The Poplarville Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday and reviewed proposed ordinances for the approved sale of light wine and beer, viewed a presentation from Empire Pipe Supply on proposed water meter replacements, and approved the immediate purchase of three turn out suits for volunteer firefighters.

The four-hour meeting ended in a recess until next Tuesday, instead of adjournment, to give the community time to review proposed ordinances for sale of light wine and beer, which were reviewed in the meeting. The board will also vote on a cap loan when they reconvene.

Packets were handed out to all in attendance. They included proposed ordinances with comments inserted below the sections from the Town Hall meeting with applicable comments and questions from residents. Each section was reviewed and the floor was open for discussion.

Empire Pipe Supply gave a presentation on replacement of current water meters with sealed meters that transmit readings electronically.

The proposed meters would replace the current meters that are more than 15 years old and do not measure water flow accurately. Public Works Director Sam Hale, reported that the two weeks it currently to physically collect readings will be shortened to between two and four hours. This can be achieved by driving and capturing readings electronically.

The meters will also generate alarms for leakage and backflow.

The generated revenue from accurate readings and increased employee productivity will be of value to the city. Faster notification of leakage will be of value to the residents.  No action was taken at this time on the presentation.

Fire Chief Bobby Strahan requested the immediate address of additional turnout gear for his firefighters. Strahan said the current six turnout suits are unfit for use and he is having to turn away responders due to lack of protective gear.

Strahan provided information that he had been searching for gear that had been either gently used or was in overstock to get the best use of funds but still meet their needs. Alderman Randy Brown made the motion to approve the immediate acquisition of three suits, which passed.

In other items the board:

— Approved minutes of previous meeting.

— Accepted all departmental reports.

— Approved to allow owners of 109 East Orr St. 60 days to proceed with cleanup or the city will proceed.

— Approved to destroy records from 1996 through 1999.

— Acknowledged an MDEQ grant as the sole source vendor for Waste Management big belly single station units.

— Approved Millcreek Employability’s application to hold an event at the park.

— Extended the Waste Management contract.

— Approved a cash request for $8,000 to pay Jason Hicks for grant preparation and overseeing of project for library renovation.

— Approved Rossie Creel’s attendance at a Firearm Training Instructor Program in Glynco, Ga., as well as the appointment of a part time officer.

— Approved an officer to attend a D.A.R.E. conference in Biloxi which involves a registration fee of $199, lodging for four nights at a rate of $66.08 and meal reimbursement.

— Approved advertising for the hiring of part time police officers.

The board recessed and will reconvene on Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m.