Jackson sets public hearing over voluntary annexation

The Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday set a public hearing concerning the voluntary annexation of 10.48 acres of land into the city.

Residents will be able to voice concerns or support 7 p.m. Aug. 3 to learn more about the project on Bainbridge Road.

Most of the business on the agenda Monday night, however, had to do with scheduling changes throughout the rest of the summer.

A backup location has been selected for Jackson's annual Homecomers celebration, which may be moved from the courthouse area to a parking lot of nearby First Baptist Church of Jackson.

City officials said the backup site may not have to be used, but it will if the courthouse's docket for possible criminal trials renders the area unusable. Officials stressed, however, even if they have to hold it elsewhere, Homecomers will not be canceled. It will take place in uptown Jackson from July 22 to 26.

Future board meetings scheduled for Sept. 7 and 21 were changed to Sept. 8 and 28, and a public hearing about the annexation and rezoning of 23.8 acres on South Old Orchard Road will be held 7 p.m. July 2.

As the East Main and Lacey streets traffic signal project nears completion, the board approved a change order, decreasing the project's budget by $1,266.58. The board also repealed Lacey Street at East Main Street as a stop street.

The board approved a contract between the city and Cellco Partnership, authorizing the company to lease property at 525 S. Hope St. and do business as Verizon Wireless.

The board accepted a $570,940.59 bid from Fronabarger Concreters Inc. to do work on the South Old Orchard Road improvement project.

Public Works Director Rodney Bollinger said his department was happy with the offer.

"We had three very competitive bids," he said. "They wree all within $40,000 of each other, and all well below the engineers' estimates. ... Everyone had their pencils sharp, but Fronabarger came in with an offer, and we're very pleased."

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627