Town Council at a glance: key votes on contracts, parking and ordinances (March 16)

Jackson — The Jackson Town Council took several final actions on March 16 across consent, capital projects, parking and administrative matters. Key outcomes:

- Consent calendar: The council approved the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration. One council member recused themself from an encroachment agreement (item D2) because their firm is involved; the item was then approved by the remaining members.

- Garamond Pathway safety improvements: Council approved a notice of award and contract with Aardvark Excavating Inc. for the Garamond Pathway safety-improvement project in an amount not to exceed $213,696. The project is fully funded by a private donation routed through Friends of Pathways (Cameron Family Foundation) and is expected to begin in April with pathway closures and signage coordinated by staff.

- 15-minute parking at 105 Mercer (Happy Kids Daycare): Council directed the town manager to install two 15-minute parking spaces adjacent to 105 Mercer Avenue (weekdays, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.), consistent with staff recommendations; the motion passed unanimously.

- Ordinance E (mayor and council compensation): Council approved second reading of Ordinance E, amending section 2.0801 of the municipal code regarding compensation for the mayor and council.

- SLIB housing application travel authorization: Council authorized town travel to the State Lands & Investment Board meeting for the unmet housing needs (S4 Flats) application and granted the town representative discretion to revise or withdraw the application if needed.

- YDOT working group: Council appointed Mayor Jorgensen and Councilor Sperry to a YDOT pedestrian-safety evaluation working group and discussed potential walking-tour dates in April.

Details and next steps: The Garamond pathway contract will be administered as a town project; staff will coordinate temporary path closures and public notice. The 15-minute parking spaces will be painted and signed at town expense (estimated fiscal impact of $2,320). The SLIB application will appear on or about April 2 and town representation was authorized for the application hearing.

(Attributions: project and budget figures from staff presentations in the March 16 meeting; contract award name and amount from staff recommendation and motion before council.)