Tuesday, in addition to discussing the city’s wild dog problem, the Poplarville Board of Alderman also discussed a tattoo parlor, the police department building and termite treatment of the former City Hall building located at 101 N. Main St.
During the April 28 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, a public hearing was held regarding 1101 S. Allen St., and the potential opening of Custom Art Tattoo Studio at that location, Poplarville City Clerk Jane O’Neal said.
According to minutes from the planning and zoning meeting, the hours of the business are not to exceed 8 p.m. during weekdays and 10 p.m. on the weekends, O’Neal said. The tattoo parlor will be operated by former graphic artist Jerri James and all work will be custom designed, the city clerk said.
The board approved the project on a two-year conditional basis, which also prohibits James from displaying flashing tattoo signs, O’Neal said.
O’Neal said no one in attendance voiced opposition. Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire voted against the matter and Alderman Jason Pearson was not in attendance Tuesday.
In another matter, O’Neal said the board discussed the problems with the current police department facility. Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby told the board there is a problem with the A/C compressor and there are other major electrical problems in the building, O’Neal said. The board took no action on the matter but are seeking quotes.
O’Neal said one of the board’s long-term goals is to add on to the fire station building and combine both the fire and police department in one facility. They believe it would be more cost efficient verses investing large amounts of money into the current police department building, she added.
The board decided to have an initial appraisal of the police department building completed by Cecil Johnson for future planning purposes, O’Neal said. An appraisal of that type can cost anywhere from $250 to $500.
During the last meeting, Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise told the board he had yet to sign a $17,000 purchase order to Keith Lott Construction to initiate external repair work pending a meeting with William Gatlin with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s preservation division.
Tuesday, it was announced that a meeting with Gatlin will be held on June 21 at 5 p.m. at City Hall during the regularly scheduled board of aldermen meeting.

In other action the board:
• Assumed ownership of the outdoor warning systems from the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors, O’Neal said.
• Approved two events, one sponsored by I am Blessed Ministries Outreach. It will be held on May 14 at City Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public. The second event will be held on May 7 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Trash to Treasure event, held at the 400 to 500 block of South Main Street, O’Neal said.
The next board meeting will be held on May 17 at 5 p.m.