At the end of Tuesday’s Poplarville Board of Aldermen meeting, Jason Lamb presented the Board with several options for the construction of a $300,000 public works annex.
Lamb, an engineer with Walker and Associates, gave the Board two options for the new structure, to either build the annex on the the south end or the north end, where the current annex stands, as well as a list of pros and cons for each option.
Lamb based the designs off a typical fire station, which employs large doors for trailers to be driven into the building for optimal security and storage. The side annex would house office space and include a small kitchen and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant bathrooms.
The design would also create a cohesive design between the existing garage and the new annex, he said.
“I pretty much think it’s a no brainer to put it where red building is (on the south side). There’s a difference in 360 square feet you won’t lose if go you with the red,” Alderwoman Maggie Smith said.
The Board asked Lamb to move forward on designing a building located on the south corner of the property because it would be a more efficient use of city funds.
The Board set aside $300,000 for the project during last year’s budget process, City Clerk Jane O’Neal said.
If the project was conducted without employing architectural features, Lamb said it would be easy to complete the project within budget.
In other matters, Poplarville Fire Chief Jonathan Head said firefighter Camron Ladner will report to the fire academy this weekend, and is scheduled to graduate on April 13 with his professional certification.
The department is also holding a community fish fry at noon on Saturday to promote fellowship in the city, Head said.
On March 27th, the department will host Poplarville’s efforts for the Battle of the Badges blood drive.
Emergency responders across the county will compete to raise money and blood donations.
The Board approved hiring part-time firefighter, Christopher Sherill, effective Feb. 23. Head said Sherill has been in the fire service for four years, starting in northeast Lamar County, and now works for the Wiggins Fire Department.
Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale said he recently spoke with Pearl River County Board of Supervisors Vice President Hudson Holliday about concerns on Jacob’s Avenue.
Hale said the road is deteriorating. Holliday proposed working with the county to repave and improve the busy street.
Holliday said he would approach the county road crews to do the work if the city buys the materials, Hale said.
The Board took no action on the matter, but is willing to discuss the work with the county.
In a separate matter, the Board discussed city beer ordinances after a local store owner approached them about selling a three-pack.
The current minimum is a four-pack, as required by the city.
Smith made a motion to amend the ordinance to allow for the sale of three-packs. The Board approved the motion, with Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire voting against. Wiltshire said single-serve bottles should be allowed.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for March 7 at 5 p.m. in City Hall.