REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009 AT 5:00 P.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Perry.

 

Present:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Eddie Cryer of Greater Fellowship Baptist Church and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the agenda for this meeting with an amendment to: add as C-2c April 2009 “Civitan Awareness Month”; remove “reimburse the citizens for payment during this time” from R-8; add an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated March 03, 2009.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the following proclamations to be issued by the Mayor:

                                    March 2009 – “Red Cross Month”

                                    April 3-5, 2009 – “Navy Wives Clubs Convention Week”

                                    April 2009 – “Civitan Awareness Month”

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5563                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO CHOCTAW AREA COUNCIL/BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

                                    AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 27-31-1(D) OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE

                                    OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5564                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AS AUTHORIZED BY

                                    SECTIONS 27-31-1(D) AND 79-11-33 OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE

                                    OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5565                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO ST. PETER AME ZION CHURCH AS AUTHORIZED BY

                                    SECTIONS 27-31-1(D) AND 79-11-33 OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE

                                    OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14497       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING THE

                                    SALE OF SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14498       ORDER DIRECTING THAT THE CITY OF MERIDIAN REBUILD A

                                    SWIMMING POOL AND REPAIR THE FENCE AND BACK YARD

                                    OWNED BY MR. JAMES R. RUSHING, 901 21ST STREET IN AN

                                    AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000

 

and, Councilwoman Henson seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5566                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AS AUTHORIZED

                                    BY SECTION 27-31-1(D) OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, AS

                                    AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14499       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CHANGE ORDER

                                    NO. 1 BETWEEN PANOLA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN (RENOVATION/RESTORATION PHASE III,

                                    EXTERIOR CITY HALL)

 

and, Councilwoman Henson seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

 

ORDER #14500       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF PROJECT APPLICATION

                                    AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT

                                    OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2009

                                    CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT-IN-AID FUNDS

 

and, Councilman Thomas seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14501       ORDER AUTHORIZING OPTION TO PURCHASE CITY PROPERTY,

                                    PARK CO., DOING BUSINESS AS LAUDERDALE CO. PARTNERS

                                    III, L.P., SINGLE-FAMILY TAX CREDIT HOUSING

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14502       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF MEMORANDUM OF

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

                                    AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (LIAISON OFFICERS)

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4346         ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2 OF THE CODE OF

                                    ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO CREATE

                                    THE MERIDIAN RAILROAD MUSEUM BOARD

 

and, Councilman Thomas seconded the motion, whereupon said Ordinance was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14503       ORDER ACCEPTING MISSISSIPPI POWER LIGHTS AND POLES

                                    IN THE ANNEXED AREA RETROACTIVE TO THE DATE OF

                                    ANNEXATION

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Harris offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14504       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

                                    (MERIDIAN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY)

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5567                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A LOAN APPLICATION

                                    FOR THE 2009 DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT REVOLVING

                                    LOAN FUND

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5568                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF LOAN APPLICATION

                                    FOR THE 2009 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING LOAN FUND

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5569                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION

                                    FOR PROJECT ACTIVATION AND OVERSIGHT FOR STREET PROJECTS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14505       ORDER ACCEPTING WATER AND SEWER LINES AND

                                    EASEMENTS FROM EMERY KENNEDY

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14506       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF MEMORANDUM OF

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

                                    AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (COMMUNITY SUB STATION)

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Harris offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14507       ORDER SETTING PUBLIC HEARING IN CONNECTION WITH THE

                                    2009 SRF WATER APPLICATION (APRIL 21, 2009 @ 5:15 P.M.)

 

and, Councilwoman Henson seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Thomas and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated March 12, 2009 in the amount of $2,586,844.49.

 

 

            President Perry advised of the notification of legal advertisement for the following: a) asbestos abatement of eighteen structures.

 

 

            Appearing before the Council at this time were Susie Broadhead (public relations director of East Mississippi State Hospital) and Larry McKnight (assistant direction/CAO of East Mississippi State Hospital).  They went over the economic impact that East Mississippi State Hospital has in the City of Meridian.  There are 1,200 jobs provided by EMSH as well as 588 secondary jobs.  Also, their capital improvements have an impact on the city.

 

 

            President Perry called for the Mayor’s report.  No report was given.

 

 

            President Perry called for citizen comments.  Those appearing were as follows: 1) Wade Demers, 4015 Paulding Street; 2) Lucinda Johnson, executive assistant for Christ’s Church in Action; 3) Richard Lofton, 506 9th Avenue Highway Village; 4) Patricia Demers, 4015 Paulding Street.

 

 

            President Perry called for Council comments.  Councilman Harris announced his town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. at Union Station.  This meeting will be focused on business owners.  He thanked Lauderdale County for demolishing homes in the city.  Councilman Palmer stated he attended an EZTag meeting that day to address transportation needs.  He mentioned the loss of Willie Boyd.  Councilman Thomas congratulated the MCC and MHS basketball teams.  Now is the time to sign up for programs which include baseball and softball.  Mr. Randy Hodges talked about additional arts in the County schools.  There will be a combined theatrical group performing at MCC.  There are a lot of programs and events going on in the city.  Mississippi State University boys and girls teams are playing.  President Perry congratulated N.E.W. and their ribbon cutting last week.  They are in the process of hiring more people.  She said she has noticed that campaign posters are missing.  They were probably on the right-of-way and picked up by Inspection.  She urged candidates and citizens not to put campaign posters on the rights-of-way.  On the last Friday of March the Martin triplets will be at the Council of Organizations for the Jackson State scholarship program.  Councilman Harris stated that on April 10th the Mayor’s prayer breakfast will be held.  A location has not been decided on at this time.  Councilman Thomas urged those who need to register to vote in the elections to do so at least 30 days prior to the primary elections.

 

 

 

            There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, the meeting was adjourned.  Sine die.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,  

 

 

                                                                        Pam McInnis, Clerk of Council