Henry Green

The meeting commenced with a prayer. Key discussions included the approval of the consent docket, which passed despite some nay votes. The board then moved to discuss two items in an executive session, resulting in the authorization for the mayor to sign a release of covenant of property and a resolution addressing mineral rights, passed unanimously. Regular agenda items involved approving several invoices, including a substantial payment to Dickerson and Boeing for water improvement, an invoice for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade, an invoice from Infamar 20002, and half the cost for airport terminal building HVAC maintenance from RNG Heating and Cooling. Approval was also granted for the housing of prisoners for August 2025, payment of an EMC Insurance invoice, and a $500 sponsorship for Hope for the Holidays. Discussion arose regarding the certificate of substantial completion for the Mcome Depot and Railroad Museum reconstruction, which was tabled pending final inspections from relevant parties. A motion to authorize Neil Schaefer to advertise for bids for the reconstruction of the intersection of Highway 44 and South Locust Street was approved, with a warning about the timeline. Significant discussion occurred around item 11 concerning a bathroom construction at Edgewood Park; this motion was amended multiple times to authorize Neil Schaer to design the bathroom with a construction cost not to exceed $50,000, funded by hotel motel tax. Finally, the ratification of a payment for a water quality analysis fee from the Mississippi State Department of Health was approved as a time-sensitive matter.

The special called meeting addressed several agenda items. A resident provided comments regarding the positive impact of the Level Up Internship Program, noting high completion rates for capstone projects and the importance of leadership development for future city continuity. An update was provided on financial reconciliations for 2021, which are nearly complete (98% for 2022 bank reconciliations), emphasizing the need to meet upcoming deadlines set by the state auditor. The board voted to rescind a previous vote regarding the Leisure and Recreation District resolution and subsequently approved the resolution establishing the district. Several invoices were approved, including payments for Delaware Avenue water and sewer improvements, the 2023 citywide mill and overlay project, and a final payment for the 2023 citywide overlay project. Approvals were also granted for a change order on the overlay project, job cost proposals for investigation and repair pricing, pricing for TV investigation, and an invoice from Mississippi Municipal Liability. Finally, the board authorized the closing of all city buildings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays, aligning with the governor's proclamation.

The work session primarily focused on community engagement and ongoing municipal projects. A significant portion involved a presentation regarding the America 250 celebration plans for Pike County in 2026, seeking non-financial support from the board members for the planned events. Discussions on invoices and change orders included the overlay project, where progress updates were provided on street repairs and speed bump installations, noting remaining work in the Beartown area and delays in restriping downtown areas. A change order for the wastewater treatment plant project addressed a defective control panel component related to a fine screen, requiring a separate expense for correction. Furthermore, the board discussed the maintenance and replacement of aging Christmas decorations, noting that current lights present a safety hazard due to exposed wiring, and initiated a multi-year budgeting plan for replacement, potentially utilizing external resources for acquisition. A discussion also occurred regarding the Water Company of America contract, suggesting its cancellation due to increased in-house expertise, pending a legal review of contractual obligations. Finally, the director of Invictus Football Club provided an update on the club's mission to support underserved youth, noting their impact, sending athletes to college on scholarship, and their operations agreement at Edgewood Park, expressing support for planned facility upgrades there.

The board discussed recognizing firefighters for their performance in rescuing a calf. Legal concerns were addressed, including a review of the Water Company of America contract, billing discrepancies, and the potential for outsourcing meter reading. The board also discussed the Safe Solicitation Act and whether to opt out, considering existing city ordinances related to peddling and disturbances.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including approving the AP docket with one item pulled for further discussion regarding Secure Networks. An invoice from Twin L Construction for the Mcome Depot renovation was discussed, addressing the absence of a sprinkler system and the status of the gas meter installation. Concerns were raised about the contract's completion date and the need for a schedule. Temporary heating solutions were discussed to prevent potential damage from freezing temperatures. Additionally, there were discussions about inspections required for the archives project and the responsibility for utility connections.