By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Some Morris property owners were able to come to an amicable agreement Monday night regarding a land dispute.

On the agenda for Monday’s council meeting was an ordinance to rezone property owned by Stan Parker of Morris.

Work has begun to expand The Meadows subdivision by 17 lots.

However, neighboring land owners were concerned that construction would increase water flow to their property, thus causing damage.

In fact, Nancy McAnnally and her son Brian McAnnally said there has already been an increase of runoff water that caused erosion on their property and their creek to be filled with sediment.

After a 45-minute discussion between the land owners, engineers from LBYD Civil and Structural Engineers, the McAnnallys’ attorney, council members and others, an agreement was reached.

The matter has also been discussed in two Morris Planning and Zoning Board meetings.

Parker agreed to add a 20-foot natural buffer between the subdivision expansion and the McAnnallys’ property.

The land including the natural buffer will be owned by those who purchase lots at The Meadows, but the owners will not be allowed to cut trees, mow the grass or alter the land in any other way.

The exception would be in cases that cause potential danger. For example, a tree could be removed if it is blown over in a storm.

The solution of the natural buffer satisfied McAnnally.

“That’s all we ask for,” she said.

With all parties satisfied, the council voted to rezone the property from A1 (agricultural) to R2 (residential).

In other business, the council:

• voted to renew the city’s contract with AlaTax

• voted to purchase new accounting software that will cost $505 a year with a one-time fee of $1,895, which includes all expenses for the first year.

• announced that the Morris Christmas parade will be held on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. The staging area will be at Mortimer Jordan High School at 8:30 a.m. There is a $10 entry fee that will help support the city’s Families Helping Families Christmas program.