Jackson aldermen delay agreement with Magnet

Jackson's board of aldermen has delayed a decision to extend its contract with an economic development corporation during Monday's meeting.

Cape Girardeau Area Magnet wanted to extend its contract to three years, according to Mayor Barbara Lohr. Last year, the board agreed to a one-year extension. But the three-year clause in this year's contract seemed to surprise city officials.

Lohr said though it was a minor change, the board wanted to review information and tabled the matter. The current contract expires Dec. 31.

The city asked for more details on Magnet's work, according to Alderman Dave Reiminger.

"We wanted more information and stuff," he said. The city is supposed to received quarterly reports, but "we failed to receive information. If we're going to spend money on this, we'd like to know what's going on."

Magnet is intended to sway companies planning to expand or relocate to do so in the greater Cape Girardeau area. Magnet's executive director, Mitch Robinson, could not be reached for comment.

In other action:

Power and Light Committee

• Changed the board of aldermen's regular meeting and study session from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22.
• Approved $5,194 payment to Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying Inc. for the 34.5 kV electric transmission line and distribution system improvement project.
• Approved the 2008 city budget.
• Approved the 2008 City of Jackson Employee Compensation Plan.
• Authorized a contract with Utility Service Co. Inc. of Perry, Ga., for providing services under the east elevated water storage tank maintenance program.
• Authorized service contracts with Utility Service Co. Inc. of Perry, Ga., for the west elevated water storage tank maintenance program and the power plant elevated water storage tank maintenance program.
• Authorized an engineering services contract with Golder Associates of St. Louis for the north elevated water storage tank project.

Street Committee

• Set public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 to consider rezoning of 15.52 acres of property immediately west of Klaus Park Village Subdivision, from R-2 (single-family residential) district and R-4 (general residential) district to R-3 (one- and two-family residential) district, as submitted by James C. Green.
• Approved a prioritized list of 2008 concrete street improvements, to be funded by previous Cape Girardeau County Road and Bridge Tax.
• Approved rezoning of the property at 1730 E. Jackson Blvd., from R-2 (single-family residential) district to C-2 (general commercial) district, as submitted by C. Thomas and Carol Linnet Draper.

Liquor license

• Approved a 5 percent beer by drink and a packaged 5 percent beer license for Larry and Julie Looman, d/b/a Lloyd's, 123 S. High St.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127