JACKSON BOARD LACKS QUORUM

For what's believed to be only the second time in eight years, the Jackson Board of Aldermen was unable to conduct its meeting Tuesday due to the lack of a quorum. The meeting was moved to Tuesday because of the July 4 holiday.

Only four aldermen, the mayor, city clerk, and city administrator and assistant city attorney were present at the scheduled meeting time of 7:30 p.m. A quorum of five aldermen is needed to conduct a legal meeting.

Mayor Paul Sander said three aldermen contacted him prior to the meeting and said they would not be able to attend. "We thought we had our quorum from the fourth aldermen, but at this point we don't know what happened," said Sander.

There only were three items on the agenda. All will be taken up at the board's July 19 meeting.

Although no official business was transacted, the board did meet informally with a group of property owners who live on Mulberry, near Shawnee Drive. The property owners are complaining of excess water flowing onto their property, which they say began four years ago after Ridge Road was paved and curbed.

The property owners were told the city will provide the labor to install drain tile through the site if the property owners purchase the drain pipe.

Also, the city must get permission from another property owner to install the drain pipe on her property.

Acting City Engineer Rich Bowen told those at the meeting that he will study the problem and report back to the board with a recommendation at its July 12 study session.

Another agenda item was related to a petition presented to the city by residents who live near 906 Woodland. The petitioners asked that the city condemn the property, which they complained is an eyesore and a haven for snakes and rats.

Sander and City Administrator Carl Talley agreed that the property is in poor condition. The building inspector will make a report to the board on the residents' complaint.