INDUSTRY INTERESTED IN LOCATING IN JACKSON

JACKSON -- An industry is considering a move to Jackson that would result in the creation of "a significant number of jobs," city administrator Steve Wilson told the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night.

Consideration of Jackson as a site is contingent upon the city making improvements in the water and electrical infrastructure at its industrial parks on Route PP and Lee Avenue.

Wilson said the city has sworn a "blood oath" not to reveal details about the industry until an agreement is reached.

Today, the Jackson will submit an application to the state Department of Economic Development for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to pay for the improvements. They would include above-ground water storage, increased water lines and line looping, and increased water pressure and electrical capability.

Wilson said the $500,000 amount could increase.

The grants are made available through the Department of Economic Development to cities to help create jobs.

Wilson said jobs that would be created are "jobs that exist now elsewhere."

The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted to authorize the mayor to pursue the funding. Wilson said a reply could come within 30 or 40 days.

If the city can make the improvements, the city is in a good position to land the industry, Wilson said.

"I feel good about it. I have a lot of optimism."

He said the city hasn't had a Community Development Block Grant since the early 1980s.

In other business, the board decided to consider at its Aug. 17 meeting new zoning and land subdivision regulations relative to condominiums and condominium subdivisions.

Jackson Board of Aldermen

Monday, Aug. 3

Public hearing

-- Held hearing to consider the application for a special use permit for the establishment and operation of a day care facility in a C-2 (general commercial) district at 974 W. Independence St. as submitted by Michael Lackamp.

-- Held hearing to consider amendments to the zoning and land subdivision regulations of the City of Jackson in order to provide zoning subdivision regulations relative to condominiums and condominium subdivisions.

Action items

Power and Light Committee

-- Approved a motion to change the regular council meeting from Monday, Sept. 7, 1998, to Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1998, due to the Labor Day holiday.

-- Approved a resolution stating intent of the City of Jackson to seek funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program and to authorize the mayor to pursue activities in an attempt to secure funding.

-- Approved a resolution accepting petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Farris Nabors and setting a public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1998, 7:30 p.m.

Street Committee

-- Abandoned utility easement in Beussink Subdivision.

Executive session