JACKSON CONSIDERS FRONT-LAWN VEHICLE SALES

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen is expected to decide Monday whether to allow the sale of vehicles from the lawns of residences.

The amendments to the zoning and nuisance ordinances would allow a vehicle for sale to be parked on a lawn by the vehicle's owner. The vehicle would have to be licensed and operable. Only one vehicle could be for sale at a time.

To pass the ordinance will require the votes of six aldermen because the city's Planning and Zoning Commission already has rejected the ordinance amendments. The vote was unanimous.

P&Z's objections primarily were aesthetic, according to Chairwoman Barbara Lohr. "We felt having cars parked in the yard simply did not allow for a favorable impression," she said.

One member of the commission also brought up possible difficulties a vehicle in the front yard could pose for emergency personnel trying to get in and out of the residence.

A car parked on the lawn also could make it difficult for drivers exiting driveways to see oncoming traffic, one commissioner observed. At least 10 people opposing the ordinance spoke before the commission.

Two people in favor of the ordinance appeared before the commission. They said positioning a vehicle on the lawn enables people to sell their cars individually instead of trading them in, saving them money.

The city currently allows individuals to sell vehicles that are parked on a paved surface, such as a driveway, but proponents of the ordinance claim the lawn affords better visibility for the vehicle.

Steve Wilson, the city administrator, said sale of more than one vehicle at a time still could only be done in a commercially zoned area. "If you're going to operate a business, it's going to have to be zoned and parked in a weed-free area," he said. "You need a business license from the city, a state dealer license, a sign and a building."

Lohr said the Board of the Aldermen seems to be leaning toward approval of the ordinance, which would be a rare rejection of a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation.

"It does not happen often," she said.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

JACKSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA

7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3

City Hall

Action Items

Power and Light Committee

* Consider a bill proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the code of Ordinances relating to the city's electrical distribution system and charges for certain services.

* Consider a motion to accept the bid of Monroe Plumbing & Heating co. Inc., of Cape Girardeau in the amount of $45,079.77 on the Old Toll Road Lift Station Upgrade Project.

* Consider a bill proposing an ordinance authorizing a contractual agreement with Monroe Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. relative to the Old Toll Road Lift Station Upgrade Project.

Street Committee

* Consider a bill proposing an ordinance amending Section 29-18 and Section 10.5-1 relating to zoning and nuisances respectively in order to allow the sale of vehicles from front yards of residences.

* Consider a motion to change regular council meeting date from Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, to Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, due to Presidents Day holiday.

Executive Session

* For the purpose of discussing litigation, personnel and purchase of property.