BOARD OF ALDERMEN FACE APRIL 7 RACE UNOPPOSED

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen will remain intact for at least another year.

Tuesday was the last day of filing for the April 7 aldermanic election. No one but the incumbents stepped forward during the filing period, meaning Aldermen Larry Cunningham, David Reiminger, Fred Leimer and David Ludwig each will serve another two-year term.

Ludwig said the lack competition for seats on the board is "a positive sign of the strong leadership coming from both the council and the mayor."

The city's accelerating growth remains the most important issue for the board, he said. "We spend a lot of time making sure it's orderly growth."

Ludwig, an account representative for Moore Business Forms in Jackson, has had challenges in the past.

"I think the people are satisfied and I think they're happy with the direction Jackson is growing," he said.

Ludwig represents Ward 1 and has been on the board since 1981. She has been chairman of the Power and Light Committee for 10 years.

Reiminger represents Ward 2, Leimer Ward 4 and Cunningham Ward 3. Reiminger will be serving his fourth term, Leimer his third and Cunningham will be serving his second term.

In business Monday, the board accepted the retirement notice of Fire Chief Gary Niswonger (see related story), effective April 1. Niswonger became the fire chief in 1977.

In other business:

-- City Administrator Steve Wilson said bids for the new Washington Street Bridge will be advertised this week. He said a new bridge should be in place within eight weeks.

-- The board changed the regular council meeting date from Monday, February 16, to Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to the Presidents Day holiday.

Jackson Board of Aldermen

7:30 p.m. Tuesday

City Hall

Public hearing

-- Held hearing to consider the proposed voluntary annexation of property owned by Paul and Peggy Fisher.

Action items

Power and Light Committee

-- Approved motion authorizing Park Department to advertise for bids for new front deck mower.

-- Approved the semi-annual financial statement ending Dec. 31, 1997, and authorizing statement to be published in local newspaper.

-- Approved motion amending the 1997 Budget.

-- Approved motion authorizing the advertisement for bids for a new one-ton bucket truck for Electric Distribution Department.

-- Approved motion accepting bid of Flentge Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $27,754 for the construction of a reinforced concrete box culvert on the Fisher property.

-- Approved a bill proposing an ordinance authorizing a contractual agreement with Flentge Construction Company relative to the reinforce concrete box culvert on Fisher property project.

Street Committee

-- Approved motion accepting the retirement notice of Fire Chief Gary Niswonger effective April, 1, 1998.

-- Approved motion authorizing purchase of one 1998 Ford Crown Victoria patrol vehicle under the State of Missouri Cooperative Procurement Program for a total cost of $20,024.

-- Approved the performance guarantee for Savannah Ridge Subdivision, Phase II.

-- Approved motion to change the regular council meeting date from Monday, Feb. 16, to Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to Presidents Day holiday.

-- Approved bill proposing an ordinance accepting a Deed of Dedication from Appleton Valley Farm Inc. relative to the dedication of right of way for Oak Forest Drive.