JACKSON CITY COMMENTARY; WATER SEEMS TO BE NO PROBLEM THIS SUMMER

Water usage is up with the temperature in Jackson this summer. We are not experiencing any water shortages or other problems associated with the increased use of water. The addition of another city water well last year along with the upgrade in the conditioning of other existing wells has proven to be a good investment. With new well in service and upgrades in existing wells we are able to generate the volume of water needed to keep our water towers fall and adequate water for the citizens. We do not anticipate any problems with water supplies in the future as we are already planning to increase our water sources in the near future to accommodate the future growth of our city.

The City Council has accepted the recommendation from the Park Board to construct a new pavilion in Brookside Park. This pavilion is being funded by private donations. Work should begin very soon and completion is expected by the fall of this year.

The Jackson Jaycees with the help of several City departments and many corporate donors put on an outstanding 4th of July event in our City Park. Thanks to everyone who made it happen in a big way.

The annual American Legion sponsored Jackson Homecomers will be held Aug. 22-26. Come out and enjoy the shows and support our service clubs' food stands. The proceeds from the local service clubs' food stands comes back to the community in support of our youth, schools and other worthy causes.

Former Mayor Larry Nowak recently passed away at the age of 91. Mayor Nowak was still an old supporter the city of Jackson, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Optimist Club and his church at the time of his death. He was a leader and truly an optimistic person who will be missed dearly in our community.

On Aug. 8 voters will go to the polls to vote on two Jackson school issues. I have heard many opinions on these issues over the past several weeks. Most all opinions have merit. Keep in mind that our schools and the continued health of our schools are very important to the continued economic growth of our city. Many factors have played a part in making Jackson the outstanding community that it is today. One of the main factors has been and should continue to be our positive, outstanding overall R-2 School District.

Last month the Council and I conducted two opinion surveys regarding uptown Jackson parking and traffic flows. One survey was for the uptown business area people to respond and the second survey was for the general public. The results of this survey are attached to this article. Thanks for your input in these surveys.

The Council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. The public is always welcome at these meetings. We value your ideas and suggestions on how we can improve Jackson.

Results of City of Jackson Business Survey

Yes No No Opinion

44% 48% 8% The city should make the 100 block of S. High one-way, south only.

42% 52% 6% The city should make the 100 and 200 block of S. High one-way, south only.

25% 52% 23% The city should make Barton Street one-way, south, for additional parking.

29% 59% 12% The city should close Barton Street to traffic and make it a parking lot.

34% 33% 33% The city should leave the streets as they are.

63% 20% 17% The city should enforce the two-hour parking uptown first, and re-evaluate the situation in the future.

Results of City of Jackson Citizen Survey

6% 88% 6% The city should make the 100 block of S. High one-way, south only.

8% 88% 4% The city should make the 100 and 200 block of S. High one-way, south only.

6% 85% 9% The city should make Barton Street one-way, south, for additional parking.

22% 65% 13% The city should close Barton Street to traffic and make it a parking lot.

65% 20% 15% The city should leave the streets as they are.

75% 8% 17% The city should enforce the two-hour parking uptown first and re-evaluate the situation in the future.