MAYOR, ALDERMEN GEAR UP FOR NEW TERMS OF OFFICE

Re-elected aldermen and Mayor Paul Sander expressed pleasure in continuing to work together after being sworn in for new terms during last week's Board of Aldermen meeting.

"I'm looking forward to next year," said Alderman Larry Hall. "The mayor does a good job. He's keeping us busy."

"He's the best mayor we've had," agreed Valeria Tuschoff of Ward 3.

Sander was quick to return the praise.

"This board has had one common goal in Jackson," he said. "All the members try to do what's best for Jackson. It has been my privilege working with this group. We've had good cooperation and we're getting things done.

"During the past year and over the past few years we've certainly accomplished a lot, although there are many more challenges ahead."

Sander and re-elected Aldermen David Hitt of Ward 1, Kerry Hoffman of Ward 2, Tuschoff and Hall were sworn in for new terms.

The city also heard thanks from two Fredericktown officials and received a certificate of thanks from the flood-ravaged city in Madison County.

"We really appreciate it a lot," Mayor ____ told the board. "We wanted to sow our appreciation for what you did. Feel free to call on us."

"We were happy to do it," Sander told them. "That's what you should do in a situation like that. We were glad to do it and we know you would have done the same."

All but one of the city's committee and board members with expiring terms had agreed to serve again. In the only change, Tina Weber replaced Dave Turner on the Park Board.

"It's highly unusual to have that many individuals who like to serve the community," Sander said.

The board also approved reappointment of the city clerk, municipal judge, alternative municipal judge, city attorney, chief of police and president of the Board of Aldermen.

During the meeting, the board approved a bill amending an ordinance relating to nuisances by adding an exception for summer construction. The bill allows construction work to begin an hour earlier in June, July and August because of daytime heat. Noise restrictions will be exempt from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., rather than the current 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The board also passed a measure amending the speed limit on East Jackson Boulevard. The speed limit will be 40 mph from the Highway 72-25 junction east to Old Cape Road. Speed limits along the section currently are 35, 40 and 50 mph.

The recommendation came from the Missouri Department of Transportation after the city requested a study be made. An independent survey conducted by the Jackson Police Department supports the change.

In other business, the board passed a motion authorizing the city attorney, David Beeson, to proceed with condemnation proceedings relative to the Interstate 55 pump station phase II construction project should the need arise. Sander stressed that the city does not anticipate a need for condemnation.

A public hearing was set for June 7 at 7:30 p.m., to consider rezoning property on Orchard and Broadridge drives from R-3 (general residential to C-1 (local commercial).

In a hearing prior to the meeting, Jim Joggerst requested the rezoning of all property at 2436 Brittany Drive from C-2 (general commercial) to R-2 (single family residential). Following the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board, the board approved the rezoning.