The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday in regular session.

The Council voted 3 to 1 to accepted Mayor Craig Berry’s recommendation to appoint Darren Jackson to fill the vacancy on the council. Along with Jackson’s letter, Berry said he received five additional letters and emails expressing interest in the open seat including Michael Mentzer, Mark Wright, Sue Bose, Sean Sebourn and Amelia Carman. Council member Matt Gordon was the one “no” vote. He told Raccoon Valley Radio he voted no because he thought there was going to be an interview process, but Berry said he made his recommendation based on the letters and emails that he received. Gordon was also unsure if Berry had spoken to any of the potential candidates and had done any phone or in-person communication prior to Tuesday night’s meeting. The appointment will fill the vacancy until the November general election. Jefferson residents can also petition for a special election.

Following two public hearings, the Council approved to transfer two properties to Region XIl Council of Governments of 506 East Clark Street and 507 North Cedar Street so that Region XII can build new houses on the empty lots. Additionally, the Council appointed Sydney Schiltz and John Kersey to the fire department, waived the $58,472 building permit fee for the Greene County School District project and they approved a professional financial services agreement with Piper Jaffray in order to issue $2.6 million general obligation bonds. The Council also approved to close Chestnut Street from Lincoln Way to State Street from 1 to 4pm on Saturday, May 4th for a special event, contingent upon approval of proper liquor licenses and notifying the Greene County Board of Supervisors of the event.

Finally, the Council agreed to allow for the swimming pool liner to be installed two inches below the stainless steel gutter system and repair the chipping concrete portion. It was recommended to go with this option after trying to install the liner directly below the gutter system when it was discovered that the concrete was chipping away. Maintenance will be needed annually for the concrete portion going forward, but it will not cost the City additional money.