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Council votes to fund CSI program The Jackson City Council voted unanimously, Tuesday, to continue to fund the Continuous School Improvement (CSI) program at least through May or until further funding can be received. The program is designed to help students who are struggling in school bring their grades up to the desired level. Councilman Eddie Huggins, who is the councilman spearheading the after school study program, said although the application for tax-exempt/nonprofit status was submitted in late September, 2006, a revamping within the state system has caused delays on obtaining a decision as to whether or not the program will receive such status. "I feel confident that this will be approved, but have been told it will be seven weeks or more," said Huggins during Tuesday's council meeting. "I think the SAT scores show that this program is worthy of continuing and thank the council for its support. If it turns out we don't have to use the money, we won't." Huggins said a meeting was conducted Tuesday afternoon to find out how many people are interested in continuing with CSI and that a large crowd of parents and students were in attendance. "This shows there is still huge interest in this program," he added. Mayor Long and the other council members agreed. "This certainly is a worthy program and I am proud that we have made the decision to continue to support it," said Long. Rezoning request denied Upon the recommendation of the city's zoning board, the council rejected a request to allow professional offices in R2 (residential) zoned areas on a discretionary basis. Councilman Paul South said the way the proposed ordinance was written was too broad. "We don't want nice neighborhoods to be disrupted by business offices," he said. Councilmen Huggins, Robert Marks and Daron Bolen agreed with South, with each adding that the measure may have to be looked at again at a future time due to growth of the city. "But, I think it needs to be more specific," added Marks. In other business: +Mayor Long announced that there will be an official groundbreaking ceremony for the New Era Cap Company expansion Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend. +Little Pigs BBQ, which recently relocated in its former location in the now repaired Pine City Village, will conduct a grand re-opening from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., this Saturday, Jan. 13. The public is invited to attend. +The public is also invited to attend the grand opening of the new Super China Buffet restaurant, located on College Avenue next to Hudson's Dirt Cheap, this Sunday, Jan. 14. +The mayor reported that representatives of Walgreens would meet with the city's planning commission this month to get plans for its new store approved. +A council work session for the purpose of discussing the capital budget and other issues is scheduled for Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.
+During his report to the council, Police Chief Charles Burge said the department is cracking down on "open house parties," during which there have been complaints of underage drinking being allowed by adults. (See related story in this issue.)
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