Just before the Poplarville Board of Aldermen meeting started Tuesday night, Mayor Rossie Creel read a statement concerning the events in Charlottesville Virginia, condemning the hatred and racism that occurred.
“I think it’s time that we’re vocal as a community in denouncing hatred, racism and bigotry in this county and in our community,” Creel said.
He asked the community to come together under the love of God and one another.
“We’ve got to work together toward a common goal; a goal of being that shining light of unity, concord and harmony despite our diversity and despite the adversities we may face,” Creel said.
With the Poplarville School District’s adoption of a new logo and slogan, “One District, One Community, One Family,” Creel said there is no better representation of what Poplarville needs to be.
“White supremacists, Nazis, the KKK, the Black Panthers and whatever other groups may gather in the name of hatred and segregation have no place in our society, they have no place in our country, and they certainly have no place in Poplarville, Mississippi,” Creel said in conclusion.
The Board then discussed the Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Program, blighted properties and developing a strategic plan for the city.
The Board voted to approve issuing public notice of the city’s intent to seek CAP funds to construct the new public works facility.
The agreement provides a 20-year loan of about $439,000 to build the facility.
In a separate matter, Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale addressed the Board about ordinances, or the lack thereof, regarding individual commercial and residential water meters.
Hale said there is no current ordinance mandating each commercial business has its own water meter.
There is a 1947 ordinance that refers to residential meters, however, it places fines for violations at just $10, Hale said.
But, he said the Mississippi State Department of Health said having more than one house or business on the same meter could be a health issue.
“Most cities already have it passed because you take risk of people getting sick when you drop water pressure,” Hale said.
Alderman Tony Smith said a similar issue occurred in Picayune years ago.
The Board asked City Attorney Nick Thompson to research the issue and draft an ordinance if necessary.
In another public works matter, the Board declared the Cumberland Street well repair project an emergency so work can begin immediately.
Code Enforcement Officer Kolby Davis updated the Board on several properties that were given extended notice due to the rainy conditions, which prevented them from complying with the city’s maintenance ordinance.
In a separate matter, the Board discussed seeking proposals from engineering firms to reaffirm their qualifications to do work for the city. Alderman Tony Smith suggested having a firm on retainer to be able to address engineering issues more quickly. He also suggested the firms be re-evaluated every four years, just like elected officials.
“These guys are doing a great job for us, but we haven’t even defined our future,” Alderwoman Anne Gendusa Smith said.
The Board then moved the discussion toward generating a strategic plan for the city, something that has almost never been done, Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire said.
Creel said he would like to set up workshops on that goal after the budget is finalized.
The Board will meet again on Sept. 5 at 5 p.m.