Dennis Darby

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.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, noting the meeting was held in a different location. A representative from the Mississippi Wolfpack Arena Football Team presented a proposal requesting the use of the Batesville Civic Center as their official home venue for the 2026 season, including specific regular season dates and requesting reserved dates for potential playoff games. The proposal also included requests for reasonable pre-game access, a waiver or reduction of rental fees, and permission to collect sales at the door in lieu of standard rental costs, suggesting a revenue-sharing model based on ticket sales. Key benefits discussed for the civic center and community included increased foot traffic, revenue generation through local vendors and job creation on game days, empowering youth through sports, building community pride and identity, and providing affordable family entertainment. The board ultimately decided to take the proposal under advisement to discuss it in detail with the director of the civic center.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Procedures for public address were reviewed, referencing orders from March 1, 2022, and March 23, 2023. The agenda was adopted after a motion. Minutes for the February 3 adjourned meeting, February 3 regular meeting, and February 9 adjourned meeting were approved. A consent agenda, pay request agenda, and human resources items were approved. A public hearing continuation regarding Leonard Booth's request for a conditional use permit for a food truck at 310 Highway 6 West was discussed, confirming the planning commission's recommendation and noting compliance requirements for the vendor permit. Discussions also included an update on debris removal efforts by Looks Great Services, confirming they work seven days a week, address large debris like tree trunks, and operate within FEMA guidelines by focusing on public right-of-way threats. It was noted that FEMA reimbursements for debris projects (Categories A through G) appeared to be approved. A future action item directed the code office to verify that all vendors conducting business possess state sales tax IDs to ensure compliance.