JACKSON EXPERIENCING ANOTHER GROWTH SPURT

JACKSON -- An electric-system report delivered to the city of Jackson shows the need for one new substation as soon as possible and at least two more in the future.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen contracted the engineering firm of Barnes, Meisenheimer and Gende Inc. to take a thorough look at the city's electric services and their relation to Jackson's current growth trends.

While Jackson hasn't had problems with electricity now, some could arise if money doesn't go to improving distribution.

"It's kind of major," City Administrator Steve Wilson said. "The dollar figures scare me, but there are some electric bonds passed in the 1980s that weren't issued, and we may have to issue them.

"We have enough money for our immediate needs."

On Monday, the same night aldermen approved the final payment to Barnes for its study, they approved the final plats of two new subdivisions, Carol Ann and Green Meadows III.

They also approved city participation in funding a new road connecting Oak Ridge and Ridge roads.

Mayor Paul Sander stressed that with such growth city officials would have to keep an eye on infrastructure, pointing to recent improvements in Jackson's water system to better serve residents.

In other action Monday, the board accepted the resignation of power plant superintendent Larry Humes and the retirement notice of police officer Larry Wade, two employees with over 20 years each of service to Jackson.

Wilson said the city has to decide whether to replace Humes with John King, who is acting superintendent, or look outside the current city work force.

Wade won't be replaced, but detective duties will be split among three patrolmen and another patrolman will be hired.

"Both have done a magnificent job," Sander said. "We're losing two very good employees at the first of the month."

Monday, June 19

7:30 p.m.

Action Items

Power and Light Committee

Accepted and approved electrical system improvement report as presented by the public works director and electric distribution superintendent.

Authorized payment of $11,868.39 to Barnes, Meisenheimer and Gende Inc. for professional services rendered in connection with the Jackson Electric System Study.

Authorized payment of $46,578.73 on Jackson Electric System Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1991, due July 1.

Authorized semi-annual payment of $5,000 to Jackson Chamber of Commerce for service rendered under existing tourism contract.

Accepted the resignation of Larry Humes, power plant superintendent, effective July 1.

Street Committee

Approved final plat of Carol Ann Subdivision.

Approved final plat of Green Meadows Third Subdivision.

Authorized purchase of Xerox 2515 engineering copier, storage stand and annual service agreement from Rotolite of St. Louis Inc. in the amount of $5,585.

Accepted the retirement notice of Larry Wade effective July 1.