Mayor Will Hill spoke to the board members and the public
Hill indicated that the area was being considered for housing needs because of the size of the tract, cost to maintain the park given acts of vandalism, and the recognition that the most pressing issue in the community
right now is the lack of housing. The Mayor noted that there would be a public hearing on the matter if the issue was further pursued. Hill said that the city had limited means to maintain this Park given the dilapidated condition of concessions and restroom areas and the recent acts of vandalism that had closed the park prior to the April 28 tornado. Hill said, “we should consider putting our resources together to have one unified Park at Ivy. There is nothing that I would pose to this Board that is not in the best interest of this city and this community."
Alderwoman Gwenita Mays stated that while she had had numerous complaints about speeding in traffic in Academy Park and the surrounding area she requested that the Board suspend the agenda and give the public the opportunity to speak on the matter of development. After some discussion, it was decided to maintain the agenda given that if the project was pursued, the public would have the opportunity to speak at the public hearing.
Alderwoman Judy McLeod said, “there has got to be somewhere else to build houses. People want their Park.” McLeod suggested that a community group be developed to protect the park from vandalism. There was considerable murmuring of approval of McLeod’s statement by members of the audience.
The Board also dealt with the following issues in the meeting:
o Airport
project- authorized Mayor to sign agreement with Davidson Hauling
o Authorized
payments to the following:
§ Taylor
Tucker, Attorney, for 2 invoices $712.50
o Accepted
quote on Storm destroyed street signs and hardware from Custom Products Corp
for $24,401.80, alternate quotes from G&C Supply Co Inc. for $26,104.44,
and Econo Signs $32,550.22
o Accepted
quote on chain link fence and gates for landfill from Outdoor Solutions for
$28,360.00, alternate quote from Columbus Fence for $36,882.00
o Accepted
quote on well construction at landfill from McCray Drilling LLC for $46,867.45,
alternate quote from Walker-Hill Environmental for $58,910.62
o Approved
request for training: Sue Daniels to attend the Professional Judicial &
Development and Court Clerk’s Statewide Seminar on Sept. 9-12, Jackson,
registration $100, room $85, meals $62, Judicial College pays mileage
o Approved
request for training: Jody Fulton to attend MS Assoc. of Code Enforcement in
Gulfport on October 16-17, registration $50, room $216, meals $72, mileage $255
o Accepted
Andrew Arnett as a Volunteer Fireman
o Approved
interview and test for three vacant Police Sergeant positions which will be
promotions
o Authorized
Jody Fulton and Todd McCullough to attend class at Extension Office in
Louisville on August 25
o Discuss
Urban Forestry Grant to help replenish tree need to cross the community
o Notice
of Appointments to WCEDDP: Wilson Webb, joint appt. with County, and John
Coleman, City appointee, three year terms end 9-30-14
The Board held a budget and tax levy hearing prior to the regularly
scheduled board meeting. Winston web will have details on this hearing in an
upcoming article.
