Public hearing set for Jackson quarry annexation issue

The Jackson Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution to accept a voluntary annexation petition by Heartland Quarry and landowners of more than 200 acres bordering the Jackson city limits and set a public hearing on the matter for 7 p.m. Nov. 7.

Zoning requests by the quarry, Joe Hoffmeister, Hoffmeister Farms and Hoffmeister Real Estate that were filed Oct. 5 along with the annexation request were heard last week by the planning and zoning commission, which voted to table any action pending further study. Members of that commission expressed concerns about incompatibility of the heavy industrial activity of the quarry with the city's comprehensive plan and the lack of land-use studies of the proposed annexation area.

In a study session following the meeting, the actions of the planning and zoning commission were presented to the board but were not discussed.

Another annexation issue before the board is Fruitland's application to Jackson, which residents hope will be denied so that they can incorporate. State law requires that areas seeking to incorporate first approach and be denied by any municipality within two miles. Cape Girardeau declined the application soon after it was received. Jackson has until Dec. 13 to respond to the annexation request.

City administrator Jim Roach said in the study session that progress was being made in completing Jackson's response, which will be presented at the Dec. 5 meeting.

Representatives of the quarry and residents of the lands next to it were present at the meeting and study session, but their comments were not invited. Both groups confirmed their intention to attend the public hearing, which is required by state law.

Other action

In other action, the board approved holding a general municipal election on April 3 to fill board of aldermen seats for wards 1, 2, 3 and 4.

A resolution was approved to use Missouri Housing Development tax credits to rehabilitate Jackson Villa and Jackson Senior Estates.

An increase in expenditures in the amount of $38,500 to Horner and Shifrin Inc. of St. Louis was authorized to provide additional engineering services under the Wastewater Facility Ultraviolent Disinfection Project.

Council member Wanda Young proposed an additional leave day for city employees on Nov. 25 that was approved unanimously by the board. Granting city employees the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday is put before the board each year.

Mayor Barbara Lohr announced that a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Jackson Fire Department would be celebrated in an open house the afternoon of Nov 6.

The board voted to set an earlier start time for meetings. Beginning Nov. 7, the board will meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO