JACKSON SETS NEW SEWER CHARGE SYSTEM

JACKSON -- Beginning with the December billing period, the average sewer bill in the City of Jackson will increase by $1.49 as the city begins recouping the cost of its $10 million sewer project set to begin construction early next year.Monday night, the Jackson Board of Aldermen approved a new sanitary sewer user charge system that will pay the costs of annual operation and maintenance of the sewers and retirement of the bonded debt necessary to build the system. The new schedule is one of the requirements that enables the city to access money under the State Revolving Loan Program that will enable the city to save $3.1 million in interest over the life of the sewer and water bonds voters authorized in 1997.The new schedule sets a minimum charge of $3.30 a month, an increase from the current minimum of $3. The new user charge for operation and maintenance of the system will be $2.19 per 1,000 gallons of water after the first 1,000 gallons, an increase from the current charge of $1.85 per 1,000 gallons.In other business Monday night, Mayor Paul Sander was confident without sounding overconfident heading into Thursday night's football game between archrivals Jackson and Cape Girardeau. Sander and Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling have an annual bet on the game. The loser must wear the other team's colors and regalia to the next council meeting.Last year, Cape Central won the game, and Sander uncomfortably wore an orange sweatshirt to the next board meeting. "You didn't look very good in orange," Alderwoman Val Tuschoff reminded him Monday.This year, Jackson has and 8-1 record and Cape Central is 1-8. Sander has already purchased a red Jackson Indians T-shirt for Cape Girardeau's mayor."I promise it will be delivered by noon Monday," Sander told the board. "It's already in the back seat of my car."

JACKSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA

7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1City HallPublic hearing* Held hearing to consider the request for voluntary annexation of property owned by Chug Crites and Julie Koontz.Action itemsPower and Light Committee* Authorized the sale of a 1976 GMC sewer washer truck and a 1967 Rockwell sewer rodder through acceptance of sealed bids.* Accepted petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Pattie Schumacher and setting a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6.* Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to consider amendments to the City Code relative to public utilities and electric distribution installations in new subdivisions.* Accepted property deeded to the City of Jackson by Narvol Randol Jr. and Amy Randol.* Approved the voluntary annexation of property owned by Donald L. and Rebecca A. Heuer.* Accepted the proposal of Easter Missouri Industries Inc. relative to boring and placement of underground duct and/or electrical conductors.* Authorized a contractual agreement with Eastern Missouri Industries Inc. relative to boring and/or placement of underground duct and/or electrical conductors.* Accepted the bid of Monroe Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. of Cape Girardeau in the amount of $19,047.48 relative to the Warren Place Water Main Extension Project.* Authorized a contractual agreement with Monroe Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. under the Warren Place Water Main Extension Project.* Established the Sanitary Sewer User Charge System for the City of Jackson.Street Committee* Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to consider amending Section 29-18 of the City Code relative to off street parking regulations.* Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. . Monday, Dec. 6, to consider the rezoning of 6.48 acres of land situated along the north side of Old Toll Road from I-1 (light industrial) to C-2 (general commercial) as submitted by Paul Bell, representing the First Assembly of God Church.* Approved a resolution supporting the formation of the I-55 Jackson/ Cape Girardeau Corridor Projects Transportation Corp.* Approved the minor plat of the David L. Bill Subdivision as submitted by Larry Bill.