Jackson moves forward on proposal to expand police department

The Jackson Board of Aldermen reached a consensus during a Monday study session to move forward with a proposal to expand the police department by about 3,000 square feet.

The project has been discussed for the past eight months and a committee was formed by Mayor Barbara Lohr to look into obtaining more space, police chief James Humphreys said.

Joe Bob Baker, co-chairman of the Police/Fire Complex Improvement Project Committee, said a notice was issued to see what architectural firms would be interested in designing an expansion of the existing police department, which encloses a little more than 5,000 square feet.

Humphreys, the committee's other co-chairman, said 27 firms made inquiries and 11 went through the interview process. Those were narrowed to three, with Philip Smith and Associates of Cape Girardeau being selected as the main architect and Rick Kuhl, owner of Williams, Spurgeon, Kuhl and Freshnock Architects Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, as the subcontractor.

A project cost estimate is needed, and then officials have to determine how to fund it.

Among the items Humphreys said his department would like to add are a sallyport, or extra entranceway, a garage, additional office space and expanded communications.

"We've just utilized about every inch we can utilize at this point," Humphreys said. The proposed expansion, which would be on the building's west side, also would free up some existing space for records and evidence, he said.

Eventually, Humphreys said, the department would like to have a three-person communications console. There are two dispatchers on each shift for the most part, right now, Humphreys said.

If all goes well, Humphreys said, he hopes to get approval for the project next year, adding that anyone who took a tour of the facilities would think the department has done an excellent job with what it has.

Other business

Director of public works Rodney Bollinger said Federal Emergency Management Agency approval of plans and specifications for an estimated $5 million community center project is expected this week.

The center is planned for East Deerwood Drive near Whitey Herzog Stadium. Construction from start to finish is expected to take about two years. Incite Design Studio LLC of Overland Park, Kansas, designed the project.

The project is expected to be put out for bid in mid-June, concurrent with the architect submitting plans to city staff for a building permit review, then a groundbreaking ceremony could be held at the end of September.

On a separate matter, plans for the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department's two-day July Fourth celebration are set. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 5. Admission and parking will be free both days, according to a city news release.

The fete, offering a variety of activities, will be held two days this year in honor of the city's bicentennial. Some of the festivities include a 5k walk/run, helicopter rides, music, food and mud volleyball. The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. July 4.

Attractions July 5 run the gamut from an antique tractor show and armored car transport display to a bicentennial covered wagon parade and hot-air balloon display.

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