(Posted Oct. 4, 2017)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
West Jefferson council is taking steps toward the annexation of two properties, one at either end of the village.
On Oct. 2, council approved two resolutions that outline the services the village can provide to the two properties. With the approval, the resolutions will be forwarded to the Madison County commissioners.
The first resolution pertains to 130 acres west of the village, straddling Jefferson and Deer Creek townships and owned by All Star Limited Partnership. The land borders the Ralph Parsons farm, which is a part of the village.
The other resolution pertains to 361 acres in Jefferson Township east of the village and owned by Sky Ranch Properties LLC. This property has been talked about at recent council meetings for development.
In both cases, the village has agreed to provide sanitary sewer service and potable water services, police services, road and street maintenance, ice and snow removal, and zoning. Jefferson and/or Deer Creek townships will provide fire and EMS services for the parcel on the west side of the village. Jefferson Township will provide fire and EMS services for the larger parcel on the east edge of the village.
Both resolutions were approved without comment.
The Sky Ranch Properties discussions have brought about a proposal for a new zoning designation in West Jefferson–planned mixed use development. A public hearing on designation is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 9 in council chambers at town hall.
Kroger representative Al Smith brings West Jefferson council members up to date on plans to build a Kroger Fresh Eats store at the corner of U.S. Route 40 and State Route 142. Smith expects construction to begin in the spring, “depending on the weather.”
Kroger Fresh Eats update
At the start of the Oct. 2 meeting, Kroger representative Al Smith brought council members and the audience up to date on work toward the construction of a Kroger Fresh Eats store at the intersection of U.S. Route 40 and State Route 142.
He said engineers are working toward linking into water and sewer lines, one necessity before construction can begin.
Weather permitting, he said, construction could start in the spring. Construction would take four months.
“I feel good,” he said. “There have been no objections so far.”
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Director Marci Darlington said that, over the past 18 months, she has enjoyed her work with Parks and Recreation and moving into the community center. She said she has learned a lot on the job.
A variety of programs are being offered at the community enter, geared for kindergarteners through senior residents.
She said 15 businesses are participating in the second annual fall window painting program where students do the painting. A scarecrow contest is also planned. Judging will be done and winners announced at the Halloween party Oct. 31.
With Make a Difference Day approaching, vendors are being sought for a health fiar that will be held Oct. 25 at Norwood Elementary.
At the end of the meeting, council entered into executive session to discuss pending and imminent litigation. Council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 16.
