Jackson aldermen briefed on ordinance changes

Al Stoverink, deacon at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, described construction plans for the new church building at the Jackson Board of Aldermen and mayor meeting Monday, Aug. 19. The aldermen approved his request to relinquish part of Jefferson Street for the church's renovation

Christopher Borro ~ cborro@semissourian.com

The Jackson Board of Aldermen and mayor received information about proposed changes to city ordinances during their Monday, Aug. 19, meeting.

City attorney Curtis Poore informed the aldermen of some amendments he proposed to city ordinances to keep Jackson in line with state laws.

The State of Missouri decriminalized public intoxication, but the City of Jackson still had an ordinance making it unlawful, so that would need to be stricken during a future city government session.

The city had a similar ordinance prohibiting the possession and recreational use of marijuana that also would need to be changed.

“Although it is decriminalized, the state does allow the cities to have some restrictions. As I’ve indicated in the memorandum, the restrictions that I’m recommending and the proposed ordinance that I’ve prepared … is to prohibit people from smoking marijuana in public, prohibit people from smoking marijuana in cars and prohibit minors from using marijuana in any manner,” Poore said.

Punishment would come in the form of civil penalties, he added, as these would not be criminal violations.

The aldermen would vote on approving the amendments to the ordinances at a later date.

Church construction

Al Stoverink, a deacon at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, requested permission for the city to abandon the section of Jefferson Street between the church and Immaculate Conception School so the church can complete its renovation there and connect the two properties.

Stoverink said the church would have all construction-related documents ready by the end of August. Jefferson Street would be torn up in the fall of 2024 to complete stonework in the area.

“To make all that happen, we want to start with this early package and get the stonework lined in which has to come across our lower parking lot and into Jefferson Street and down the middle of Jefferson Street to tie down into the storm line down at Ohio and Jefferson. That means we’re going to need to tear up Jefferson Street at this point,” Stoverink told the aldermen.

In exchange for abandoning the street, the church would provide some footage in the right of way as a permanent utility easement.

Construction on the main building would begin in early 2025. Stoverink said the church is aiming for an Aug. 15, 2026, dedication date for the remodeled location. The church and rectory would be open for the duration of construction save for the last two months or so.

The aldermen expressed their support for the construction and for having the church use Jefferson Street for the renovation.

Administrator approval

The aldermen approved an ordinance authorizing a contractual agreement with new city administrator Matthew Winters, who will take over from the retiring Jim Roach on Monday, Sept. 23. Matthews had previously served as city manager of Poplar Bluff for four years before taking the Jackson position in early August.