COUNCIL STUDIES OPTIONS FOR HIGHWAY PLAN

l recently appointed a council sub-committee to study the proposed MoDot preliminary highway plans that would improve the existing highway through Jackson or create a new bypass of the City. This committee chaired by Councilman Jack Piepenbrok will study all five proposed options for improvement and make a recommendation to the full council as to which option best benefits the future of Jackson. The committee also may suggest an alternative that is different from the MoDot proposals. Upon agreement of the council, sometime early in 1998, we will recommend a plan of action to MoDot for their review. I would encourage citizen input on this issue as these improvements will have a long lasting affect on Jackson. MoDot advises that construction of any improvement likely would not take place until 2002 at the earliest.

DNR recently completed its annual inspection of Jackson's water system. This inspection is done to determine if our water supply meets all Missouri Safe Drinking Water Regulations. Results showed that our water plant and system is well maintained and operated.

In an effort to improve our infrastructure mapping and to create a database for the future, digital aerial photography will be done in Jackson. This program done under the direction of Public Works Director Jim Roach will enable us to better locate water and sewer lines and other important city infrastructure at the touch of a computer button.

The feasibility study is continuing on the proposed multi-purpose / community center for Jackson. The committee is moving with caution and making sure all things are considered before any recommendation is made to the council.

After much study a new ordinance was passed concerning mobile home zoning and mobile home park restrictions. As the need for mobile homes exists in every community this ordinance ensures that all future mobile home parks will meet these new regulations. Some of the considerations of this ordinance included ample parking, adequate lot size, and paved streets. Any future development would have to be a minimum of five acres in size and meet planning and zoning requirements. Anyone wishing further information about this new ordinance should contact City Hall.

Jackson High School sports teams continue to be very successful. Congratulations go to our boys soccer team and girls cross country teams that advanced to state competition. Mark Sander from the boys cross country team also advanced to state play. But who would have thought that after only two years of competing in the 5A (large school) division that our football team would have two district championships, one playoff game victory and an overall record of 20-3. These accomplishments are incredible considering we were competing at the 4A level only three years ago. It just goes to show you that no hill is to hard to climb. Congratulations to the coaches and players!

The Jackson Jaycees will sponsor the annual Christmas parade to be held in Jackson Dec. 6th at 1:30 p.m. This parade gets bigger and better every year so bring the family and enjoy it.

On behalf of the Council I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at city hall in Jackson. Your suggestions as to how we can further improve Jackson are always welcome.