The Picayune City Council convened on Tuesday, March 5, with all council members present. Mayor Jim Luke declared March 2024 as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the city.

The proclamation highlighted the contributions of Mississippians with intellectual or developmental disabilities, emphasizing their desires for education, meaningful work, and an independent community life. Mayor Luke urged all citizens to recognize the unique strengths and contributions of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, stating that they enrich the state and make it a better place for everyone.

During the meeting, the council approved the city’s application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), which aims to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, the AFG has provided critical equipment, protective gear, training, and resources for firefighters and first responders.

The council also passed a resolution to adopt the Federal Uniform Guidance Procurement Policy for the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Projects. This policy sets strict requirements for procurement to prevent conflicts of interest when purchasing goods and services under federally funded grants and contracts.

In other business, the Public Works Department’s request for a donation of 22 man-hours from Ro-tolo Consultants Inc., valued at $770, for landscaping at the Exit 4 Welcome Sign was approved. Additionally, the Police Department was granted approval to apply for a grant through Operation Underground Railroad for the purchase of a CVSA III, a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, to be used as an investigation tool in the fight against human trafficking.