JACKSON LOOKING INTO SEWER, WATER PROJECT

JACKSON -- The Board of Aldermen is studying the possibility of a bond issue for capital improvements to the city's water and sewer systems.

The details of the proposal are still being worked out, including whether a tax levy would be needed to pay back the bonds.

During its Tuesday meeting at City Hall, the board approved a list of 25 possible water and sewer projects that would cost an estimated $10.5 million.

City Administrator Steve Wilson said the board should know within 60 days whether it will place the bond issue before voters for the August ballot.

City staff is examining the city's finances to determine if the improvements can be funded without a tax.

"We are exploring what financial options are out there," Wilson said.

The city is looking into the possibility of getting a low interest loan through the state revolving fund for the sewer projects.

"Instead of paying an interest rate of 5 to 6 percent, the city would pay interest under the loan program of 1 to 1.5 percent," Wilson said.

Residential and commercial growth in Jackson has strained the water and sewer systems, Wilson said, creating the need for improvements. Also, the age of some system components has added to the need.

Of the 25 proposed projects, nine are sewer improvements and 16 are water improvements.

The sewer projects would cost an estimated $7.4 million and be divided into two phases. The five phase one projects would be completed within two to three years.

Mayor Paul Sander said the board will approve a final priority list on the projects at a later date.

The board also discussed parking problems at a city-owned lot near the city police and fire complex at Jackson and Hopes streets.

Created as a commuter lot during the oil crunch of the 1970s, in recent years it has been used by over-the-road truck drivers who reside in Jackson to park their trailers.

Others, including Ceramo Co. employees and Jackson High School students, also use the lot, creating some problems, such as vehicles and trailers being blocked in. The city has no regulations on the lot's use.

"It's gotten to the point where its becoming more trouble than it's worth," Wilson said. "We're going to have to do something about it."

Because of an ordinance preventing tractor-trailers from parking on city streets, Alderman Jack Piepenbrok said the lot should be made available to truck drivers.

"I feel we've got to provide whatever spaces we can for truckers since we have pretty strong restrictions on parking trailers in the city," Piepenbrok said.

The board will consider reserving posted spaces on the lot for Ceramo employees to cut down on the problems.

JACKSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Action Items

-- Passed motion approving list of capital improvement projects relating to water and sewer systems.

-- Passed motion authorizing the advertisement for bids on the East Substation foundation.

-- Passed motion renewing annual health insurance coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri.

-- Passed motion authorizing the Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk on April 13.

-- Passed motion authorizing participation in Department of Natural Resources Financial Assistance Program for Waste Reduction of Recycling Projects for fiscal year 1997.

-- Passed ordinance approving a special use permit at 563 Broadridge Drive for the operation of a day care facility.