(Posted Dec. 23, 2015)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
The village of West Jefferson is entering into a pre-annexation agreement with Duke Realty Ohio. The area under consideration is 205 acres south of U.S. Route 40 and across the road from Ace Hardware.
“This outlines plans for whatever they want to do,” Mayor Darlene Steele said of the agreement at village council’s Dec. 21 meeting.
With annexation, the property would get village services including water and sewer, appropriate zoning and police protection.
The agreement now goes to the Madison County commissioners, Steele said, adding that the annexation could mean more development for the village down the road.
Alleys
Council voted to close an alley between Depot and Washington streets. Ron Garver cast the only dissenting vote.
Council voted to table another alley closing, between Washington and Jackson streets, after two residents of Jackson Street questioned who was responsible for removal of dead trees in the area. Garver and Doug Eakins voted against the tabling, but majority ruled in the decision to gather more information before casting a vote on the closing.
Next meeting
Council’s next meeting is Jan. 4 when Ray Martin assumes the mayor’s seat and Herman Stanley becomes a new councilman. Martin submitted his letter of resignation as a councilman effective Dec. 31.
“I’ll be a council member until the end of the year,” he said, adding that his certificate of election as mayor takes effect Jan. 2. The village is looking for someone from Ward 2 to replace Martin.
Also on Jan. 4, council will choose a president and vice president to lead council in 2016.
