The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night for the final time in 2023.

During open forum, six people spoke against the proposed rental housing project by Kading Properties in the Greene County Development Corporation East Business Park. Most of the concerns were about Kading’s request of infrastructure from the city, responsible growth for the community, overwhelming the public schools and the ramifications of the food pantry if there are large influxes of new people, gifting a large amount of acres to Kading while other businesses paid for their lots, having rental properties in an industrial area, the low number of jobs with the high number of rental units and that Kading accepted Section 8 of US Housing and Urban Development for vouchers for housing at their other properties. No action was taken by the Council.

The Council did approve a resolution expanding an easement for Hardin Hilltop Wind for an additional eight total feet, following a public hearing. The Council also approved a resolution in support of Greene County’s special election for a referendum for Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) funds for voters in the unincorporated portions of the county to vote on in March. 

Additionally, the Council approved a contract amendment for Region XII Council of Governments to add language to the upper story housing project at 123 North Chestnut Street. They also approved a resolution to amend a plat of survey for GCDC in the East Business Park to change the boundaries for two parcels that make up almost 40 acres, the 10th pay estimate of $433,520 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project, the second pay estimate of $175,011 for the airport hangar project, and the final report from the strategic planning and goal setting session.

The Council also approved the second reading to amend an ordinance for excessive dogs barking, the maximum length of stay for an animal at the animal shelter is 18 months, allowing dogs who are licensed to use the dog park at the animal shelter and installing cameras for any violaters. They tabled the readiness study for the library’s expansion project and they sent the name of the animal shelter back to committee for further recommendations. Finally, the Council heard an update on the East Lincoln Way resurfacing project and took no action following the update. There will be no second city council meeting in December.