In response to questions from the Jenkins City Council, representatives of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses submitted a letter discussing conditions under which they would be willing to agree to a road easement for a portion of Summer Avenue.
The city is seeking to take over Summer Avenue and Rose Street to bring those roads up to city standards. First, however, the city needs easements, including from the congregation.
The letter from Rick Cichy included six conditions, including a guarantee the cost of improvements would be solely the responsibility of the city, the city would complete the project within a specific period of time, the city would hold the congregation harmless from responsibilities associated with the section of street, the city would allow the congregation to install driveways on Summer Avenue, the city would route storm water runoff away from the remaining property, and the city would give support in the future for subdivision of the adjacent property remaining in their ownership.
The council had questions on two conditions. First, the council wanted to make clear that the city is not offering to purchase the easement and that there will be no land exchange. Second, the council wanted clarification of the subdivision condition, especially pertaining to city zoning ordinances. The letter is being given to the city attorney for review.
The council met Monday, April 13, mostly using Zoom meeting software, though the clerk and two council members were present at city hall, sitting at least six feet apart.
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In other business, the council:
- Approved a liquor license for Shiner's LLP.
- Awarded a bid for crack filling to Anderson Brothers for $31,836.83. The council needed more information on why three roads had been removed from the bids. One road needs more than crack filling, the other two are included in a different project.
- Agreed to keep city park spaces open, but to keep playground equipment closed for the time being.
