Jackson's Board of Aldermen voted Monday to approve an $81,682 payment to Cochran Engineering of Farmington, Missouri, for "construction engineering and inspection services" for the upcoming West Mary Street Low Water Crossing Bridge and Sidewalk Project in the city's Ward 4.

West Mary's planned new span is the second bridge initiative planned for the Cape Girardeau County seat municipality this year following the anticipated finish of the now-underway Hubble Ford Replacement — connecting Cascade Drive to Parkview Street inside City Park.

Hubble Ford's $550,000 project is expected to be complete by July, with the West Mary work scheduled to start in August.

City officials have received two more general warranty and temporary construction easement deeds signed by impacted landowners along West Mary.

Other business

• Aldermen OK's the minor plat of Cara's First subdivision, as submitted by Country Life LLC.
• Payment of $67,500 was approved to Allen & Hoshall of Memphis, Tennessee, for relocation of electric utilities on U.S. 61 (North High Street) required by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for upcoming road and bridge improvement.
• Cost share agreement between City of Jackson and Missouri Department of Conservation was approved for an aerator in Rotary Lake.
• In study session, city lawmakers acknowledged receipt of a petition with 17 signatures asking the current designated "no parking zones" in Ramsey Branch subdivision, phase 1, be either removed or moved.
• Additionally, two bids were received for phase 1 of the Klaus Park Force Main upgrade project. Koehler Engineering has recommended to city staff the lower of the bids -- from Persons & Sons of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, be accepted for $149,758.

Election

Four aldermanic seats are open in today's election. Only two seats are contested. Ward 3 incumbent Larry Cunningham faces challenger Michael Seabaugh. Ward 4 incumbent Joe Bob Baker is opposed by Steven Lee.