The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

During open forum, Greene County Development Corporation Executive Director Ken Paxton talked about a housing informational sheet regarding the Kading Properties rental housing project in GCDC’s East Business Park. He did not go into details about the information. There are sheets available at City Hall for the public. The Council took no action following Paxton’s comments.

Denny Lautner also spoke during open forum. He talked about the declining population, forcing higher taxes for investments, he also wanted two city council members to vote how their constituents want them and not their personal preference, and he warned about contacting the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine who is legal and who is not if the Kading Properties project is built. 

The Council then approved the second reading to amend ordinances for zero lot line zoning and front yard setbacks for infill lots. They also approved the second reading to amend an ordinance for water service lines greater than one inch that the customer would pay for time and materials. The Council approved the first reading to amend an ordinance on fencing regulations after a change was made to allow for corrugated metal materials for fencing. The final first reading that the Council approved was to increase water rates by five-percent to prepare for water plant improvements. 

Additionally, the Council approved Region XII Council of Governments for an administrative assistance contract for $1,000 to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for upper story living at Art on the Fly and John’s Appliance. The public hearing on that topic was set for November 14th at 5:30pm. They also approved a resolution for a policy for sidewalk maintenance, repair and cost sharing with the city; as well as a resolution to amend a policy allowing for downtown property owners to be responsible for the first four feet of sidewalk from their storefronts and the city would be responsible for the other four feet to the curb. 

They also approved a resolution for an economic development agreement with Greene Bean Coffee for a $70,000 forgivable loan, as well as purchasing an $82,000 directional boring equipment. There were two 28E agreements that were also approved including operations and maintenance responsibilities of Daubendiek Park Disc Golf Course with the established organization of the Disc Golf Club, as well as sharing the operational costs of the Jefferson Animal Shelter with Greene County to contribute $15,000 annually.