JACKSON AMENDS NUISANCE LAW

JACKSON -- Contractors will have an extra hour of cool temperatures to work this summer, while motorists will have fewer speed limits to memorize.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night approved a bill amending an ordinance relating to nuisances by adding an exception for summer construction. The bill allows construction work to begin an hour earlier in June, July and August because of daytime heat. Noise restrictions will be exempt from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., rather than the current 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The board also passed a measure amending the speed limit on East Jackson Boulevard. The speed limit will be 40 mph from the Highway 72-25 junction east to Old Cape Road. Speed limits along the section currently are 35, 40 and 50 mph.

The recommendation came from the Missouri Department of Transportation after the city requested a study be made. An independent survey conducted by the Jackson Police Department supports the change.

Mayor Paul Sander and re-elected Aldermen David Hitt of Ward 1, Kerry Hoffman of Ward 2 and Valeria Tuschoff of Ward 3 were sworn in for new terms. Sander expressed pride in the work of the board during the last term.

"During the past year and over the past few years we've certainly accomplished a lot," he said. "There are many more challenges ahead."

All but one of the city's committee and board members with expiring terms had agreed to serve again. In the only change, Tina Weber replaced Dave Turner on the Park Board.

"It's highly unusual to have that many individuals who like to serve the community," Sander said.

The board also approved reappointment of the city clerk, municipal judge, alternative municipal judge, city attorney, chief of police and president of the Board of Aldermen.

In other business, the board passed a motion authorizing the city attorney, David Beeson, to proceed with condemnation proceedings relative to the Interstate 55 pump station phase II construction project should the need arise. Sander stressed that the city does not anticipate a need for condemnation.

A public hearing was set for June 7 at 7:30 p.m., to consider rezoning property on Orchard and Broadridge drives from R-3 (general residential to C-1 (local commercial).

In a hearing prior to the meeting, Jim Joggerst requested the rezoning of all property at 2436 Brittany Drive from C-2 (general commercial) to R-2 (single family residential). Following the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board, the board approved the rezoning.