REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2008 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 Councilwoman Barbara Henson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the agenda for this meeting with an amendment to add an amendment to the claims docket.

 

 

            The hour of 5:00 p.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for regarding the Urban Renewal Plan (Threefoot building project) was opened with motion by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council.  Mayor Smith read a letter Fr. Dr. Vance Watson, Interim President of Mississippi State University, in support of the project.  Dennis Sancovitch with the MSU Riley Center appeared and expressed their support for this project.  This hotel will allow then to solicit larger conventions in the city as the banquet room planned for the hotel will seat more people than they have room for at the Riley Center.  Mayor Smith made a power point presentation at this time going over the developments in downtown Meridian and what this project will help do to enhance the downtown area further.  This is a $45.5 million dollar project which will consist of $5 million (minimum) from the developer, $14 million (maximum) from the city in urban renewal revenue bonds, $24 million from private investors through tax credits and $2 million in development fees.  He asked that the City Council approve the plan and request the MRA to solicit proposals from developers.  After the proposals are received, the MRA will bring the proposals to the City Council some time in September or October.  The MRA will then select the developer upon the conditions of the urban renewal law and notify the Council of the intention to accept such developer for the implementation of the urban renewal plan and recommend the city enter into a development agreement before any urban renewal bonds are issued.  Mayor Smith said that Barbaree Rosenbaum Heaster, chairman of the Downtown Alliance, was unable to attend the meeting, therefore, her video in support of this project was aired.  Scott Carmichael, local President of Trustmark Bank, appeared and said he has been looking at the total proposed project and has agreed to look for other locations for his downtown Trustmark Bank location since the present location will be needed for this project.  They want to stay in downtown.  Billy Beal, chairman of the MRA, appeared and stated they have examined the project and have met with the Mayor and CAO of the last couple of years.  They are ready to respond to whatever the city asks them to do.  He is excited about the construction jobs that will be created in building the project and the permanent jobs that will be created on the completion of the project.  They are active in acquiring and planning a project for the African American business district and will soon be announcing that project.  Also plans for the Civil Rights Memorial are on going.  The Mayor explained that in order to get a sense of whether or not the project was viable he had to have discussion with an experienced developer such as HRI Properties.  Pres Kabacoff with HRI Properties appeared and stated that while they have not bee selected, they will be submitting a proposal to be considered for the Threefoot project.  He went over the various projects they have done in Louisiana and Missouri.  He feels this is a viable project that will benefit the city.  John Collen with HRI Properties appeared and went over some of their plans for the project.  They plan to develop a Marriott Courtyard hotel with a swimming pool, spa, gym, 120 room hotel, large banquet room, etc.  If HRI were to be awarded the development agreement, the old parking garage will be torn down and the annex to the hotel will be built in that location.  Demery Grubbs appeared and went over the financing for the city’s part of this project which is $14 million (maximum).  The loan will be secured through the Mississippi Development Bank and will be revenue bonds with identifiable sources of revenue to repay the bonds.  Bond Attorney John England appeared and stated that the Urban Renewal plan is in full compliance with the state laws.  It provides for the issuance of the bonds and for the development of the project.  It also provides that the MRA will request proposals and then come to the City Council for approval.  Those citizens who signed up to speak were as follows:  1)  I. A. Rosenbaum (1839 43rd Street) appeared and stated the questions he had were answered.  The bonds to be issued are no different than the bonds issued for other such projects and were supported by the revenues of the projects.  There is no responsibility on the taxpayers of the city as these are revenue bonds.  He supports the project.  2) Buber Wallace (P O Box 2091) appeared and stated he remembered the way downtown was when he was young.  He has seen beautiful buildings fall down or be torn down in downtown.  He said they need to give this real careful thought as the city needs this project.  3) Joe Ford Jacobs (1013 Front Street Extension) appeared and stated he appreciates the efforts everyone has put in the past several years in the city.  He feels this is a project all the people should get behind and support.  His entire family is behind this project.  4) Kris Gianakos (7101 State Boulevard) appeared and said he grew up in Meridian, was in the military and is retired here.  He is involved in activities to make this a better community.  He said he finds this project to be one of those things.  This project brings the community up a level.  He supports this project 100% and volunteered his time to the effort.  Councilwoman Henson asked if the proposed resolution sets everything in motion.  Mayor Smith said the resolution authorizes the MRA to solicit proposal from developers and come back to the Council with their recommendation.  Councilwoman Henson asked when the Threefoot building would be sold.  Mayor Smith said it will be sold to the developer after the development agreement is entered into.  Councilman Thomas asked what would happen if no developer submitted a proposal.  Mayor Smith stated that nothing would be done at this time.  Councilman Thomas asked how long the bonds were to be outstanding and Mr. Grubbs stated that they proposed a 20 year amortization on the bonds.  Councilman Palmer asked what the future of the Threefoot building would be if this project does not go forward.  Mayor Smith stated that if no new life is given to the building then it would have to be eventually demolished.  Councilman Thomas asked what the completion date would be on the project.  He was advised that it would probably be a two year project.  Council President Perry stated that she noticed the citizens will not be taxed.  She thanked the public for coming out.  Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Henson and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.

 

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to amend the agenda to add the proposed resolution as Item #R-1b. 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Henson and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated July 01, 2008.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #14357       ORDER ACCEPTING DONATION OF ONE PORTABLE BREATH

                                    TESTER (PBT) FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC

                                    SAFETY (MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT)

 

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 #14358       ORDER DECLARING VEHICLES SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    SAID VEHICLES TO BE USED FOR PARTS

 

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 #14359       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING THE

                                    SALE OF SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

 

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 #14360       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SOFTWARE LICENSE

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN COGSDALE CORPORATION AND THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

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. #5524                        RESOLUTION FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE NOTICE OF

                                    PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED URBAN RENEWAL PLAN

                                    (CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI THREEFOOT BUILDING PROJECT)

                                    WAS DULY PUBLISHED AS REQUIRED BY LAW; ADJUDICATING THAT

                                    A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN WAS HELD ON

                                    JULY1 5, 2008; APPROVING AND ADOPTING SUCH URBAN RENEWAL

                                    PLAN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES

 

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. #5525                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING AND EXECUTION OF A

                                    GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE 2008 URBAN AND COMMUNITY

                                    FORESTRY CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM FOR A TREE

                                    MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP TO BE HELD IN MERIDIAN

 

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.

 

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4333         ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE

                                    NO. 3966 SO AS TO RECLASSIFY CERTAIN LANDS IN THE CITY

                                    OF MERIDIAN FROM DISTRICT R-3 TO DISTRICT B-3 (HIGHWAY

                                    19 NORTH) INCLUDING AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING

                                    MAP OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

and, Councilman Harris 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 Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4334         ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE

                                    NO. 3966 SO AS TO RECLASSIFY CERTAIN LANDS IN THE CITY

                                    OF MERIDIAN FROM DISTRICT R-1 TO CONDITIONAL DISTRICT

                                    B-1 (NORTH HILLS STREET & BOUNDS ROAD) INCLUDING

                                    AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

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. #5526                        RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 5521 ENTITLED

                                    “RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION OF THE HAWKINS

                                    CROSSING INTERCHANGE” AS ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL

                                    ON JUNE 3, 2008

 

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

 

RESO. #5527                        RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION OF THE HAWKINS

                                    CROSSING INTERCHANGE

 

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

 

ORDER #14361       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CHANGE ORDER

                                    NO. 3 BETWEEN CREEL DEVELOPMENT, INC. AND THE CITY

                                    OF MERIDIAN (CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE STATION NO. 8)

 

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 July 10, 2008 in the amount of $2,636,564.77 with an amendment to add Blanket Purchase Order No. 708889 in the amount of $83,857.79.

 

 

            Next on the agenda was the presentation agenda.  Jesse Brewster, 2914 Shumate Road, appeared on behalf of the Wechsler Community Arts Association.  He requested assistance from the city in helping purchase a historical marker for the Wechsler School.  He asked that the city pay one-half of the cost.  This will be placed on the next agenda for consideration.

 

 

            President Perry called on Mayor Smith for his report.  He thanked the City Council for listening to the urban renewal proposal.

 

 

            President Perry called for citizen comments.  Mrs. Virginia Coleman, 3104 10th Street, appeared and stated that the city fixed the problem with water running in the street.  She is still nervous about the house next to her.  People are in and out of it and there are shootings that go on.  He neighborhood is getting worse.  The bank in front of Merrehope needs to be fixed.  Bubber Wallace, 3496 Causeyville Road, appeared and stated he owns the houses on both sides of Mrs. Coleman.  The properties rent off and on.  He said he tries to keep the properties cut.  He owns several houses in the city and provides low income houses for people who can’t afford any better.  He said it was not economically feasible for them to expend large amounts of money on these houses.

 

 

            President Perry called for Council comments.  Councilman Palmer made comments regarding the Bonita Lakes Mall policy regarding youth.  Councilwoman Henson said she would like to see striping on several streets in the city.  Councilman Thomas said the Boys & Girls Club banquet is coming up Thursday night.  School is getting ready to start.  He encouraged everyone to support the youth.  President Perry reminded parents that school registration is at the end of this month. 

 

 

            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