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Turn lane north of Jackson being considered by ALDOT Jackson City Administrator Jesse Miller informed the Jackson City Council, Tuesday, that the requested turn lane north of Jackson on U.S. Highway 43 to McVay Road was being considered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The area north of the Sears store, where the turn lane ends, to McVay Road has seen numerous accidents during the past four years, due to business growth in that area. When the turn lane ends, the speed limit increases, giving motorists in the left, northbound lane less time to stop for someone making a lefthand turn. During Tuesday's council meeting, Councilman Daron Bolen inquired about the status of the turn lane request. Miller said Mayor Richard Long had written several letters to ALDOT asking them to consider extending the turn lane. Commissioner Paul Bradford had also sent a letter to ALDOT on behalf of the Clarke County Commission requesting the turn lane be considered. "The mayor has stated that he saw a letter from ALDOT to Commissioner Bradford indicating the turn lane was being considered," said Miller. Jackson Police Chief Charles Burge said his department is also in agreement with adding a turn lane north of the city. He said there have been a number of bad wrecks in the area, some that have claimed lives and/or caused serious injuries to those involved. Water pressure problem During Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Robert Marks said he had received a number of calls from residents on Odom Drive complaining about low water pressure in the area. He asked if there was anything being planned by the city's water and sewer board to remedy the situation. Mayor Pro Tem Paul South, who is one of the councilmen who sits on the board said, "This is an ongoing project. The water and sewer board is currently pursuing an easement from one of the property owners to go across his property. We have not drafted a plan, but the situation is being worked on. Marks said he knew of a situation in which the construction of a new home in the area was being hindered by the low water pressure. "I think we need to get this rectified," he said. South reiterated that efforts were being made to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. Interim director for CSI named Councilman Eddie Huggins reported that Jackson Intermediate School third grade teacher Christie Taylor had been named as interim director of the Continuing School Improvement (CSI) program while current director, Alfred Donald, was on active duty with the U.S. Military. He also said that during the recent CSI board meeting, Jetti Johnson was named the organization's new treasurer. Huggins said the after school tutoring program continues to average a participation of between 80 and 100 students who are reportedly showing improvement in their grades. "We hope the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) and SAT scores reflect that," he said. "We are hoping the program's success will be reflected in upcoming test scores." Officer injured during Mardi Gras During his report to the council, Police Chief Charles Burge said that Officer Norman "Buzzy" Jordan was injured while assisting Mobile police with Mardi Gras patrol. Jordan, who had received extra training as a motorcycle officer in exchange for patrolling during Mardi Gras, reportedly hit a puddle of water and put his leg down to brace himself, causing a hairline fracture in his shin bone. Burge said he is expected to return to work within two and one-half weeks. Burge also reported he attended the state conference for police chiefs in Montgomery last week. Among the topics covered were ethics in law enforcement. In other business: *Councilman Eldridge Jackson Jr. reported that he had witnessed several motorists run school bus stop signs while children were loading and unloading from school busses. "There was one instance in which a little girl was almost hit," he said. He asked Chief Burge to have officers more heavily patrol during those times to avoid a bad situation from occurring. Chief Burge agreed to have officers be more aware of the situation. *The council approved a request for streetlights on Hicks Avenue, Ross Street at Depot Road and Forest Avenue at Church Street. *A license for the off premise sale of beer and wine at CVS was approved *A resolution was approved for a drainage project on Cleveland Street.
*The council voted to approve a resolution for a new bank account for donations for the Pine City Park project. Councilman Marks asked that the council consider utilizing property located near the New Era softball fields for the park at its next meeting.
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