TORCH PASSED IN JACKSON: SANDER IS NEW MAYOR

JACKSON - The torch was passed in Jackson Monday night as 11-term Mayor Carlton Meyer turned over the reins of city government to former Ward 1 Alderman Paul Sander, who defeated Meyer in last month's municipal election.

After handling several items of business, the old council was adjourned for the last time by Meyer, who was then presented his mayor's gavel mounted on a plaque honoring him for his 20-plus years of service to the city of Jackson.

Following a brief adjournment, Sander, five aldermen and the city collector were sworn into office by City Clerk Mary Lowry, who was20appointed by the board of aldermen to another two-year term.

As his wife, two young sons, and his parents looked on from the audience, Sander took the oath of office to become the first new mayor to be elected in Jackson in over two decades.

Also sworn in were Ward 1 Alderman Dave Hitt, who takes over Sander's old seat; Ward 2 Alderman Dave Reiminger, who was elected to fill out the one-year, unexpired term of former alderman Phil Johnston; incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Kevin Sawyer, incumbent Ward 4 Alderman Jack Piepenbrok, and incumbent City Collector Beverly Nelson.

During the reorganization of the board, Sawyer was elected board president. He will serve in the absence of the mayor. Sander noted Missouri statutes no longer refer to the position as mayor pro tem in an aldermanic form of government.

Sander suggested Sawyer as board president because he works in Jackson, and would be available for city business when the mayor is out of town.

Sander also announced his appointments to city committees and boards. The appointment of the city attorney and other city officials will be taken up at the board's May 17 meeting.

In a brief statement after taking his seat in the mayor's chair, Sander said his administration will stress open communications between the mayor's office and the board of aldermen, city officials, city employees, and the citizens of Jackson. He also pledged to keep20board members fully informed on all issues, and welcomed new ideas from20everyone.

Sander suggested the board consider developing a 10-year plan for improvement of water, sewer and utility services for Jackson.

Before the old board adjourned, it unanimously approved an ordinance accepting a proposed route plat for the East Main Street extension to Interstate 55. The plat now goes back to the planning and zoning commission, which will set a public hearing.20The board is expected to adopt the plat for the street extension later this summer.

City Administrator Carl Talley said the purpose of the plat is to preserve a corridor for the future extension of East Main. This will allow developers in that area to plan their developments around the corridor. Talley said a copy of the route plat will be sent to the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department in Sikeston for inclusion in its 15-year highway construction plan.

Acting City Engineer Rich Bowen said the East Main extension right of way will vary from 80 to 150 feet, and allow for an eventual five-lane street.

Talley noted there is no timetable at present to begin acquiring right of way along the East Main extension route.