Council Hears Project Updates

The Jackson City Council met on Thursday, May 21, for its regular monthly session, with five Council Members present.

After completing its regular business of approving the minutes and financial reports, the Council heard updates from several current and future projects.

Paul Nesbitt, of Nesbitt Engineering, presented maps of the new sewer and water lines that are currently being installed along Highway 15 as part of the Highway 15 project and planned work on Lower Main Street.  He answered several questions from the council members about where the lines will be placed and the possible issues with connecting the old lines to the new system.

Nesbitt told Councilmembers that the engineering had been completed and that they anticipated no issues with connecting the new lines on Highway 15 to the old, and that the work would improve the system when completed.

“People are going to have to feel the pain to get this to the end,” Mayor Laura Thomas told the Council.

She and Nesbitt reminded those present that the result will mean better water and sewer service for the city, and that the benefits will outweigh the traffic issues and inconveniences currently being experienced.

Mayor Thomas provided an update on other projects, including the Turner Court Housing Complex on Highland Avenue and the Top Cat Development on Highway 30 West.

Thomas said the city expects to be “building in June” on the first two houses at the Turner Court Project after contractors have done significant work to bring the site down to grade for construction.  She noted that the large pile of dirt at the site would be transported to the Top Cat site on Highway 30 West for use there.

She reported that tree removal and other environmental work had been completed at the Highway 30 site, and site prep was expected there soon.

Mayor Thomas told the Council that the sewer extension to the Lake Point area off Panbowl Road had been approved, but no funds have been received to begin that effort to add several homes to the municipal sewer system.

The Council approved several ordinances related to other projects and the second reading of an ordinance creating new job titles for the Fire Department. 

Council members discussed the current uses of the old water plant site, nuisance properties, the upcoming canoe trip, the flood plain designation on Lakeside, the ongoing removal of FEMA Buy-Out houses, and the efforts of local volunteers to coordinate a “hometown heroes” banner program to honor area veterans.

Mayor Thomas congratulated the winning candidates from the May Primary, several of whom were in the room.  Still, she reminded those who will not be on the November ballot to remove their signs in accordance with the city’s existing ordinances.

“Maybe we will get a reprieve from political signs,” she said with a smile.

Kenneth Patrick was not present for the meeting.