TOMBSTONE BLOCKS WATER PLAN

JACKSON -- Discovery of a Civil War-era tombstone in the projected path of potable water distribution system improvement could cause the system's route to be altered.

Julie Emery of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. told Jackson aldermen Monday night the tombstone was the only potential problem found during an archaeological assessment of where the Greensferry Road easement would go.

"The Historical Preservation Society had expressed concerns about an area where it crosses a creek," Emery said. "Everything was fine except for one headstone."

A company archaeologist is checking the name of the lone tombstone with records in Jefferson City.

"It may just be a single grave or it might be an entire graveyard," Emery said. "It may or may not be a problem."

Emery did not reveal the name on the tombstone.

She said there was no long-term environmental effect to the area.

Emery was the only speaker during a public hearing to receive comments about the water distribution system, prior to the regular board meeting.

The city also received plaques from the National Association of Regional Councils. Tom Tucker, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission, presented the certificates of excellence for the city Comprehensive Plan and the Jackson Downtown Parking Plan.

During the meeting, Joe Bob Baker, an owner of B & B Auto Salvage, was sworn in as Ward 4 alderman.

"Joe Bob's business experience and his genuine interest in Jackson's continued progress will be assets" to the board, said Mayor Paul Sander.

"The future holds many challenges for our city and I am looking forward to working toward making Jackson an even better place to live," Baker said. "I look forward to communicating with my constituents in Ward 4, as well as all citizens in Jackson."

Jim Roach, public works director, reported that although the city water tanks are "holding fine," continued drought could bring about concerns.

"We may want to think about what our options are if we would have another two-week hot spell," Roach said, indicating that well water level has dropped about 100 feet this summer. "We're not in bad shape, but this cooler spell came just in time."