REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2009 AT 9:00 A.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Perry.

 

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

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Parks & Recreation Director Mark Naylor and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Thomas and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilman Palmer not at meeting at this time) to approve the agenda for this meeting.

 

           

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilman Palmer not present at this time) to approve the minutes dated March 17, 2009.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilman Palmer not present at this time) to approve the following proclamations to be issued by the Mayor:

 

                        April 2009 – “Keep Meridian/Lauderdale County Beautiful Month”

                        April 2009 – “Fair Housing Month”

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14510       ORDER CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR OF

                                    MEMBERS TO THE MERIDIAN RAILROAD MUSEUM ADVISORY BOARD

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

ORDER #14511       ORDER CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF

                                    RALPH E. YOUNG TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MERIDIAN

                                    COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5570                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO PENTECOSTAL CHURCH – MONT DE LOS OLIVOS AS

                                    AUTHORIZED BY SECTIONS 27-31-1(D) AND 79-11-33 OF THE

                                    MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14512       ORDER APPROVING TAXI PERMIT FOR: GEORGE RALPH HUBBARD

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14513       ORDER DECLARING WEAPON SURPLUS AND TO BE SOLD TO

                                    RETIRED POLICE OFFICER LIEUTENANT RANDALL JACKSON

                                    AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW 45-9-131

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14514       ORDER DECLARING WEAPON SURPLUS AND TO BE SOLD TO

                                    RETIRED POLICE OFFICER ASST. CHIEF TOMMY L. MILLER

                                    AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW 45-9-131

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14515       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES SURPLUS AND NO

                                    LONGER NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    THE SALE OF SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14516       ORDER DECLARING 2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, SERIAL NO.

                                    1FAFP71W05X126925, CONTROL NO. 153-25 SURPLUS AND NO

                                    LONGER NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    SURPLUS VEHICLE TO BE TURNED OVER TO THE INSURANCE

                                    COMPANY

 

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14517       ORDER RESCINDING ORDER NO. 14220 ENTITLED “ORDER

                                    DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER NEEDED

                                    BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF

                                    SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT”

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14518       ORDER DECLARING ITEMS SURPLUS AND NO LONGER NEEDED

                                    BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING SAID SURPLUS

                                    ITEMS TO BE DESTROYED

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14519       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    SAID EQUIPMENT TO BE DISCARDED

 

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, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

            The hour of 9:00 a.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for in Resolution No. 5558 to receive written petition protesting the issuance of $10,000,000 GO bonds was opened with motion by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Henson and unanimously passed by the Council.  (Councilman Palmer not present at this time.)  No petitions were received.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Thomas and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.  (Councilman Palmer not present at this time.)  Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5571                        RESOLUTION FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE RESOLUTION

                                    DECLARING THE INTENTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

                                    OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, TO ISSUE GENERAL

                                    OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, IN

                                    THE MAXIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED TEN

                                    MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000) ADOPTED ON THE 3RD DAY OF

                                    MARCH, 2009, WAS DULY PUBLISHED AS REQUIRED BY LAW; THAT

                                    NO SUFFICIENT PROTEST AGAINST THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS

                                    DESCRIBED IN SAID RESOLUTION HAS BEEN FILED BY THE QUALIFIED

                                    ELECTORS; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SAID BONDS

 

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

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Not Present:  Palmer.

 

 

            At this time Mr. Paul Breazeale with Breazeale, Saunders & O’Neil, LTD. appeared to present the FY 2008 annual audit.  (Councilman Palmer arrived at the meeting during this presentation.)  A copy of the audit is on file in the City Clerk’s office.  After the presentation, Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14520       ORDER ACCEPTING FISCAL YEAR 2008 ANNUAL AUDIT

                                    AS PREPARED BY BREAZEALE, SAUNDERS & O’NEIL, LTD.

 

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.

            The hour of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for in Resolution No. 5560 to allow the general public to state or present their views on the Amended TIF Plan (Meridian Crossroads Project) was opened with motion by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Henson and unanimously passed by the Council.  No one appeared to make comments.  Bond Counsel Sam Keys appeared to explain the amended TIF plan.  Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.  Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5572                        RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

                                    OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, APPROVING THE ADOPTION AND

                                    IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX

                                    INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN OF 2006, MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

                                    (MERIDIAN CROSSROADS PROJECT)”; AUTHORIZING THE FORM

                                    AND EXECUTION OF AN AMENDED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI AND THE CITY OF

                                    MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF

                                    THE CITY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

                                    PLAN OF 2006, CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI (MERIDIAN

                                    CROSSROADS PROJECT)

 

and, Councilwoman Henson 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 Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4347         ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE

                                    CITY TO REPLACE THE TITLE “ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD”

                                    WITH “HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION” UNIVERSALLY

 

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

 

ORDER #14521       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF VENUE USE

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND THE

                                    MERIDIAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SUNFISH TRIATHLON

                                    (USE OF BONITA LAKES FACILITIES)

 

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.

 

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4348         ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING IN THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, THAT

                                    PORTION OF MYRTLE DRIVE AND OAK RIDGE DRIVE SOUTH OF

                                    THE INTERSECTION OF ELMWOOD DRIVE TO U.S. HWY 145 AND

                                    THE EAST LINE OF BLOCK K

 

and, Councilman Palmer 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.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5573                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN QUITCLAIM

                                    DEEDS TO CONVEY THE CLOSED, VACATED AND ABANDONED

                                    RIGHT-OF-WAY OF MYRTLE DRIVE AND OAK RIDGE DRIVE FROM

                                    ELMWOOD DRIVE TO U.S. HIGHWAY 145 AND THE EAST LINE OF

                                    BLOCK K

 

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 #14522       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF

                                    OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN “COPS” RECOVERY ACT GRANT

 

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

 

ORDER #14523       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF

                                    OCCUPANT PROTECTION GRANT WITH THE OFFICE OF HIGHWAY

                                    SAFETY, DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING

 

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 Harris offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5574                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION AND EXECUTION OF A

                                    GRANT APPLICATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INVESTIGATION

                                    & PROSECUTION WITH THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, DEPARTMENT OF

                                    PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING

 

and, Councilman Thomas 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 #14524       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF GOVERNMENTAL

                                    RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN ALLIED CONCEPTS, INC. AND

                                    THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

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.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14525       ORDER ACCEPTING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000.00 FROM

                                    THE RILEY FOUNDATION (2009 SUMMER WORK PROGRAM –

                                    HOMELAND SECURITY) AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF

                                    GRANT AGREEMENT

 

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.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14526       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR HERBICIDE/SOWASHEE

                                    CREEK FROM HARDY LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT, INC.,

                                    IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,590.10

 

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 #14527       ORDER RESCINDING ORDER NO. 14498 ENTITLED “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.

 

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

 

ORDER #14528       ORDER AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT WITH JAMES R. RUSHING

                                    AND WIFE, ALEXIA A. RUSHING, AND ACCEPTANCE OF FULL

                                    AND COMPLETE RECEIPT, GENERAL RELEASE, LIEN AFFIDAVIT,

                                    INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

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 Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated April 02, 2009 in the amount of $2,431,335.30.

 

 

            President Perry advised of the notification of legal advertisement for the following: a) Union Station – exterior painting (metal).

 

 

            Next on the agenda was a presentation on the 22nd Avenue bridge refurbishing.  Mayor Smith stated he would be making this presentation.  Before starting the presentation, Mayor Smith thanked Paul Brezeale and his team for the job they did on the FY 08 audit.  He thanked everyone involved in the process for their work.  Mayor Smith made a power point presentation on the 22nd Avenue bridge refurbishing.  He stated that the city should be awarding the bid for this work by May 26th.

 

 

            Patricia Flowers, executive director of the Meridian Transit System, appeared before the Council at this time to give an update on the transit system.  She thanked the city for the support last year and feel they are doing better with their budget and keeping up with their bills.  Three vehicles from Mississippi Valley University will be transferred to MTS.  They will be applying for stimulus money to help with their programs. 

 

 

            President Perry called for citizen comments.  No one appeared.

 

 

            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