In preparation of the new administration, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen tabled a few matters during Tuesday’s meeting until the new mayor takes office on July 1.
After speaking with Mayor-elect Rossie Creel, the Board voted to hold a swearing in ceremony on July 1 at 1 p.m. at City Hall. A reception will begin at noon.
The Board also tabled the hiring of a full-time code enforcement officer. In the meantime, Pearl River County Code Enforcement Officer Kolby Davis has taken over the responsibility. Davis also said he submitted his resume to be considered for the position.
In a separate matter, the Board tabled the sale of five city-owned lots near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Barber Street to a private owner.
The Board also discussed community comments about the need for a light at City Park near the swings, but tabled the matter until the new Board takes office.
However, the Board finalized some ongoing projects, including approval of the restoration of the old City Hall building so that the Poplarville Historical Society can reopen the museum.
In a separate matter, the Board rejected a request to waive permit fees for the Poplarville School District’s remodeling of the cafeteria.
In public works matters, Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale said the storm drain repairs on Julia and Beers streets is complete.
However, another drainage issue was discovered along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, he said.
After consulting Jason Lamb, an engineer with Walker & Associates in Hattiesburg, it was discovered that the old timber piling was failing, causing erosion to the shoulder of the roadway and exposing a water line that feeds two houses.
Lamb recommended a temporary fix that could last a few years, but ultimately said the problem should be added to the city’s growing list of drainage projects.
The Board voted to allow Lamb to solicit two quotes for the project, which would replace the piling and some of the eroded cement.
Lamb also addressed the Board about the new public works facility, requesting that a bid opening be rescheduled from June 17 to June 27.
Lamb said contractors were unaware of the project and due to a $5 million dormitory project at the University of Southern Mississippi that could lead to less competition; so pushing back the bid opening could generate more competitive bids.
The Board approved his request, setting a bid opening for June 27 at 2 p.m. In order to accept and award a bid for that project, budgeted at $300,000, the Board will hold a special meeting that day at the same time.
The Board also discussed new requirements from the Mississippi State Department of Health for changes in groundwater monitoring.
Hale said the city has 30 days to comply and requested the assistance of Lamb to survey two sites that no longer have records on file. The Board approved the request.
Moving into code enforcement matters, the Board voted to rezone the old Movie Star property, located at 100 Highway 11 North, from L-2, heavy industrial property, to C-4, general commercial property.
The rezoning was made in effort to encourage economic development, Mayor Brad Necaise said.
After receiving a recommendation from Davis, the Board voted to adjudicate three properties as non-menaces to the city, property owned by Mary Riley on St. Charles Street, 800 North Main Street and 107 ½ South Jordan Street.
At the South Jordan Street property, the Board also asked Hale to mow as much of the overgrown property as allotted by the city’s right of way.
The Board also voted to restart the code enforcement process for 818 South Julia Street due to discrepancies in the paperwork.
In other matters, the Board awarded bids for the maintenance of the City Cemetery and Forest Lawn Cemetery to Banks Lawn Perfections, the lowest of six bidders for each property.
The next Board meeting will be held June 20 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.