Residents are running out of time to offer their opinions on how the Jefferson City ward lines should be redrawn.
As part of Monday’s meeting, the City Council will host a public hearing for residents to provide input. The council will not vote on the issue until the next meeting.
The ward lines are being redrawn due to the 2020 census showing a higher population discrepancy between the five wards than the 10 percent allowed.
This is a process the city has gone through as a result of the last four censuses as well.
According to the 2020 census, Ward 4 is the largest ward in the city by population and grew during the last decade by 949 people, or 12 percent. Ward 3 also grew by 281 people, or 3.6 percent.
Ward 1 had the largest loss at 5.5 percent, or 621 people; Ward 2 dropped by 3.2 percent, or 262; and Ward 5 dropped by 2.3 percent or 184 people.
The city has hosted two open house events for members of the public to learn about the potential options and provide input. Community members can also email city officials to provide input.
City staff has recommended the first option, which was previously selected as the City Council’s preferred option before gathering public input.
Based on reports in City Council documents, the first option also received the most public support.
The border between Wards 4 and 5 runs along Cedar Hill Road to Overlook Drive, which turns into Sun Meadow Lane until it reaches Southridge Drive.
Under the proposed map, it would start at the intersection of Stadium and Southwest boulevards to Satinwood Drive and follow along Vieth Drive.
Sun Meadow Lane is one of the local streets used as a ward boundary, Barron said. The issue with using local streets is it splits neighborhoods with residents on each side of the street in different wards.
The other southern section of Ward 4 up for debate is right on the edge of the city limits, which is two sides of the piece with a third the existing border with Ward 5.
The northern border would be drawn along Route C and go until the city limit.
Under the proposal, both areas would move into Ward 5.
It would also extend the Ward 2 boundary from Jackson Street to Lafayette Street, which would take area out of Ward 5, along with an area from Locust Street to Bald Hill Road with an edge along East Atchison Street would be moved into Ward 1.
Consent agenda
Council members will vote on whether city staff will put out a request for proposals to conduct a compensation study for city employees.
Bills introduced
• Authorize a $149,870 construction contract with Aplex to replace the sewer line on the East Capitol.
• Authorize a $492,815 construction contract with Aplex to rework the stormwater culvert in the 600 block of Norris Drive. City staff is requesting a suspension of the rules for council to vote on the bill Monday.
• Authorize a $110,304 cemetery maintenance agreement for Longview Cemetery, Old City Cemetery and Woodland Cemetery with A.J. Lawn Care.
Bills pending
• Amend the 2021 budget to recognize hail damage insurance in the amount of $102,160 to go into the park fund.
• Amend the 2021 budget to recognize the sale of the Washington Park cell tower for $934,612 to go into the park fund.
• Authorize a $57,162 grant agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation for the Jefferson City Memorial Airport.
• Authorize a $158,825 construction contract with Clean Infusion for replacement diffusers at the regional water reclamation facility.
How to participate
The City Council will meet in person 6 p.m. Monday, but will have a virtual option due to COVID-19 and social-distancing recommendations.
Community members can attend the meeting at the council chambers in City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., or view the meeting live via the city’s YouTube page.