Shelli Malone

The agenda for the public meeting includes calling the meeting to order, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. New business items cover an update on Main Street Activities from the Main Street Manager, consideration of authorizing the Mayor to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Webster Parish School Board regarding city property donation, and adopting a resolution to increase the garbage rate from $20 to $25 per month due to rising landfill disposal fees. Additionally, the body will consider the Police Chief's recommendation regarding changing an employee's status from full-time to part-time, and the payment of January 2026 bills totaling $93,827.83.

The meeting addressed city property matters, including the lack of bids for a property on North Main Street, and a decision to obtain an appraisal for the property. Appointments were approved for the Springhill Main Street Manager, the North Webster Parish Industrial District Board, and the Springhill Planning and Zoning Commission Board. Resolutions were adopted for a Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for Audit Engagement and for compliance with the State of Louisiana Off System Bridge Replacement Program. The Police Chief's recommendations to hire patrol officers and appoint a member to the Springhill Reserve Unit were approved, as was the acceptance of a patrol officer's resignation and the implementation of a contract for new hires. Payment of the October monthly vendor bills was authorized. Announcements included updates on Main Street Activities, the upcoming Springhill Strategic Roadmap Grant meetings, the State Historic Preservation Fund Grant meeting, and Shop Small Saturday events.

The meeting included updates on Main Street activities, including the search for a new Main Street Manager, the awarding of a Louisiana Historic Preservation Grant, and a Technical Assistance Grant from Louisiana Main Street. The council also discussed the Municipal Match Grant winner, upcoming events such as Main to Main and Christmas events, and the postponement of the Historic District Committee Meeting. The Police Chief's recommendation to terminate Officer Kevin Lavack was accepted, and the payment of the September monthly vendor bills was authorized. Additionally, announcements were made regarding the success of the Rodeo, Lumberjack Festival, and Pineywoods Jamboree, as well as upcoming events like Fall Paddle on Dorcheat and Trunk or Treat at the Webster Parish Library.

The Board of Aldermen conducted a public hearing to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The board adopted a Special Ordinance supplementing and amending the operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and adopted an Ordinance adopting an operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, which includes salary increases for the Police Chief, Public Works Director, and Main Street Manager positions. The Main Street Manager thanked attendees and supporters of the June 2025 Taste of the Market Event and announced Springhill's accreditation from the National Main Street Program. The board selected the Springhill Press and News Journal as the official journal for the City of Springhill, accepted the Police Chief's recommendation to accept Jamie Cole's resignation, and approved emergency sewer line repairs. They also declared city vehicles and equipment as surplus property, adopted a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into a Contract for the Airfield Lighting Rehabilitation Project, authorized the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Louisiana Main Street for a Technical Assistance Grant for Downtown Roadmap Strategic Plan, and authorized payment of the May 2025 monthly vendor bills.

The board discussed and authorized the Mayor to enter into agreements with LA DOTD and adopt resolutions for the Springhill Airport Airfield Lighting Rehabilitation Project and the General Aviation Maintenance Program 2025. They also authorized the Mayor to enter into a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) 2026-2030 and adopt a resolution for the Springhill Airport. The board approved a recommendation to go with the lowest quote from 3-D Contracting Corp. for the completion of the Springhill Pavilions and Spray Park, contingent upon state approval. Additionally, they approved the Police Chief's recommendation to hire a new patrol officer and to move an existing officer to narcotics for a probationary period. The board authorized payment of the August 2025 monthly vendor bills. Announcements were made regarding a resignation from the Industrial District Board and upcoming community events.