The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

The Council approved an amendment to the City’s Urban Renewal Plan, following a public hearing on the topic. The amendment removed the $150,000 per building limit of tax increment financing for improvements but left the $600,000 annual limit. Then following a presentation by Sebolt Wrestling Academy, the Council agreed to proceed with an agreement with the company to help with improvements and tax abatement after they purchase the Jefferson Fieldhouse from the Greene County Youth Athletic Association. The agreement will be considered for approval at a future Council meeting.

Additionally, the Council heard an update from Greene County Development Corporation. Executive Director Ken Paxton said former Carroll Mayor Adam Schweers is looking to purchase and develop 12 apartments in the White Apartments building on South Wilson Avenue. Following Paxton’s update, the Council approved the GCDC quarterly funding request. 

The Council then discussed the Jefferson Matters: Main Street and Jefferson Area Chamber merger. One full time position will no longer be a city position, but the City could use hotel/motel tax funds to pay for the $70,000 position. No action was taken by the Council following the discussion.

The Council also heard an update from the cat committee. Council member Darren Jackson presented the idea of having special “Trap-Neuter-Release” days where the community would capture as many wild cats as possible and treat them with TNR. No action was taken by the Council following the update.

The Council also approved the multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, an amendment to the 2021 fiscal year budget due to incorrect debt service levy amount that went to council members but was published correctly, and reviewed the City’s quarterly financial report. Additionally, the Council agreed to move forward with an agreement with Sebourn Video Services to record all city council meetings, with formal action to take place at a future meeting. 

Finally, the Council held a lengthy discussion during the public hearing on the plans, specifications, and form of contract for four shared use path projects. The projects include a ten-foot wide trail from Ram Drive to Greenwood along Highway 4, an eight-foot wide trail from Highway 4 on West Central Avenue to Walnut Street, an eight-foot wide trail on East Lincoln Way from the Milwaukee Depot to the City Cemetery, and a ten-foot wide trail to replace the current walking trail at Daubendiek Park. The total estimated cost was $1,043,530. There were two bidders for the project. The Council approved the plans, specifications and form of contract and will consider awarding the contract at a future meeting.