Jackson aldermen set special meeting on annexation applications

The Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday night set a series of public hearings and a special meeting to address recent annexation applications to the city.

On Nov. 7, a public hearing was held for comments to the board concerning the voluntary annexation of about 240 acres to the city owned by Heartland Materials quarry and the Hoffmeister family. The board then opened a two-week period of public comment.

"Our attorney has said we need to use due diligence and allow for the full 14 days," said Mayor Barbara Lohr, explaining that no action could be taken until after midnight Monday. A special meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

Should the board receive a petition signed by at least 5 percent of Jackson residents opposing the Heartland annexation by the end of the two-week period, the matter will have to be put to a vote.

In the study session that followed, a potential agenda was set for Nov. 28. In addition to the Heartland vote, the board may make known the city's position on the involuntary annexation of Fruitland and make a motion to authorize the city attorney to advise the county commission of Jackson's position on Fruitland incorporating independently.

Also, in the study session, Feb. 7 was set as a possible date for votes on the Heartland parcel and the larger Fruitland involuntary tract, to coincide with the presidential primary election.

In regular session, public hearings were set for 7 p.m. Jan. 17 on:

* The rezoning of about 76 acres on County Road 601 from residential to heavy industrial and the granting of a special-use permit for a sawmill and wood manufacturing operation as well as a salvage and recycling business on land owned by Hoffmeister Stake and Handle and Hoffmeister Real Estate LLC.

* The rezoning of about 99 acres of property on U.S. 61 North from residential to heavy industrial and the granting of a special-use permit for a quarry and mining operation to Strack Excavating.

* The rezoning of about 54 acres on U.S. 61 North from residential to heavy industrial by landowners Walter and Harriet Drusch and the William Penrod Revocable Living Trust.

In other business, the board announced that the Jackson Christmas parade will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 on Main St. in Jackson. At 1:45 p.m., a ceremony will honor soldiers of Pearl Harbor and World War II.

salderman@semissourian.com

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