JACKSON CITY COMMENTARY: GOOD WORK OF 1999 WILL CONTINUE IN 2000

Happy New Year!! As we begin a new year it is a good time to re-view the year past and plan for the years ahead.

Jackson continues to be a thriving community that is enjoying a strong economic climate. All of our departments in the city are busy trying to fulfill the day to day needs of the community. All departments have ongoing projects that will benefit Jackson in 2000.

Water and sewer improvement projects will be in full swing this year. These projects when completed will better serve our existing areas and allow for the future continued orderly growth of Jackson.

Infrastructure is a high priority in Jackson and we intend to keep it up to date as much as possible. Jackson is a progressive, proactive city and I can assure you that we are working hard to keep Jackson a place where people want to work, live and raise a family.

The city recently passed a budget for 2000 that was balanced to our incomes. When the year 2000 comes to a close the city will remain a very strong financial position for the future. Listed below are some of the major projects and improvements that happened in Jackson in 1999 and some that are expected to be completed in 2000. These are not all of the projects completed or planned for but it does represent a good sampling to let you know that Jackson is indeed a busy place.

The Council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome

1999

* Completed East Main Street extension project, phase one,

* Completed replacement of Old Cape Road bridge.

* Completed installation of sanitary sewers at Grandview Acres.

*Designed and bid new footbridge crossing of Hubble Creek near High School football stadium. 80/20 state grant

*Hired full-time City Engineer.

*Completed City Comprehensive Plan.

*Began design of Electrical Distribution System upgrades including:

*Upgrading West Substation & Distribution System

*Upgrading Power Plant Substation

*New 34.5 kv transmission line from 1-55/Bainbridge into, the City Power Plant.

*Converted approximately 4,000 feet of aerial electric distribution line to underground electric distribution in Indian Hills Subdivision.

*Began installation of new electrical system supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA).

*Completed Industrial Substation upgrade through Mo. State of Missouri Economic Development Grant to serve Lee Ave. industrial area.

*Completed engineering design of SRF Drinking Water Project - Ridge Road to Greensferry Road

*Put new water well (#6) in service, to meet our expanding needs for water.

*Conducted Water Distribution System study and developed computer model of City water distribution system.

*Updated "Welcome to Jackson" signs.

*Conducted joint tour between Cape and Jackson, to view each city's facilities. Cooperation between Jackson and Cape remains very strong.

*$33 million in building permits issued in 1999 -- an all-time record for Jackson. Over 110 new homes built.

*Improved radio "repeaters" to better communications of all departments. This was especially important to our emergency services.

*New police vehicles and new fire engine "Rescue 6" purchased to keep emergency services fleet top notch.

*Completed annual asphalt overlay project. Streets included:

1) Grandview Acres

2) West Adams Street

3) West park Avenue

4) Maryland Street

5) Recycling Center Drive

6) Shawnee & Old Cape Road intersection

*Completed engineering design of SRF (State Revolving Fund -- The city saved $3.5 million by using SRF's in 1999.) Sanitary Sewer projects:

1) Wastewater Treatment Plant Treatment Biosolids

2) Williams Creek interceptor sewer main upgrade

3) Jackson Boulevard Pump station & force main upgrade.

*Installed a new, more effective lime softening system at Water Plant #1.

*Expanded handicapped parking area at the Municipal Band Shell

*Completed major tree trimming contract which covered the West half of the City.

2000

*Complete design of all SRF projects for both sewer and drinking water projects.

*Begin construction of drinking water SRF projects:

1) Ridge Road across Bent Creek to Greensferry

2) Complete line from Shawnee/East Main up Shawnee to L itz Park and through to Water Treatment Plant.

3) Water Treatment Plant to West water tower

*Begin construction of sanitary sewer SRF projects:

1) Wastewater Treatment Plant Treatment Biosolids Improvements

2) Williams Creek interceptor sewer

3) Jackson Boulevard pump station and force main upgrade

*Complete electrical SCADA system installation.

*Complete West Substation upgrade.

*Begin construction on 34.5 kv inter-tie transmission line (secondary city feeder line)

*Begin construction on 4 kv to 12 kv line conversion (West Substation area).

*Complete grading of Jackson Industrial Park site along Hwy 61N.

*Complete engineering of Jackson Industrial Park site infrastructure.

*Conduct 2.25-inch water main replacement program.

*Construct footbridge across Hubble Creek near High School football stadium.

*Conduct major street repair program.

*Conduct annual street overlay program.

*Conduct second phase of tree trimming, which will cover East half of the city.