Here are highlights from the Tuesday, Aug. 17 Jackson City Council meeting:
-The Jackson City Council unanimously approved a proposal to allocate $1.5 million in federal funds over the next 5 years to a new program that aims to reduce gun violence in the community. The program, called Group Violence Intervention, will have the police department working with community advocates and local organizations to directly address groups who are committing gun violence, and finding solutions to resolve conflicts. This approach has been proven to reduce gun violence in communities across the country.
-A pedestrian island is coming to E. Michigan Avenue. The City Council approved a contract with MDOT to construct a pedestrian island in the median of E. Michigan in front of Henry Ford Allegiance Health from East Avenue to Page Avenue. Traffic calming solutions are needed in the area to slow down traffic and create a safer pedestrian crossing after ongoing incidents of hospital staff getting hit by vehicles while crossing the street.
-$31 million in American Rescue Plan funds is available to the City over the next three years. The City Council approved a contract with a firm to make sure the City’s spending of these funds is within requirements from the federal government. The firm will not make any spending allocations for the City.
-The Bright Walls Mural Festival is planned for Sept. 16-18. The City Council approved an application for the festival to take place.
-The City Council approved a Responsible Contractor Ordinance for the City. The ordinance revises qualifications for contractors hired by the City of Jackson to do construction and maintenance projects.
-The sale of four City-owned properties were approved by the City Council.
A recording of the meeting is available on this page.