Council approves facade funding, moves ahead with animal shelter

By MATTHEW REZAB
m.rezab@beeherald.com

The Jefferson city council unanimously approved the $468,920 contract Tuesday with the Iowa Economic Development Authority for Jefferson’s half of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to improve business facades downtown.

The grant, which was approved in May, requires matching funds from the city and business owners. Essentially, half the money comes from IEDA, a quarter from business owners and another quarter from the city.

Construction is expected to start in the spring. Work with the architect has already began.

The council also approved paying for half of “up to $3,000” for the plans and cost estimate for a new animal shelter in Jefferson. The Greene County board of supervisors agreed Monday to pay for the other half of the project.

“Once plans and costs are approved then the committee can begin privately fundraising,” Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer said.

The Animal Shelter Committee, led by Don Orris, plans to privately fundraise for the building to be located in West Business Park. The city council and board of supervisors would need to approve operational funding for the future before the shelter can be built.

Councilwoman Lisa Jaskey announced that the Aug. 23 meeting will be her last as a member of the city council. She said she will officially resign at the end of the month.

Jaskey and husband David are moving away from the area in September and she will no longer be able to perform her duties.

City Attorney Bob Schwarzkopf said the council has a few options to replace Jaskey.

“You have the option to appoint someone to fill that position or you can hold a special election,” Schwarzkopf told the council.

If the board decides to make an appointment, they must publish the decision in the local newspaper and give residents a chance to gather the 81 signatures on a petition needed to force a special election.

The appointee would serve until the next city election (2017) and the winner of that election would serve a two-year term.

The council has scheduled a public hearing for the Aug. 23 meeting (5:30 p.m. at City Hall) for public input on eliminating ward requirements for city council.

The council currently has two at-large members and three members who represent specific wards.

The council also approved expanding the bow-hunting ordinance to include more area behind Hillcrest Estates running toward the North Raccoon River. Contact City Hall or the Iowa DNR for exact boundaries.