The Board of Alderman began its first meeting of the New Year by approving the reappointment of Colette Oldmixon as City Attorney, James H. Breland as City Judge, Corey Clay Cranford as City Prosecuting Attorney and Kevin R. Roberts as City Public Defender.

The Board also approved a request from Carol Phares, director of the Pearl River County Library System, to reappoint Deloris Smith and Jo Laurin Davis to the Poplarville Public Library System Advisory Board.

Smith was appointed to serve the Advisory Board for another five-year term until November 19, 2022 and Davis was appointed retroactively from November 20, 2016, to November 19, 2021, to serve on the Board.

Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale provided the Board with an update concerning the repair of the Kubota side-arm bush hog, which required repairs due to a flaw on the part of its manufacturer Diamond Mowers. Hale said Parish Tractors undertook repair of the equipment and expects to have it back to the city within a week.

Hale also provided an update on the repair of a 2000 Model Elgin Pelican-P Street Sweeper estimated to cost $9,716. Hale said the sweeper required a rear steering axle and that he had to order the part, He expects it to arrive by Feb. 15.

In other matters, Fire Chief Jonathan Head asked the Board to authorize travel for three firefighters, William Joey Seal, Sara Smith and Brandy Philips, to attend the Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Certification Course to be held in Gulfport, Mississippi. Classes for the course will take place twice a week starting January 8 until April 5. The Board approved his request and was given permission to use the Fire Department’s training truck to transport the firefighters to the classes and tests and receive reimbursement for one meal for each firefighter attending the test scheduled for April 7 at the Mississippi Fire Academy.

Head said the goal of the training is provide the firefighters with the knowledge and expertise they need.

The next Board meeting will be Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. in City Hall.