By Sara Whitaker
Marion County Herald Editor
City Council nominated and approved three new members to Jefferson Economic Development Board (JEDCO) and Tourism Development Board at Tuesday‘s Regular Meeting on June 16.2015.
Ward Three Alderman Victor Perot nominated former Mayor Bob Avery to replace Bill DeWare; Ward Two Alderman Roy Richie appointed James Parsons and Ward One Alderman James Finstrom appointed Robin Moore to JEDCO. Alderman Richard Turner made the motion to approve and Alderman Kay McKinnon gave the second. The motion carried unanimously.
For Tourism Development Board, Perot nominated Tourism Board President Jeff Slack; Richie selected Secretary Kathy Schaefer and Finstrom reappointed Vice President Tammy Doriot. Turner was scheduled to announce his appointment, but requested a delay until the July meeting, due to the nominee’s decline earlier that day. Turner made the motion to approve all appointees and McKinnon gave the second. The motion carried 6-0.
Doriot plays a significant role at Tourism Board Meetings acting as President in Slack’s absence and the City’s representative and person of contact for the building and construction of the Tourism website.
Jefferson Police Chief Gary Amburn appeared before Council requesting permission to sell seized vehicles that Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has turned over to Jefferson Police Department.
“Anything we have seized for arrests, I would like Council to authorize for the Chief to sell,” said Mayor Carey B. Heaster Jr. Finstrom proposed the motion, “The Chief has the authority to advertise bids on seized vehicles for the Police Department.” Richie gave the second and the motion carried unanimously.
Dakota Fish, owner of Dakota Fish Educational Products, requested an Itinerant, Merchants, Vendor and Peddlers permit to sell his educational materials, including advanced math and reading books.
“My main reason (for selling) is leadership training and traveling,” said Fish, who will sell products locally door to door. “They include commonly asked kids’ questions and help with reading comprehension. “ McKinnon said, “I’m sure it’s a good product, I’m just concerned about door to door.”
“I’m in Texas to start a business. I’m a college student from Iowa,” said Dakota “The Bookman” Fish. The young entrepreneur has sold $16, 000 in merchandise to other local communities and is using the money to pay for his college education. He said if his books are declined, he maintains a positive attitude and leaves a favorable impression.
“You’re trying to put yourself through school, that’s admirable,” said McKinnon. Richie declared, “Of all the door to door sales, this is probably the most worthwhile and I wish you success in this City.” Finstrom made the motion to approve the permit and Alderman Val Vallery gave the second. The motion carried 6-0. McKinnon and Perot simultaneously said, “Good luck.”
(See story on Dakota Fish in this edition.)
Richard Penner, owner of The Knightlight Theatre, 202 Walnut Street, constructed an overhang (kitchen) on a City Right of Way, without requesting a permit, due to the amount of construction not exceeding $5,000. Earlier this year, multiple businesses moved personal property to comply with American Disability Act (ADA) federal requirement leaving 36 inches of sidewalk available for wheelchair accessibility. Penner was given 90 days to remove the overhang, yet did not comply due to not receiving the letter informing him of Council’s decision.
“Mr. Penner is here,” said Heaster. “The previous Council took action on this. We need to allow this Council to decide on this issue.”
“We’re trying to look at this in common sense wise point of view,” said Penner. “We asked for a variance to lease, close or buy the sidewalk. There is no one who goes by that sidewalk. Neither end is accessible by wheelchair. [The building] is critical to my business. At this particular point, we can see this resolved. I have a lot of other things to focus on for my business and for the City. It’s just not possible.”
“There are things that concern me,” said McKinnon. “If you make variances for one person, you have to make it for everyone.” Penner’s main concern is a SWEPCO pole that eliminates wheelchair passage on the sidewalk beyond his building. Turner said, “We pay a lease for the Right of Way for a pole that is where it is supposed to be. If you’re using it, the issue is from an access standpoint, that wouldn’t be the case. If you’re using it for encroachment on City property, that’s another issue.”
“Is there going to be a timeframe when you move that (kitchen) to the back?” asked City Attorney Mike Martin. Penner said, “We were affected by [Walnut] street being torn up. We had to close our doors. We’ve talked about one year, we’ve talked about two years, that’s the time frame.”
“Are you telling me it’s a matter of money, that you’ll move it to the back of the store when it’s needed?” asked Martin. Penner said, “In order to move the grill, it’s a total renovation. It’s a lot of expense. We’d spend 10 to 20 thousand dollars; it’s not an option right now.”
“Maybe we could grant an extension, 18 months,” said McKinnon. Penner responded, “I need something that says the City supports me.” Martin said, I thought that was generous.”
“If we don’t set guidelines, people will say, ‘you did this for so and so, why can’t you do it for me?’ You’re not willing to go with an extension?” asked McKinnon. Penner said, “18 months is fine.”
“We grant an 18 month extension to decide what he is going to do in regard to the grill and overhang of the building,” said Richie in his motion. McKinnon gave the second. Turner said, “This overrides any decision we have made. Does the 18 month extension begin from the previous deadline?” The Mayor said, “Today.” Turner said, “We need to clarify, today.” Vallery, McKinnon, Richie, Perot and Finstrom voted “yes.” Turner voted “no.”