Jennifer Perry Middleton
Jefferson Jimplecute
Neither the general public, nor members of the Jefferson City Council will be allowed to attend a meeting about the construction of an activity center for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
That’s according to Robin Moore, city alderman and member of the church.
“The meeting is none of your business,” Moore told Council and Mayor Rob Barker during a regular meeting on Tuesday. “It’s private property and you can build on private property what you want. The city can’t require any type of meeting in order to pass a building permit. You can’t do that. It’s not lawful.”
Baker said that he was simply looking for transparency in the project and that citizens are talking about it and have concerns.
“There is a true value in putting something there,” he said.
During the April 5 Council meeting, project architect Brett Brevard of Tyler, gave details about the proposed structure, and stated that it “is intended as a magnet and an opportunity for young people in Jefferson to go and do things. The congregation at Immaculate Conception is somewhat senior in nature and they are striving to attract a more youthful congregation.”
The project includes a two-story, 16,000-square-foot building at 201 North Vale Street containing a basketball-court size room, a modern kitchen for the St. Vincent de Paul food ministry, three classrooms, a lounge, media room, library and conference room. A prayer garden is also planned between the church and the activity center for use by the parishioners and the general public.
Currently, the proposed completion date is June 2023.
Moore said the project was “not the city’s business” and that the city was “overstepping” its bounds.
“You would deny a permit if we don’t have a meeting?” she asked Baker. “Is that what you’re telling me?”
Baker said that he would find it difficult to support a building without transparency.
Moore replied, “All of a sudden we want transparency when we want a church, a Catholic Church, downtown with a very diverse congregation…I think there is discrimination.”
She went on to state, “This council better have a good reason to deny a building permit from the city council on that property that we own and have a right to build on. There better be a legitimate reason, not postponement after postponement. We have enough investment in this project that we will not be put off.”
Baker replied that it was “inappropriate” for the church to have a meeting about the project and not include the public.
No vote was taken, as it was a discussion item on the agenda.
City ordinance 18-82 requires the issuance of a building permit before construction can begin, and gives the city the authority to request information prior to approval. The city also has requirements in 18-85 that construction must begin within three months and be completed within nine months from the time of permit approval.
In other business, several building permits were approved, including one at 1101 South Main and 601 East Jefferson. Dennis Whatley also requested the city pay half of the fee to install a culvert at 202 West Douglas. The area in question is approximately 150 feet long, two feet deep and four feet wide and could be considered an eyesore. Councilman Robert Turner said that if it is that long, it’s not just a matter of putting a culvert in and that they should have someone take a look at it. The item was tabled for a further date.
Also approved was a bid for $3,600 for C&M Tree Service to cut two trees at the duplex development Wayne Smith owns across from the cemetery. Smith will be responsible for removing the stumps and root system to put in a sewer line so renters can move in by May 15.
In a tie-breaking vote, Mayor Baker denied a $200 request by Angela Reeves for new rugs and cleaning sewage from her bathroom after the last big rain. Although Council is aware that Dixon Street is known for the sewer backing up following a large rain, the mayor said the reimbursement was denied because the city generally hasn’t paid for residents to clean their own properties after backups. Councilman Richard Turner said that there were no receipts, nor proof that the incident occurred.
Council also approved the Community Celebration to be held on May 14; to promote John Lorance from a paid reserve officer to full-time patrol officer effective April 29; and for the Jefferson High School Class of 2022 to hold a parade on May 24, pending proof of liability.
Mayor Baker said dumpsters would be placed around the city on April 23 in observance of Earth Day. In addition, Council approved the placement of video cameras at the Convention and Tourist Center and City Hall, and discussed getting code locks and keypads for the doors at city hall.
In addition, Council agreed to look further into an ordinance regarding travel trailers parked in the city limits that are not hooked up to sewer or electric services and are used as residences. They agreed to review and clean up the ordinances to not only eliminate an eyesore, but to prevent the dumping of waste in the neighborhoods and the loss of property values for those owners adjacent to the trailers.