By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Jefferson City Council remained silent on the COVID-19/Corona Virus issue during Tuesday nights regular meeting, but proceeded with business as usual on the agenda.
The meeting largely focused on upcoming elections with Mayor Pro Tem Victor Perot requesting Council table the proposed Joint Election Agreement with JISD due to updates needing to be made to the 2008 era agreement.
Perot noted the agreement has a requirement that each entity be “responsible for furnishing 1/2 of the voting machines, beginning January 2008.” As worded, it would put the City at a disadvantage as the school district has a requirement of more voting machines than the city does.
New Election Equipment
City Election Judge Pat George addressed the Council on the City’s current voting equipment noting that the manufacturer currently is no longer servicing the machines and there are no longer any spare parts available. She recommended the City join Marion County in working to purchase new machines at a larger discount than the City could obtain on their own. George did not have any cost information to give the City on the new equipment.
Council agreed and moved to discuss the matter with County Clerk Vickie Smith and to join the County in purchasing new equipment sometime later this year. The current equipment will be used for the 2020 City Elections.
Redistricting
George also recommended the City review with redistricting as there is approximately 100 registered voter difference between Ward 2 and Ward 3, thus putting Ward 2 residents at a potential disadvantage by being under represented.
Perot asked George to review the 1980s suite where the City was required to change it’s form of government and established the existing ward boundaries. George said she would and report back to Council.
Alley Closure
In other business the City approved declaring an alley off Texas Street closed and abandoned and selling it to Demetria Wilson who owns the property on either side of the alley.
Battle of Jefferson
Council also approved the Event Application for “Battle of Jefferson” event held during Pilgrimage. The application requested the use of Lions Park, the parking lot behind the Marion County Courthouse, and that the visitor center restrooms and showers be kept open til 11 p.m. during the event. Lastly, the application requested that Oakwood Cemetery remain open until 10:30 p.m. during the vent for the “Illumination” portion of the event. The “Illumination” offers visitors the opportunity to rent a radio and listen to a pre-recorded narrative on the cemetery.
Berean Baptist Church
Berean Baptist Church Pastor William Scott addressed Council regarding drainage and flooding issues around the church, located on Gray Street. Scott said the church is experiencing flooding due to a lack of drainage. He said there is an alley located behind and beside the church, but water does not drain anywhere. When it does drain it goes North away from State Hwy 49. He explained the church is a wood frame structure and is experiencing structural damage due to the wood bowing and warping due to the amount of water.
Perot indicated he would contact SPI, who does most of the City’s engineering work, and have them “shoot some elevations” to see how the the water problem can be alleviated and at what costs. Perot and Alderman Jim Finstrom indicated the work would be beyond the scope of the City Streets Department employees.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the approval of minutes from the March 3, and February 18 meetings, the monthly financial reports, and the resignation of Charles Haggard as Mayor which was effective February 20. The Joint Elections Agreement was originally part of the Consent Agenda, but Perot had requested it be moved to Action items.
After the Meeting
The posted agenda had also included an Executive Session to discuss the City Administrator position, but the Herald filed an objection with Perot and the City’s Attorney Mike Martin, challenging the wording and the intended use of the session. Perot responded to the Herald on Monday, citing he had not intended an executive session and that that portion of the agenda would not be done.
After the closing of the meeting, members present discussed two future meetings to discuss the City Administrator position.