Mineral Rights, White Pine School, and Zoning Dominate County Commission Work Session

Citizen concerns were the largest item of business at the Monday evening, January 9, 2017, Jefferson County Commission Work Session. The Historic Jefferson County Courthouse Main Courtroom was filled with residents waiting to share their concerns with the members of the County Commission. Three topics, the Nyrstar mineral rights issue, the White Pine School Renovation and Addition Project and a rezoning request, brought input from attendees at the Quarterly Work Session.

Several residents from the New Market/ Strawberry Plains area addressed the full body regarding Nyrstar and the company’s recent decision to exercise their mineral rights on certain properties. Residents categorized the actions of Nyrstar as intrusive and complained that little or no information was forthcoming from the company. Commission Members questioned what, if any, action from the full body was appropriate and requested that the County Attorney investigate the parameters of action that might be open to the County Commission on the issue. Entering property without permission, leaving gates/ fencing open, not producing appropriate paperwork to prove ownership of mineral rights and safety were across the board issues that appeared to be driving resident anxiety. It was noted that Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig has been called to the area by to intercede in potential altercations between residents and Nyrstar representatives. Though Nyrstar sent out hundreds of letters of intent to enter property, some residents addressing the County Commission contend that they did not receive any notification.

The White Pine Renovation and Addition Project was another issue that came before the County Commission Monday evening. One teacher from White Pine School and White Pine Mayor Glenn Warren addressed the full body concerning funding for the project. Jefferson County Schools Facilities Director Michael Phagan made a presentation to the County Commission regarding the project’s increased costs and his projections and rational regarding further potential increases if delayed, as well as maintaining contracts with the current architectural firm.

During the Public Hearing portion of the meeting local businessman David Vaughn appeared before the County Commission to request that property located at the corner of Hwy 92 and Hickery Hills Road in Jefferson City be rezoned from R-1 to C-2. Vaughn stated that he had purchased the property under the assumption that it was zoned A-1 , which is appropriate zoning for several types of businesses, and found out after purchase that the zoning was actually residential 1. He said that, though A-1 designation does allow for businesses, Vaughn owns and operates a heating and air business that is not listed as approved for an A-1 zoning designation but noted that it was listed as a viable business in the property’s pre sale information. He stated that he was aware that he would have to request a zoning shift but that there are very few cost effective options for small businesses in the C-2 zone and his current location will not allow expansion due to its location in the historic district of Jefferson City. Vaughn said that a shift from A-1 to C-2 appeared to be reasonable, as there are other businesses in the area and it was listed on the pre sale information. When he discovered that he had been misinformed about the zoning designation, which was on both the Realtor and city level, he had already made purchase of the property. Vaughn said that residences in the area were blocked from view by foliage, his business is low noise impact and other commercial business, including a bar, are in the area. According to information provided by Jefferson County Zoning Compliance Officer Tim Seals, Vaughn’s request was denied by the Jefferson City Regional Planning Commission, noting spot zoning as a concern. Residents in the area expressed concern regarding the potential shift in zoning, citing further use of the property should Vaughn sell, increased traffic and negative visual impact.

The Jefferson County Commission will have their voting meeting on Monday, January 16,2017 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Agenda items include budget amendments, meeting calendar, White Pine School Renovation and Addition Project, as well as several surplus items, grant resolutions and the confirmation of the Mayoral appointee for the Jefferson Memorial Foundation Board.