V. Hugh Lewis/Jefferson Jimplecute
JEDCO’s proposed 16.507 acre land purchase on the north side of town was again put on hold while the board investigates a possible Federal Wetlands designation that might restrict development of part of the property, and establishes a Public Hearing on the purchase of the land.
“The sellers didn’t say anything about it,” said Board member Bubba Haggard.
New Board member Jim Finstrom asked the question stating he rememered hearing something about it.
The purchase had been previously delayed while a survey and topographical map of the land was obtained. The topographical map, which was delivered during this week’s meeting, shows approximately half the 16.0507 acres as being at 187ft or less below sea level. The remainder of the property is higher.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife maintains an online maping tool which shows all of the designated and protected wetlands in the U.S. Their map shows 2.56 acres of a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland habitat classified as PSS1A. The map may be viewed at https://bit.ly/3O8OrFY.
Finstrom said he would contact Fish & Wildlife to see if any restrictions on development existed for the area.
Approval of the purchase was tabled.
In other business the Board:
• elected new officers: James Parsons as president; Raymond Sanders as vice president; Porsche Johnson as secretary; and Doug Thompson as treasurer.
• approved payments of $2,742.68 to Palmer Law Firm; $10,000 to The Retail Coach; and MTX Surveying for $8,000.
• discussed having The Retail Coach come back and present on activities prior to the annual renewal in October.
• started discussions on 2023-24 Budget and how spending looked against 2022-23 budget
• discussed the board was waiting onQueen Wood for finalization of transfer of additional land.