The Poplarville Board of Aldermen met Tuesday and passed new sign ordinances for sandwich signs, adopted a proclamation establishing Poplarville as a Purple Heart City, and after officially accepting the results of the special referendum on the sale of light wine and beer, set the date for a Town Hall Meeting to gather public comments.

The board passed new ordinances for sandwich signs that can be displayed in the city, increasing the dimensions from two to six feet. The thought behind the increase was that with the new truck stop coming to Poplarville, the two feet sandwich signs would not be noticeable from a truck driver’s view.

Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire said the two feet sign ordinance was passed in 2009 with the knowledge that as the city grew and the business landscape evolved, modifications would be needed.

“Back in 2009, we never imagined a truck stop of this caliber coming to our town and we did what was best for that business climate.” Wiltshire said. “Now we have to allow our businesses to capture the new market opportunities the truck stop will bring and that includes modifying some of the previous sign ordinances.”

The board also adopted a proclamation that designated Poplarville as a Purple Heart City.

Alderman Byron Wells said that he is proud of community members who have served the country and the proclamation was the right thing to do.

The board unanimously accepted the report and certification of the special referendum results, on beer and light wine.

A Town Hall meeting will be held in the board room on Thursday, April 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Written suggestions from the community will be accepted and a proposed ordinance will be posted for review.

“We have used the ordinance from Wiggins as a template because it best reflects our community values,” said Mayor Brad Necaise. “But the field is wide open for changes based on community input. This is our town and we want ordinances that reflect our values.”

In other matters the board:

— Accepted all departmental reports.

— Passed a motion to recognize April as Autism Awareness Month.

— Passed a motion to proceed with filing of cap loan application for a fire truck they the city will soon receive.

— Passed a motion to amend the Street Department’s budget to include $3,200 for brick planters.

— Approved a Poplarville Police Department Survey on department efficacy that will be posted on the city website for community members to respond to.

— Tabled the delinquent privilege license reports until the next meeting.

— Passed a motion to approve a $600 payment to Juju’s Signs for the purchase of “Exercise Your Right to Vote” signs. The business will also print the city logo and website url for use during non-voting times.

— Passed a motion to hire Brandon Hines and Miranda Beech to the Pop. F.D. Beech is the fourth female firefighter to be hired under the leadership of Fire Chief Bobby Strahan.

— Mayor Necaise signed the DUI grant application for overtime totaling $15,097.87.

— Passed a motion to provide Missy Lambert meals and mileage reimbursement for domestic violence and protection order training which will be held in Picayune on June 10.

— Held a public hearing for Billy Littleton regarding code violations on property located at 426 North Jackson St.

— Passed a motion to remove certain items from city’s inventory.

— Dismissed until next meeting on April 15, at 5 p.m.