JACKSON CITY UPDATE

It seems impossible that half of 1996 is history. As we started this year, we had 13 major goals to accomplish or make progress on for 1996. As we review those goals halfway through the year, we have made progress on most and completed some of our goals. To be more precise, considerable progress has been made on 11 of these 13 goals, with plans in the works to move forward on the remaining two goals.

Those goals for major progress included: 1. Grandview sewers project; 2. Finish water loops to new water tower by I-55; 3. Add an electric substation by I-55; 4. East Main Street extension; 5. Get more water to Industrial Park on Route PP; 6. Old Cape Road bridge replacement; 7. Update our five-year plan; 8. Update comprehensive plan of Jackson; 9. Independence Street low water bridge improvement; 10. Solid waste transfer station; 11. Improve intersection of Highway 61 and Route D; 12. Implementation of drug dog unit; 13. Offer budget billing to our electric customers. We will continue to work toward progress on these major goals to make Jackson a better place for everyone.

The 1996 street overlay program has been approved and will begin in July and continue into August. A total of 10 improvements were approved on a priority basis. These include: Georgia Street from Florence to Greensferry; the first 500 feet of Old Orchard from East Jackson Boulevard; Ohio Street from Main to Washington; Russell Street from Washington to Mary; Cherry Street from Missouri to Russell; Mary Street from High Street to Hope; Brookside Park parking lot; Elwanda Drive from Shady Lane north; and North Farmington Street from Route D north as needed. Please pardon our progress as we try to make these improvements.

We were recently awarded a hiring grant for an additional police officer through the COPS federal program. This grant will pay for 75 percent of the officer's salary and benefits for three years. This is the second grant received by Jackson for police officer funding.

An updated nuisance ordinance has been passed by the council. This more updated ordinance puts more teeth in our statutes which protect law-abiding citizens against a variety of general nuisances.

Our Brookside Park restroom has been completed. The parking lot at Brookside will soon be overlayed, which will make our outstanding parks even better.

I received a number of calls about the increase recently of local cable TV rates. While the council and I agree that increase was excessive, the city of Jackson has no control of rates charged by our local cable TV company. If you are concerned about your cable TV cost, you should call your local cable office and voice your concern.

Tomorrow is the July 4 holiday. Fly your flag and remember all those who helped us all gain and retain our freedom in this great country. Also, the Jackson Jaycees will once again be having a large celebration with many activities in our main city park. This great time will end with the usual great fireworks display around 9:15 p.m. Thanks to the Jaycees for their hard work to make this an enjoyable event for everyone.

The council meets every Monday night at 7:30 at city hall. Your input and ideas are always welcome.

Paul Sander is the mayor of Jackson.