While the primary election took place in the next room to determine who would take office next year, the current Poplarville Board of Aldermen met to discuss city matters, noting the absence of current Mayor Brad Necaise.
Rochelle Holliday petitioned the Board to open a food truck outside the Dixon Theater on Main Street for special events due to limited space inside the theater.
Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire said the topic has been discussed in the past but one was never opened.
“It’s just like any other business,” she said.
City Attorney Nick Thompson said after doing some quick research on the subject, he couldn’t find statewide regulation that wouldn’t allow or deny such a business.
“I believe that Mrs. Shirley is correct, that as long as you get a business license, and follow those requirements then you’re good,” Thompson said.
Holliday said the truck would only be used for special events and wouldn’t take up public parking spaces.
She also said it would follow beer and light wine regulations by only selling such beverages at approved events or indoors.
In other matters, Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale said a well on Cumberland Street is losing capacity, going from 563 gallons per minute at 10 psi when it was installed in September of 2004 to 412 gallons per minute at 10 psi today. He said the well currently runs 12 hours a day.
The Board approved hiring engineer Jason Lamb to oversee the project.
Depending on the scope of the work, it could cost up to $45,000, Hale said.
Hale also told the Board a sinkhole is developing at the intersection of Beers and Julia streets due to a failing city culvert. The Board approved hiring Lamb to oversee the project.
He also addressed the Board about needed repairs for one of the city trucks stolen last week.
The recovered GMC Sierra has engine damage that is currently being assessed, Hale said.
The damaged fence at the public works facility where the vehicles were stolen has temporarily been fixed, but Hale said a more permanent fix wouldn’t be needed due to the upcoming renovations to the public works building.
The Board also approved advertising for bids for that renovation project.
Hale said about six graves were damaged during the incident at the city cemetery last week and he was struggling to identify the families affected. The city no longer has records of that area, Hale said.
In other departmental matters, Code Enforcement officer Guy Rae Holston resigned his position effective April 25.
Alderman Jason Pearson said he has two people already interested in the position. The Board later entered into executive session to discuss the matter.
In a separate matter, Police Chief Butch Raby said Cpt. James Steinkamp would be on family/medical leave for the next 12 weeks.
In other news, the Board:
– Approved the purchase of two swings that seat an adult and small child. The swings were funded by year-long donations from the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce, Poplarville Women’s Club and private donors. They will be installed at City Park in the next two weeks.
– Approved a request from a local Boy Scout to build two benches for City Park as part an Eagle Scout project.
– Approved a motion to make a decision on the homeschooling issue at the May 16 meeting.
The next Board meeting will be held May 16 at 5 p.m.