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New generators arrive at water treatment plant
The decision to purchase the generators came following Hurricane Ivan, which struck the Gulf Coast in 2004, causing extensive damage in the area. During a two-week period following the natural disaster, many residents of Jackson were without electricity and some areas were without water for a period of time. "We found out that people can do without electricity for a number of days, but not water," said South when the generators arrived at the plant, Tuesday. "Once they (the generators) are installed, one at the plant and one at the pumping station on the (Tombigbee) river, we shouldn't have to worry about that happening again." While the generators were still being unstrapped from the large flatbed 18-wheeler that delivered them, Paul Thomas, director of the plant, said he was pleased to see the long-awaited equipment finally being delivered. A pad had been prepared for the larger of the two generators at the rear of the facility and workers were preparing for its installation. The larger generator, which will be used to run the plant during times when power to the plant is lost, is 900 kilowatts, while the smaller one that will run the pumping station on the Tombigbee is 150 kilowatts. Total cost of the project is $540,000, with approximately $310,000 of that coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During Tuesday's council meeting Mayor Richard Long said, "I am glad to hear that these generators have arrived and will be installed prior to the upcoming hurricane season, which begins in June." Economic Development During his report to the council, Mayor Long gave an update on economic development projects currently under way in Jackson. Following is his report: +Site prep at the Walgreens' complex is under way and construction will soon begin on the $1.8 million pharmacy. +Site prep has started on the Billingsly property on U.S. Highway 43 South for the Evergreen Transportation termi- nal will employ 55 people. +Gulf Lumber Jackson, LLC is in the process of starting up and will eventually employ approximately 75 people. +The request for proposal for the Clarke-Mobile Counties Gas District's office complex will be advertised for bids on the new facility. Construction should start in the second quarter of this year. +Construction of the $2 million expansion at New Era Cap Company continues and the contractor reports the project is going well. The 100,000 square foot addition should be completed by the end of July. Seismic testing approved The council voted to approve a resolution authorizing Eagle Geophysical Inc. to perform seismic testing on city property in a search for the presence of oil in the area. Councilman Robert Marks voiced concerns about vibrations causing dirt water in residents' pipes. A representative of the group said he was working with the city's water department on identifying any areas where older water lines may cause such problems. "We won't work in any zones of concern," he assured the council. Jackson Police Department JPD Deputy Chief Mark Harrell reported on behalf of Chief Charles Burge during Tuesday's meeting: +He commended the officers who responded to the incident, March 8, in which two toddlers nearly drowned at a home day care facility. +Harrell thanked Detective Richard Harvey for filling in as the department's top investigator while he was out for a number of weeks due to shoulder surgery. "Last year I worked a total of 15 child sexual abuse cases," said Harrell. "He (Harvey) has already investigated eight this year. +The deputy chief said Chief Burge is planning to conduct a community survey concerning the department's Web site and encouraged citizens to participate. +Harrell said the department is happy to welcome Rockville Baptist Church Pastor Mark Dunn as the newest volunteer member of the department's chaplain service. In other business: +Councilman Eldridge Jackson Jr. said residents on Miller Street are complaining about debris being dumped there. Public Works Director Kevin Woodson said work would soon begin on repair of a gully there, but that he would put up a "no dumping/littering" sign there until that time. +The council passed a resolution to close the entrance to Ocre Avenue from College Avenue due to the proposed construction of the new Clarke- Mobile Counties Gas District office complex to be built on property located near there. The mayor said there would eventually be a new entrance to Ocre Avenue from College Avenue created. +The council approved a measure to allow Mayor Long to serve as the voting delegate at the upcoming Alabama League of Municipalities meeting in Huntsville, with Councilman Eddie Huggins serving as alternate. +A resolution to approve an application for six Emergency Watershed Program (gully repair) projects totalling approximately $1 million was passed. The city's matching portion will be around $250,000. +An application for an alcohol license for the No. 1 China restaurant has been submitted and will be voted on at the next regular meeting. +A council work session was scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 5 p.m. at Jackson City Hall.
+The next regular council meeting is scheduled for March 27 at 6 p.m.
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