The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.
During open forum, resident Phyllis Crowder asked for an update on the trap-neuter-release (TNR) in regards to feral cats. Council members Matt Gordon and Darren Jackson serve on the committee, along with People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse and members from the Boone County Humane Society. Both Jackson and Gordon agreed that conversations were going well and they are still trying to figure out a solution. Jackson anticipated having a solution reached by next spring.
MeLinda Madison then spoke during forum. She was concerned with teens driving golf carts near her home by Washington Park. Chief Clouse recommended she call the police department to report it and officers can address the issue.
The Council approved an engineering agreement with Bolton and Menk to develop a wastewater treatment plant facility plan to address the 2017 Nutrient Reduction Feasibility Study for $48,500. The plan must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources by a city self-imposed date of June 2020. Additionally, the Council approved an engineering agreement with Bolton and Menk for $32,000 to design a water main improvement project on Washington Street from Wilson Avenue to Chestnut. The project includes eliminating two dead end water lines and make it a loop, while also increasing the line from two to six-inches.
The Council also approved an addendum with Bolton and Menk to add a Daubendiek Park Trail Improvement project to the Greenewood and Central Avenue Trail Improvements. The engineering fee for the Daubendiek Trail Improvement project is $44,000. Another item that was approved by the Council was purchasing two heating units for the wastewater plant of $10,522 from Winger Mechanical in Fort Dodge to replace the current non-functioning boiler system. The third and final reading to amend an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates each by three-percent was also approved.
Finally, the Council heard an update on the Greene County Animal Facility project. Facilitator Don Orris said they’ve raised over $500,000 of the $1.2 million project. He talked about setting up a charitable remainder trust fund. Orris said the trust would allow someone to enter a personal asset into the trust, but while they are alive they could continue to generate revenue from the asset. Once the person passes away, the asset goes to the City. Orris asked if the City would agree to have to take on temporary debt as part of the trust, knowing that they could recoup those funds once the person passes on. The Council instructed City Attorney Bob Schwartzkopf to further look into the trust idea.