $11,991 in donations, and raised about $15,000 in fundraisers. Total income was $50,856.
Total expenses were $34,695, with the largest portion of that, $9,004, being wages. Plants and garden supplies totaled $6,900 , insurance was $5,436, and landscape lighting and a sun dial were $4,035.
