The Poplarville Board of Aldermen held a lengthy and packed meeting Tuesday night to discuss several ongoing, controversial zoning issues.
But before the two public hearings, the Board discussed a request from the Pearl River County Library System regarding repairs to the Poplarville Public Library.
Library System Director Carol Phares told the Board major repairs are needed to the building, including repairs to the screening near the roof, gables and exterior paint.
Other repairs were also needed for the new ADA compliant water fountain and electronic door, but Phares said Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale told her he could work on those as part of his duties.
The Board approved a motion to gather quotes for the other repairs.
Afterward, the Board held two public hearings in response to months of arguments about whether a local resident, Kimra Torrence, is allowed to operate a homeschool and tutoring service out of her home on North Jackson Street.
The first hearing was held to hear testimony from both sides concerning whether the Board should allow tutoring services in residential areas. The second hearing was to cover if Torrence’s school follow’s the city’s description of one.
Torrence currently operates an after-school tutoring service out of her home and spoke on her own behalf. Others who spoke on her behalf included her attorney Scott Gibson and numerous parents and students.
The complainant and Torrence’s neighbor, Jim Brown, and his attorney, Grant Bennett, spoke about their perspective of the issue.
In addition to arguing against both issues, Bennett formally objected to both hearings for failure to publish proper notification.
Due to publication deadlines, additional coverage will be published Thursday.