Berma Williams

The board meeting included an opening prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and agenda adjustments, including a procurement process and executive session. The board discussed upcoming budget work sessions, a proclamation for National Donate Life Day, and a resident complaint regarding drainage issues at their residence. Additionally, the meeting featured a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a 250-foot self-supporting cell tower on Pearson Street, which included discussions on site setbacks, tower structure, and necessary landscaping requirements.

The Board of Alderman discussed increasing police presence in specific areas of the community to address crime, and emphasized the need for resident reporting to support these efforts. Updates were provided regarding the maintenance of city infrastructure, including streetlights and the repair of drainage ditches. The board authorized an application for a recreational trails grant to fund local trail improvements and discussed potential utility extensions for economic development. Furthermore, the board set a cleanup hearing for a dilapidated property, addressed the status of road bonds for logging activities, and discussed building permit requirements related to site cleanup and waste management.

The board discussed a consent agenda request, specifically addressing a concern about travel to the Mississippi Municipal League (MML). A resident's request for a water bill adjustment due to a persistent leak was reviewed, and it was decided that Public Works would inspect the meter. Approval was granted for the Mississippi Delta Street Rods car show. A grant award from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund for Mounds Park improvements was accepted, along with a memorandum of understanding, with the city responsible for following procurement laws. The Code Enforcement Officer presented reports on 2025 building permits and valuations. The Police Department received authorization to purchase budgeted vehicles. The board approved a resolution regarding surplus real property. The Civic Center Director requested and received approval to advertise for bids for a new sound system, and provided updates on recent events and upcoming bookings.

The board discussed several items, including the installation of dog waste stations and a proposed ordinance amendment to address pet waste disposal. Approval was granted for a landscaping project to remove and replace magnolia trees on the town square. Representatives presented updates on Main Street activities and discussed the feasibility of hosting a Springfest event. Two public hearings were conducted for conditional use permits: one for a new restaurant at 131 Public Square and another for an oil change center on Covenant Drive.

The board discussed several items, including an update from the warming shelter director regarding food and housing assistance provided to residents. A county representative provided information on FEMA damage assessment procedures for public infrastructure following a disaster. The board granted an extension for a building inspector job offer, set public hearings for upcoming conditional use requests, and approved a rezoning application for a property on Park Street to commercial status for professional office use. Additionally, the board approved emergency repair costs for the animal pound facility.