Poplarville’s Board of Aldermen discussed installation of Main Street crosswalks during Tuesday’s meeting.

Mayor Rossie Creel said he would like to see two crosswalks installed across Main Street. He said if they were evenly spread out, instead of being placed at each block, the city would be able to provide places for people to safely cross the road while also cutting down on costs.

Engineer Jason Lamb recommended using “piano key” crosswalks since they are easy to install and are easily seen. Since Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale already has a high-powered heat gun, the crosswalk could be installed by city employees, Lamb said.

While Creel said the cost would probably not be high enough for the Board to vote on, Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire expressed concern about the price. She said that since these crosswalks were not included in the year’s budget, it would be good to hear the figures before moving forward with the project.

A motion was passed to take the matter under advisement.

A change order was presented by Lamb to ask the city to approve the addition of several items in regard to construction of the new public works facility.

Lamb requested three exterior lights be installed on the existing building. He said the area does not provide adequate lighting. In addition, the existing pole is in a bad spot, and the power line hangs through a tree and over the existing building – which could be dangerous.

He also requested three locking latches be installed on the interior storage gates when they are constructed. He said a large part of the floor space will be taken up by three fenced-in cages for high-cost items. Because of the frequency of their use, Lamb said it would be good if the gates were constructed with a door handle with a lock instead of a latch and deadlock. This way, a limited number of people would have the keys and would be responsible for the more expensive items.

Lamb also said that a section of the grassy area outside consistently fills with water when it rains. He said the water flows from Main Street and builds up in a low patch of land. He recommended constructing a paved ditch to direct the water to a ditch further from the building.

In addition, it was requested that a stain be used beneath the chair rail in the climate controlled area of the building, for the interior plywood liner panels be upgraded from ½” plywood to ¾” plywood and for the position of the exterior stair case connecting the buildings be adjusted.

A motion was passed to accept the change order and use contingency funds to pay for the additional items.

Travel authorization was given for firefighter Christopher Sherrill to attend a surface water and swift water rescue technician course with the Mississippi Fire Academy.