The Picayune City Council held its regular meeting on Sept. 17, with all members present except Mayor Jim Luke.

The council recognized James Broom for his 28 years of service with the Public Works Department. Broom, who began his work in 1979, is set to retire at the end of the month.

“What I’ll miss most is the people I see every day,” Broom said.

City Manager Harvey Miller requested the establishment of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the South Loftin Fire Department under new business. The box would serve as a secure drop-off location for newborns.

The council also approved an application for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Solid Waste Assistance grant, worth up to $25,000. These funds can be used for illegal dump cleanups, collection and recycling programs, local solid waste enforcement, illegal dumping prevention, and public education programs.