JACKSON AWARDED GRANT FOR IMPROVED CITY LAKE

JACKSON -- The city of Jackson has been awarded a $36,000 grant by the Missouri Department of Conservation to dredge a lake in the city park and to improve handicapped accessibility.

Mayor Paul Sander announced the grant at Monday night's meeting of the Jackson Board of Aldermen.

Funds will be used to construct a handicapped fishing dock, a handicapped accessible restroom near the lake, and to make the lake deeper to help eliminate algae problems during the summer.

"It will be a nice addition for the park," said Sander, who added that efforts have been made recently to improve accessibility at the new veterans memorial.

Sander said the lake likely will be drained in July and work on the dredging and dock construction will start. The new bathroom will be constructed next spring.

The mayor said he is not sure when the lake will be re-opened for fishing.

Also at Monday's meeting, the old city council adjourned sine die and the first session of the new council was convened.

Four aldermen elected to new two-year terms were sworn in Monday, including Fred Leimer, who was elected to replace Leroy Brown in Ward 3. Brown did not seek re-election.

Re-elected to new terms in April were David Ludwig, Dave Reiminger, and Glen Oldham. Kevin Sawyer was re-elected mayor pro tem by the council.

Mayor Sander also made committee assignments for the year. Jack Piepenbrok was appointed to continue as chairman of the street committee and Ludwig will continue to head the power and light committee.