REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2007 AT 9:00 A.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Thomas.

 

Present:  Thomas, Perry, Palmer, Harris.

 

Absent:  Henson.

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Carl White of Highland Baptist Church and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Harris 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-2b February 5-9, 2007 “School Counselors Week”; remove R-9; add as R-16 ordinance making polling site changes; remove R-14.

 

            President Thomas advised of the notification of legal advertisement for the following: a) work uniforms for public works; b) work uniforms for fire department.

 

            Appearing before the Council at this time to make a presentation from the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation on the Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit were: Cultural Affairs Coordinator Connie Royal, Betty Lou Jones and Greg Hatcher with the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Foundation, and David Morgan with the Mississippi Humanities Council.  The City of Meridian is the first site to have this exhibit and is the location of the national opening for this event.  It is entitled “New Harmonies Celebrating American Roots Music”.  This exhibit will be in six cities in Mississippi from March 24, 2007 until January 16, 2008.  Local artists will be featured in the events.

 

            The hour of 9:15 a.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for in Resolution No. 5396 regarding unclean land was opened with motion by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council.  No one appeared regarding the property at 909 36th Avenue.  Motion was made by Councilman Harris duly seconded by Council-woman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.

 

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

 

RESO. #5408                        RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING PARCEL OF LAND TO BE A

                                    MENACE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE

                                    COMMUNITY (BALL SURVEY BLOCK 90 50’ N&S X 175’

                                    E&W BEG 50’ N SWC W ˝ BLK)

 

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

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

            President Thomas called on Mayor Smith for his report.  He said the Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Meridian.  The non-historic demolition of city hall is continuing.  He urged the council members who have not been over there to take time to see what has been uncovered during this demolition process.

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated January 16 and January 23, 2007.

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the following proclamations: 

 

                                    February 9, 2007 – “Arbor Day”

                                    February 5-9, 2007 – “School Counselors Week”

 

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

 

ORDER #13976       ORDER ACCEPTING DISCLOSURE LETTER FROM BARBAREE

                                    HEASTER, MEMBER OF THE MERIDIAN REDEVELOPMENT

                                    AUTHORITY

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5409                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO FIFTEENTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5410                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO FRESH ANOINTING INTERNATIONAL CHURCH 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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13977       ORDER AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO WESLEY HOUSE

                                    CONCERNING PERSONNEL AND OPERATION COSTS ALLOWABLE

                                    THROUGH VICTIM/WITNESS GRANT #05NW2223

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13978       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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13979       ORDER ACCEPTING RENEWAL QUOTE FROM WEED PRO, LLC,

                                    SWARTZ, LA, FOR HERBICIDE PROGRAM (TWO APPLICATIONS –

                                    SOWASHEE CREEK) IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,472.00

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4306         ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10, FLOOD DAMAGE

                                    PREVENTION AND CONTROL, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, CONCERNING VARIANCE PROCEDURES

                                    APPEAL ENTITY

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5411                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO THE MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY AS AUTHORIZED

                                    BY SECTION 43-33-37 OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, AS

                                    AMENDED

 

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

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4307         ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING IN THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, A

                                    PORTION OF 7TH STREET BETWEEN 39TH AND 40TH AVENUES

 

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

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent: Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5412                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN QUITCLAIM

                                    DEED TO CLOSED AND VACATED PORTION OF 7TH STREET

                                    BETWEEN 39TH AND 40TH AVENUES

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4308         ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING IN THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, A

                                    PORTION OF 50TH AVENUE SOUTH OF 1ST STREET AND NORTH

                                    OF THE RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY AND UNNAMED ALLEY WHICH

                                    RUNS THROUGH BLOCK 16, WALTHALL’S ADDITION, AND AN

                                    UNNAMED ALLEY WHICH BORDERS THE SOUTH OF BLOCK 16,

                                    WALTHALL’S ADDITION

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5413                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN QUITCLAIM

                                    DEEDS TO CLOSED AND VACATED PORTION OF 50TH AVENUE

                                    SOUTH OF 1ST STREET AND NORTH OF THE RAILROAD RIGHT-

                                    OF-WAY AND UNNAMED ALLEY WHICH RUNS THROUGH BLOCK

                                    16, WALTHALL’S ADDITION, AND AN UNNAMED ALLEY WHICH

                                    BORDERS THE SOUTH OF BLOCK 16, WALTHALL’S ADDITION

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay: None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4309         ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND ABANDONING IN THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN, LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI THE

                                    NORTH ˝ OF 31ST STREET LYING ADJACENT TO LOTS 4 & 5

                                    BLOCK 1 OF MYRTLEWOOD SUBDIVISION, WEST OF AND

                                    ADJACENT TO 32ND AVENUE

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5414                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN QUITCLAIM

                                    DEED TO CLOSED AND VACATED NORTH ˝ OF 31ST STREET

                                    LYING ADJACENT TO LOTS 4 & 5 BLOCK 1 OF MYRTLEWOOD

                                    SUBDIVISION, WEST OF AND ADJACENT TO 32ND AVENUE

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

RESO. #5415                        RESOLUTION FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE RESOLUTION    

                                    ENTITLED “RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENTION OF THE MAYOR

                                    AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, (THE

                                    “GOVERNING BODY” OF THE “CITY”) TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION

                                    WATER AND SEWER BONDS, SERIES 2007 OF SAID CITY IN THE

                                    MAXIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED THREE MILLION

                                    SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,600,000) TO RAISE MONEY FOR

                                    THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR ERECTING MUNICIPAL

                                    BUILDINGS, AND PURCHASING BUILDINGS OR LAND THEREFOR, AND

                                    FOR REPAIRING, IMPROVING, ADORNING AND EQUIPPING THE SAME;

                                    PURCHASING OR CONSTRUCTING, REPAIRING, IMPROVING AND

                                    EQUIPPING BUILDINGS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND FOR PURCHASING

                                    LAND, EQUIPMENT AND BOOKS THEREFOR; ERECTING OR PURCHASING

                                    WATERWORKS AND OTHER PUBLIC UTILITY PLANTS OR DISTRIBUTION

                                    SYSTEMS, AND REPAIRING, IMPROVING AND EXTENDING THE SAME;

                                    ESTABLISHING SANITARY, STORM, DRAINAGE OR SEWERAGE SYSTEMS;

                                    AND REPAIRING, IMPROVING AND EXTENDING THE SAME; PROTECTING

                                    MUNICIPAL STREETS AND SIDEWALKS FROM OVERFLOW, CAVING

                                    BANKS AND OTHER LIKE DANGERS; CONSTRUCTING, IMPROVING OR

                                    PAVING STREETS, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, PARKWAYS, WALKWAYS,

                                    OR PUBLIC PARKING FACILITIES, AND PURCHASING LAND THEREFOR;

                                    PURCHASING LAND FOR PARKS, AND PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS, AND

                                    IMPROVING, EQUIPPING AND ADORNING THE SAME, INCLUDING THE

                                    CONSTRUCTING, REPAIRING AND EQUIPPING OF SWIMMING POOLS

                                    AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES; CONSTRUCTING BRIDGES

                                    AND CULVERT; ALTERING OR CHANGING THE CHANNELS OF STREAMS

                                    AND WATER COURSES TO CONTROL, DEFLECT OR GUIDE THE CURRENT

                                    THEREOF; PURCHASING FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS,

                                    AND PROVIDING HOUSING FOR SAME, AND PURCHASING LAND

                                    THEREFOR; PURCHASING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT WHICH HAVE

                                    AN EXPECTED USEFUL LIFE IN EXCESS OF TEN (10) YEARS AND NOT

                                    INCLUDING ANY MOTOR VEHICLE WEIGHING LESS THAN TWELVE

                                    THOUSAND (12,000) POUNDS; AND DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF

                                    NOTICE OF SUCH INTENTION” AS ADOPTED ON JANUARY 2, 1007,

                                    WAS DULY PUBLISHED AS REQUIRED BY LAW; THAT NO PETITION OR

                                    OTHER OBJECTION OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER AGAINST THE

                                    ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS DESCRIBED IN SAID RESOLUTION WAS

                                    FILED; AND AUTHORIZING SAID BONDS TO BE ISSUED AND OFFERED

                                    FOR SALE AT A LATER DATE

 

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

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13980       ORDER ACCEPTING THE BID OF INNOVATIVE LANDSCAPE, INC.

                                    GUNTOWN, MS, FOR SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF TREES AT

                                    BONITA LAKES ENTRANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,629.00 AND

                                    AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL PLANT MATERIAL AT

                                    THE UNIT PRICES BID AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF

                                    CONTRACT FOR SAID WORK

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13981       ORDER ACCEPTING THE BID OF MODERN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

                                    MERIDIAN, MS, FOR SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF TREES AT

                                    LAKEVIEW GOLF COURSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,492.50 AND

                                    AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL PLANT MATERIAL AT

                                    THE UNIT PRICES BID 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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13982       ORDER ACCEPTING LOW BIDS FOR 12 MONTH SOURCE

                                    OF SUPPLY FOR PIPES, VALVES & FITTINGS

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13983       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF VENUE USE AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND THE STATE GAMES OF

                                    MISSISSIPPI, INC. (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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

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

 

ORDER #13984       ORDER ACCEPTING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500.00

                                    FROM THE RILEY FOUNDATION (2007 SUMMER WORK PROGRAM –

                                    MERIDIAN FIRE 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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Palmer duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated February 01, 2007 in the amount of $2,872,202.10.

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4310         AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 8 OF THE

                                    CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, MS, TO

                                    REVISE CERTAIN POLLING PLACES

 

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, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Henson.

 

            President Thomas called for citizen comments.  No one appeared.

 

            President Thomas called for council comments.  Councilman Harris stated that immediately after the meeting he will hold a press conference.  He invited everyone to attend the Mardi Gras festivities.  Councilman Palmer stated that the school bond issue needs support.  Councilwoman Perry said the school bond issue is needed.  There are people/groups requesting street name changes and are asking that the fees be eliminated.  These fees cannot be waived as has been opined by the Attorney General’s Office.  Councilman Thomas stated he wished the school district went further and put money in for a state of the art high school.  There are multi-cultural events coming up in the city – Mardi Gras, Kentucky Ham breakfast, African choir, Chinese acrobats.  There is plenty going on in the city.  High school basketball is an event that needs support.         

 

            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