REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2006 AT 9:00 A.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Thomas.

 

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

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. W. C. Brown of 5th Street Baptist Church and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to confirm the agenda order for this meeting with an amendment to:  add as C-2e a proclamation for “Racial Reconciliation Month”; add an executive session regarding economic development after P-1; add an amendment to the claims docket; add as C-7 a street light at 2310 41st Avenue; add as C-8 a street light at 2011 42nd Avenue.

 

 

            President Thomas advised of the notification of legal advertisement for the following: a) construction of Sweetgum Bottom Road sewer system; b) VRAE 5 gas monitor.

 

 

            President Thomas called on Mayor Smith for his report.  He asked the council to hold an executive session regarding economic development with action to follow the executive session.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to close the meeting to determine whether to declare an executive session.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to declare an executive session in order to discuss economic development.  The council then went into executive session.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to go out of executive session.

 

 

            President Thomas called the meeting back to order.  Mayor Smith made a presentation on the proposed Meridian Crossroads Project.  The stores in the first phase of the Project are: Best Buy, Maurice’s, Rue 21, Dress Barn, Lifeway, Rack Room Shoes, PetCo, Michaels, Ross, Bed Bath & Beyond, a bank, Cingular and other retail stores.  On the frontage beside Outback Steakhouse will be a Chick-Fil-A, an Olive Garden and a Chili’s.  Phase 2 of the Project will include two large anchor stores and two small stores.  The commitments for the stores for the second phase have not been finalized.  Mayor Smith welcomed Supervisors Craig Hitt and Joe Norwood to the meeting and for representing the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.  He said the EMBDC is in support of this project.  He welcomed Charlie Trotman with Trotman Company who is the developer of this project.  He asked the Council to take action on a resolution regarding TIF financing and the hiring of bond counsel and financial advisor.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to amend the agenda to place this resolution for action on the routine agenda prior to item R-1.  Supervisor Craig Hitt appeared on behalf of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors and stated they were excited about this project.  He thanked the investors for choosing Meridian.  Mr. Trotman appeared and stated he was thrilled to be in Meridian and looked forward to this project starting.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated September 12, 2006 and September 19, 2006.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the following proclamations to be issued by the Mayor:

                                    October, 2006 – “National Arts & Humanities Month”

                                    October 1-7, 2006 – “Mental Illness Awareness Month”

                                    October 28, 2006 – “Make A Difference Day”

                                    October 8-14, 2006 – “DECA Week”

                                    October, 2006 – “Racial Reconciliation Month”

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13876       ORDER RE-ESTABLISHING PETTY CASH FUNDS

                                    FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007   

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13877       ORDER RECORDING INTO THE MINUTES OF THE

                                    MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL THE “CERTIFICATION

                                    TO MUNICIPAL COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE”

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13878       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING THE

                                    SALE OF SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13879       ORDER DECLARING SOFTWARE SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    SAID SURPLUS SOFTWARE TO BE DESTROYED

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13880       ORDER AUTHORIZING INSTALLATION OF A

                                    STREET LIGHT AT 2310 41ST AVENUE

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13881       ORDER AUTHORIZING INSTALLATION OF A

                                    STREET LIGHT AT 2011 42ND AVENUE

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 Perry offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5375                        RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI (THE “CITY”), AUTHORIZING

                                    THE EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN PROFESSIONALS IN

                                    CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION OF A TAX INCREMENT

                                    FINANCING PLAN (MERIDIAN CROSSROADS PROJECT); THE

                                    ISSUANCE OF TAX INCREMENT LIMITED OBLIGATION BONDS

                                    OF THE CITY TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE PURPOSE OF

                                    PROVIDING FUNDS TO CERTAIN SITE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

                                    IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE MERIDIAN CROSSROADS

                                    PROJECT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES

 

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.

 

 

            The hour of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for in Resolution No. 5367 regarding unclean property was opened with motion by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council.  The vacant lot west of 4956 33rd Street was removed from the list.  No one appeared regarding the other properties.  Motion was made by Councilman Palmer duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5376                        RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING PARCEL OF LAND TO

                                    BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

                                    OF THE COMMUNITY (DEARMAN SUR BLOCK 23

                                    {MCBRYDES SUB} 58’ N&S X 102’ E&W IN NWC)

 

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. #5377                        RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING PARCEL OF LAND TO           

                                    BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

                                    OF THE COMMUNITY (#89PT S ½ W 2/3 SWNW ¼

                                    (2.5A) DESC DB 220 P 327 & DB 388 P 327 & D 432

                                    P 516 LESS .25A FOR RENTAL HOUSE)

 

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. #5378                        RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING PARCEL OF LAND TO

                                    BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

                                    OF THE COMMUNITY (PROSPECT PARK SURVEY BLOCK

                                    E LOTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19 & 20)

 

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. #5379                        RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING PARCEL OF LAND TO

                                    BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

                                    OF THE COMMUNITY (VOGH’S ADDITION BLOCK 3

                                    LOTS 19 & 20 LESS 5’ OFF E SIDE LOT 20)

 

 

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 #13882       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

                                    BETWEEN SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA, INC.

                                    AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (SECURITY SERVICES AT

                                    UNION STATION)

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13883       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF GRANT

                                    APPLICATION TO THE RILEY FOUNDATION (SUMMER

                                    WORK PROGRAM – MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT)

 

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 #13884       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

                                    BETWEEN SPEC. RESCUE INTERNATIONAL AND THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN (STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE RESCUE

                                    TECHNICIAN COURSE)

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13885       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF DEVELOPMENT

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN JOHN V. TATE, JR., LEXINGTON

                                    RIDGE SUBDIVISION 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.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13886       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR LIQUID ALUM FROM SOUTHERN IONICS,

                                    INC., WEST POINT, MS

 

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 #13887       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR HYDRATED LIME FROM FALCO LIME, INC.,

                                    VICKSBURG, MS

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 Perry offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13888       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR HYDROFLUOSILICIC ACID FROM HARCROS

                                    CHEMICALS, INC., JACKSON, MS

 

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 #13889       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR LIQUID CHLORINE FROM ALLIED UNIVERSAL

                                    CORP., MIAMI, FL

 

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 #13890       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR POLYMER FROM POLYDYNE INC., RICEBORO, GA

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13891       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    29, 2007 FOR SODIUM SILICOFLUORIDE FROM HARCROS

                                    CHEMICALS, INC., JACKSON, MS

 

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 #13892       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BID FOR SOURCE OF SUPPLY

                                    FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 20, 2006 THRU OCTOBER

                                    19, 2007 FOR SULFUR DIOXIDE FROM ALLIED UNIVERSAL

                                    CORP., MIAMI, FL

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13893       ORDER ACCEPTING THE BID OF PANOLA CONSTRUCTION

                                    COMPANY, INC., BATESVILLE, MS, FOR SELECTIVE

                                    DEMOLITION OF CITY HALL AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION

                                    OF CONTRACT FOR SAID WORK

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 #13894       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF GRANT

                                    APPLICATION TO THE RILEY FOUNDATION (SUMMER

                                    WORK PROGRAM – MERIDIAN FIRE DEPARTMENT)

 

 

and, Councilwoman Perry 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 Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated September 28, 2006 in the amount of $1,735,816.52 with an amendment to add Purchase Order No. 609033 in the amount of $398.00.

 

 

            President Thomas called for citizens comments.  Shatina Posey was signed up to speak, however, she was not present at the meeting.  No one else appeared to speak.

 

 

            President Thomas called for council comments.  Councilman Harris commented on the Racial Reconciliation Month recognition.  He thanked the constituents in Ward 5 for the yard-of-the-month campaign.  It was a successful year.  Hopefully they will move onto bigger and better things.  Councilman Palmer stated he was excited about the new development and the potential for the area.  He attended the Town of Marion Day festival.  He stated that Officer Ruffin is doing an outstanding job cleaning up the litter in the city.  Councilwoman Henson expressed her appreciation to Mayor Smith, the administration and the Board of Supervisors for the announcement that morning.  Her goal for Ward 3 is to organize a neighborhood watch program in each neighborhood.  She will be advising the neighborhoods about organizational meetings.  Oakland Heights has a great neighbor-hood watch program.  Councilwoman Perry thanked everyone for what was announced that morning.  Mr. Sikes of Old Marion Road asked her to thank Officer Ruffin for cleaning up that area.  She is looking into the concerns about citizens raising pitt bulls.  There will be a Ward 2 meeting on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Velma Young Center.  President Thomas stated that if people are having problems with animals they should contact Animal Control as there are rules governing this.  There are also rules governing trash/unclean property in the neighborhood and Inspection should be contacted about that.  He said something needs to be done about the parking by the Riley Center.  The Riley Center had a big opening, the Symphony had a concert, the Queen City Fair is open, soccer is going on with large crowds attending the games.  Softball teams in the area are doing extremely well.  Lamar School had a big win last week.  Meridian High Schools will be going against Oak Grove this coming Friday night.  There are great bands and cheerleaders at the schools and they need support.  There is extreme concern in our Nation regarding the safety of children in schools.     

 

 

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