The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.
The Council approved setting a public hearing for August 8th to increase the size of an easement on city property for Hardin Hilltop Wind to install a new substation, along with approving the second reading to amend an ordinance to change the zoning of a Planned Unit Development at the Water Tower Subdivision, and a resolution for a plat of survey for Scott Weber to divide a parcel at the corner of Stanford and North Walnut Street to give to an adjacent property owner. Additionally, the Council also approved the final pay estimate of $20,942, as well as the final acceptance and certificate of completion for the Russell Street Water Main Improvement Project.
The Council also approved the first reading to amend an ordinance to increase the monthly yard waste site from $1 to $3 and the amount for a yard waste sticker from $1 to $2. It was noted at the meeting that the increase was needed due to the expenses of removing ash trees because of the emerald ash borer. They approved a resolution to establish a daily impound/boarding fee for the Greene County Animal Shelter at $20 per day and an annual fee of $200 for some of the surrounding cities, excluding Scranton and Dana. Another item the Council approved about the shelter was accepting a donation from Beth Vander Wilt on behalf of the Keith Vander Wilt Memorial that was used to purchase one of the Ring Out for Art sculptures.
The Council then approved participating in the Trees Forever Carbon Credit program as presented, an engineering services agreement with Bolton and Menk towards an overlay and widening project on East Lincoln Way for $141,400, a resolution for transferring funds and closing fund accounts as presented, and they tabled voting on a proposal for a strategic planning and goal setting for city department heads and council members until the full council could vote, which Council member Harry Ahrenholtz was absent.
Finally, the Council approved a letter of intent for a housing project that is led by Greene County Development Corporation. GCDC is proposing gifting 24 acres of land in its east business park to Kading Properties to build 100-140 rental units. The developer is asking for the city to provide utilities such as water, sewer and an access street to the property, as well as a ten year tax abatement. The Council agreed that they support the project and are willing to see it move forward, but nothing else has been finalized.
Mayor Matt Gordon brought up at the end of the meeting hiring issues that are facing the police department. He said the department remains three officers short and with the raises in wages for the Greene County Sheriff’s Deputies to take effect next month, he pointed out the lowest paid deputy makes at least $20,000 more than an officer. No action was made, but the Council may examine the situation closer in the future.