JACKSON INCREASES COST OF SEWER CONNECTIONS

JACKSON -- The cost of connecting to the sewer system in the City of Jackson increased by 1,200 percent Monday night.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen approved a new in-district connection fee of $180. City Administrator Steve Wilson said the previous feeof $15 was "totally out of step" with the city's cost of providing the connection.

"This is much more in line with what it costs to operate."

Saying a $15 connection free is "unheard of" today, Wilson added, "It's one of those things that has been easy to overlook."

The fee hike was recommended in a study of the city's wastewater system conducted by the St. Louis engineering firm of Horner & Shifrin.

At the request of Alderman Larry Cunningham, the board tabled an ordinance which also would have altered the city's out-of-district connection fees. Those fees will be considered at the next board meeting July 19.

The board also listened to suggestions from Jackson resident Richard Aguilar that it consider banning fireworks that fly. Aguilar brought with him a plastic bag filled with spent fireworks retrieved from his roof.

Aguilar emphasized that he is not complaining about his neighbors or about children shooting off the fireworks. But noting that fireworks that fly are banned in some Western states, he said the city should consider the dangers that some fireworks pose.

"I am concerned about fire."

Jackson Board of Aldermen Agenda

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 6

City Hall

Public hearings

-- Hearing to consider the request for voluntary annexation of property owned by Progressive Developments, L.L.C., and Robert and Renee Barks.

-- Hearing to consider the request for voluntary annexation of property downed by Wade Hartle.

-- Hearing to consider the request for voluntary annexation of property owned by the James B. Henderson Trust, LaWana Henderson Trustee, Todd Rushing and Ronald Richmond.

Action items

Power and Light Committee

-- Consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign all necessary documents as authorized representative of the City of Jackson with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for loan and/or grants under the Missouri Clean Water Law and/or the Missouri Safe Drinking Water Law.

-- Consider a bill proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 20, Article III, Section 20-651 of the Code of Ordinances relative to sewer construction and connection fees.

-- Consider a bill proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 20, Article III, Section 20-807 and 20-808 of the Code or Ordinances relative to out-of-district connection fees.

-- Consider a bill proposing an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement with the Lee-Rowan Co. relative to lease of property in Jackson Trail Commercial Park Subdivision.

Street Committee

-- Consider a bill proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article I of the Code of Ordinances relating to an update and confirmation of the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code for the City of Jackson.

Executive session