V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Jefferson’s Fire Marshall Victor Perot asked Council to approve him going to JEDCO for $400,000 to build a new fire station near the Jefferson Police Station.
Perot said the proposal used the same footprint as previously proposed, but would cost around $400k instead of the $1.2 million previously.
Mayor Patricia Finstrom strongly objected to the costs and questioned Perot throughout his presentation, citing the need for a new City Hall instead.
“Do you plan on us having a City Hall,” Finstrom asked.
She also questioned the costs associated with furniture and fixtures, and the need for the station to be a pull-through.
“Why do we have to have eight overhead doors? Surely you can back up [a truck] by now,” she asked. “The bottom line is could you cut this [proposal]?”
Ward 3 Alderman Robin Moore joined the objections to how to fund the station, asking if Perot had gone to the County to put in on the station.
“In my 44 years on the fire department, the City has purchased two vehicles. Through our money and grants, we’ve purchased four,” Perot said. He also pointed out if a new station is built, then it would be easier for the City to “get rid of” the old City Hall and station.
Perot indicated the department should have an additional vehicle by the end of the year.
The proposal eventually passed 4-1 with Moore voting against the proposal. Moore cited her objection was due to not asking the County for funds first.
City Hall will be closed all day on April 17 and from 8-11a on April 24 for more training on the new accounting system according to City Administrator/Secretary Melissa Boyd . Boyd also requested, and Council approved waiving water bill late fees in May an d June as the City transitions to the new billing system.
The new system will allow the payment of water bills Online in addition to current options.
Two new events are coming to Jefferson this year.
Big Cypress Corvette Club is sponsoring “Wheels on the Bayou” on September 6.
While no details on what the event is were provided to Council, a flyer on Ward 1 Alderman Hollis Shadden’s business indicates it’s a car show similar to this weekends Outlaw Nationals.
Professional Bull Riding is coming June 28 to Jefferson thanks to sponsorship by Jefferson Rotary Club and created by Reggie Cook. The event will have a parade and a “pet” bull outside the Lazy Draft on Lafayette street. The main event is at the Jefferson Rodeo Arena.
Lion’s Park will be getting new playground equipment this year at a cost of $27,175. The existing equipment will still need to be removed at an additional cost.
Council approved the replacement as long as a similar equipment and costs were also done at the park near the Community Center next year.
Jefferson’s Comprehensive Plan 2025-2045, or the plan developed by Texas A&M’s Texas Target Communities, was given approval, and a concept of creating a committee to make implementation suggestions was also approved. Volunteers will be needed for the committee. Council has had almost a year to review the original plan, and corrections were submitted sometime this spring. Council has had the final version for approximately a month. No public discussion has been done on the plan. A&M made a 10-minute presentation to Council last June.
In other business Council approved:
• building permits for Robin Marshall, Steve and Peggy Walker, and Joe Harpold;
• an event application for Antique Tractor Show in September
• property exchange deed with Ed Cobb
• MuniServices agreement for HOT and Sales tax auditing
• Law Enforcement Mutual Aid or Assistance Interlocal Agreement between JPD, MCSO, Constables JISD, City, and Marion County Attorney’s Office
• joined ETCOG’s COGWORKS purchasing cooperative program
• joined Texas Comptroller’s cooperative purchasing program
• hiring a draftsman to draw up plans for a new City Hall based on specificiations obtained through Boyd and office staff
• hiring a surveyor for the 102 N Polk Street property – two surveys will be done, one of the whole property, and one of just the parking lot
• declared April Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• viewed the newly restored 1872 Cloth Oakwood Cemetery Map. See story next week
• received a presentation from Lyte Fiber on new internet service options coming this year. See County Story on page 1
An update was provided by Boyd on the status of replacing various street and stop signs across the City.
Boyd said the signs are being purchased now, and should be scheduled for installation in id to late summer.
City Hall will be closed on Friday for Good Friday.