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Overpass work causes increase in Depot Road traffic
Jackson City Councilman Eldridge Jackson Jr. made the warning during his comments at the regular council meeting. "I would like to make everyone aware that there are more trucks traveling Depot Road than normal," he said, "and they travel fast as they drive through the area. Those who live in the area and drive there should be more cautious during this period of increased traffic," he said. The road was closed, Monday, June 11, from Clolinger Road to Depot Road and will remain closed through Saturday, June 16. Mayor Richard Long said Tuesday that traffic will also be detoured at Warren Street and Industrial Road in the coming days while the work is finished. Trucks should use the Highway 177 entrance at the water plant and turn at the Jackson Sawmill exit during this time. CSI funding sought Councilman Eddie Huggins reported that the Continuous School Improvement (CSI) program has obtained tax exempt status and is now allowed to begin raising funds from outside sources rather than relying solely on the city for funding. He said Cristy Taylor will continue as the program's director in the absence of director Alfred Donald who is currently on active duty with the U.S. Military. According to Huggins, the after school tutoring/study program has shown continued success in helping improve the test scores of at-risk students in Jackson's public schools. "We need help with money to keep CSI going so we can continue these improvements," he said. Police department report Jackson Deputy Police Chief Mark Harrell reported that the radio tower for the new police station is nearing completion. He also said one of the department's dispatchers has turned in his resignation and two others are out for medical reasons, causing a shortage. "We currently have only two dispatchers working and have brought Officer Norman "Buzzy" Jordan back on light duty to help fill in as a dispatcher," he added. "We are working to fill these positions as quickly as possible." Fire department report Jackson Fire Chief Neal Bradley reported that a no-burn order has been issued for the north half of the state by the state forestry department and the governor's office. He said a fire alert remains in effect for the southern part of the state, adding that a no-burn order may be in the future if no significant rainfall is received soon. He also warned against the shooting of fireworks due to the dry conditions and reminded Jackson residents that it is illegal to shoot fireworks within the city limits. In other business: *Councilman Paul South said while other cities' water systems in the area are under drought warnings, the city of Jackson is not. *Several council members thanked City Clerk Betty Powell and other city staff members for their work on the welcome luncheon for the approximately 400 teachers in town for the AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative) training. "I've received some good feedback from many of the teachers visiting Jackson," said Councilman South. Councilman Jackson complimented the luncheon's organizers on a job well done. *Councilman Robert Marks reported that the Pine City Park fund-raising block party in downtown scheduled for June 8, which was cancelled due to inclement weather, has tentatively been rescheduled for June 22. "The park committee has indicated they have learned a few things and is planning an even bigger and better event," he said. "They are not discouraged." *An agreement will be made with an engineering firm for a new traffic count for the city, at no extra cost, according to Mayor Long. *The council voted to purchase two new scoreboards for North Jackson Park at a cost of $6,000.
*Several police cars and a metal building owned by the city were declared surplus equipment and will be sold.
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