REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2005 AT 9:00 A.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Smith.

 

Present:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

 

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

            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 Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilwoman Perry not at meeting at this time) to confirm the agenda order for this meeting with an amendment to:  add an executive session regarding economic development; substitute new contract in R-12.

 

 

            President Smith advised of the notification of legal advertisement for the following: a) asbestos abatement of structures; b) painting of freshwater treatment plants.

 

 

            Mayor Smith stated he had one re-appointment to the Meridian Airport Authority – Jack Douglass.

 

 

            Paul Breazeale with Breazeale, Saunders & O’Neil, Ltd. appeared before the council to present the FY 2004 audit.  (Councilwoman Perry arrived at the meeting at this time.)  Mr. Breazeale stated that the audit was a good report and that the city is in a good financial position.  Pages 106 and 107 are the heart of the audit.  The 36 federal grants the city has received are listed on pages 160 & 161.  He made a power point presentation showing the following charts: asessed value of taxable property, millage comparisons, property tax rates per $1,000 of assessed value, government-wide revenues, general government revenues, sales tax revenues, government-wide expenses, general government expenditures by function, general fund expenditures by departments, governmental activities long-term debt maturities, ratio of debt service to total general expenditures, net bonded debt per capita, business-type activities long-term debt maturities, and general fund balance.  President Smith stated that the Council had a public meeting set up for 9:30 and asked Mr. Breazeale to continue his presentation after the hearing.

 

 

            The hour of 9:30 a.m. having arrived, the hearing as called for in Resolution #5230 regarding unclean property was opened with motion by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council.  The Clerk of Council advised that the property had already cleaned by the owner.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.  No action was taken.

 

 

            Mr. Paul Breazeale continued with his presentation on the FY 2004 audit.  He went over the management letter and the independent auditors’ findings and recommendations with respect to internal controls for the year ended September 30, 2004.  He congratulated the city on a good year and thanked the staff for their assistance.  City Clerk Ed Skipper thanked the City Council for allowing them to do their job.  He thanked the employees, Dave Brown, CAO Ken Storms, Mayor Smith, Mr. Breazeale and Sherry for their help.  Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13439       ORDER ACCEPTING FISCAL YEAR 2004 ANNUAL

                                    AUDIT AS PREPARED BY BREAZEALE, SAUNDERS

                                    & O’NEIL, LTD.

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

            President Smith called on Mayor Smith for his report.  He reminded the public that the City Council hires the auditor as required by state law.  He thanked the entire city staff for their team effort and in particular CAO Ken Storms, Ed Skipper and Dave Brown.  Public Works Monty Jackson appeared to give an update report on the paving.  He said the weather has been a factor.  Since the streets have been wet they have been unable to pave.  After the milling on 23rd Avenue they discovered some failures in the sanitary sewer line and a storm drain that failed.  This section has now been opened and the first layer of asphalt placed.  There was another hole at 20th Street and 23rd Avenue.  They will be going into it to make sure there is no failure after it is paved.  Hopefully after these repairs have been made a leveling course will be put down to make it a little smoother for driving.  They hope to get this in by Friday and then come back next week and lay the last course.  After this asphalt has set for about 10 days they will stripe 23rd Avenue and Poplar Springs Drive.  There are some places on Poplar Springs Drive that will have to be redone.  He has a list of the streets that the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors will pay for.  One of the problems the contractor is having is delivery of goods.  This is causing their production to be low.  Mayor Smith introduced Dr. George French who will be the new Project Coordinator at Homeland Security.  His position is covered under a FRA grant.   

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated March 15, 2005.

 

 

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

                                    April 10-16, 2005 – “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week”

                                    April, 2005 – “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13440       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE

                                    MAYOR OF JACK DOUGLASS TO THE MERIDIAN

                                    AIRPORT AUTHORITY

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5237                        RESOLUTION APPOINTING DEPTY COURT

                                    CLERKS OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT

 

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

 

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13441       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:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13442       ORDER ACCEPTING RILEY FOUNDATION DONATION

                                    TO THE CITY OF MERIDAIN FOR THE PURPOSE OF

                                    PROMOTING THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE

                                    AND CELEBRATION

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13443       ORDER AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO WESLEY

                                    HOUSE CONCERNING PERSONNE AND OPERATION

                                    COSTS ALLOWABLE THROUGH VICTIM/WITNESS GRANT

                                    #3NW2222

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5238                        RESOLUTION CALLING HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER

                                    OR NOT CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND ARE IN SUCH A STATE

                                    OF UNCLEANLINESS AS TO BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC

                                    HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY

 

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

 

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13444       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SERVICE

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND

                                    THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (MERIDIAN HOUSEHOLD

                                    HAZARDOUS WASTE AMNESTY DAY – APRIL 30, 2005)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5239                        RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING REVISIONS TO THE

                                    DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY FOR THE CITY OF                 

                                    MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI AND CONFIRMING APPLICABILITY

                                    OF NEUTRAL SELECTION PROVISIONS

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13445       ORDER AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION AND EXECUTION OF

                                    APPLICATION FOR THE FIRE ACT GRANT (SPECIALIZED

                                    CONFINED SPACE RESCUE EQUIPMENT)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13446       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF

                                    APPLICATION FOR FY 2005 COMPETITIVE TRAINING

                                    GRANTS PROGRAM WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

                                    HOMELAND SECURITY

 

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

 

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13447       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF

                                    HOMELAND SECURITY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND THE MISSISSIPPI

                                    DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND AUTHORIZING

                                    MAYOR TO APPOINT H.C. PARTRIDGE, JR. AS THE SUB-

                                    GRANT DESIGNEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING

                                    THE GRANT

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5240                        RESOLUTION FORGIVING DEBT OWED BY THE MERIDIAN

                                    TRANSIT COMMISSION TO THE CITY OF MERIDIAN IN THE

                                    AMOUNT OF $38,950 AND REMOVING SAID AMOUNT DUE

                                    FROM THE CITY OF MERIDIAN BOOKS

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13448       ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF PORTABLE TRASH

                                    PUMP FROM HYDRA SERVICE, INC., JACKSON, MS, IN

                                    THE AMOUNT OF $51,662.44     

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13449       ORDER ACCEPTING THE BID OF RALPH MORGAN LOGGING,

                                    INC., LAUDERDALE, MS, FOR TIMBER CUTTING LOCATED

                                    SOUTH OF THE MERIDIAN AIRPORT FOR THE SALE PRICE

                                    OF $69,472.00

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13450       ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF AUTOMATED GAS

                                    FEED SYSTEM (CHLORINE) FROM CONTROLWORX,

                                    BATON ROUGE, LA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,652.50

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13451       ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF DIFFUSERS FROM

                                    STAMFORD SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

                                    POUGHKEEPSIE, NY IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,800.00

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13452       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

                                    AGREEMENT WITH THE JOHN C. STENNIS INSTITUTE

                                    AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY (GRANT RECEIVED

                                    FROM THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5241                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION AND

                                    EXECUTION OF GRANT APPLICATION BY THE CITY

                                    OF MERIDIAN TO THE MERIDIAN/LAUDERDALE COUNTY

                                    TOURISM BUREAU FOR PROMOTION OF MAIN STREET

                                    EVENTS AND PROJECTS

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13453       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF MARKETING

                                    SERVICES AGREEMENT (KEEP MERIDIAN/LAUDERDALE

                                    COUNTY BEAUTIFUL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN)

                                    BETWEEN LEADING EDGES ADVERTISING 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:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5242                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND FILING

                                    OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE FY 2005 HOME

                                    INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5243                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN

                                    INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN

                                    THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

                                    OF LAUDERDALE COUNTY (DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

 

ORDER #13454       ORDER AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER

                                    GRANTING 2000 HOME INVESTMENT FUNDS TO HAZEL

                                    BELL AT 1211 30TH AVENUE, MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5244                        RESOLUTION OF INTENT (CAP LOAN FOR $600,000

                                    FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT

                                    SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13455       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF PROJECT

                                    APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH

                                    THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND

                                    HISTORY FOR THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2005

                                    CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT-IN-AID FUNDS

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

RESO. #5245                        RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED

                                    BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN FOR THE FISCAL

                                    YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005, AND DIRECTING THE

                                    CITY CLERK IN REFERENCE THERETO

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13456       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

                                    BETWEEN MALCOLM PIRNIE, 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:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13457       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

                                    AGREEMENT & RIGHT-OF-WAY AND EASEMENT

                                    TO EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDER #13458       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

                                    BETWEEN ENGINEERING PLUS AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

                                    (10TH AVENUE, PHASE II PROJECT)

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4266         BONITA LAKES WATERSHED FIRE PREVENTION ACT OF 2005

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

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

 

ORDIN. #4267         ORDINANCE RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 4265

                                    ENTITLED “ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3

                                    OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF

                                    MERIDIAN”

 

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

 

Yea:  Perry, Henson, Palmer, Smith.

Nay:  None.

Absent:  Thomas.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated March 31, 2005 in the amount of $1,914,766.63.

 

 

            On the Study Agenda was the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance.

 

 

            President Smith called for citizen comments.  Bill McBride, 1806 Apache Ridge Road, appeared and presented the Council with a petition from members of the Clean Indoor Air Act Committee.  (COPY OF PETITION)

 

 

            President Smith called for council comments.  Councilman Palmer stated that everyone needs to have a positive attitude.  He discussed the use of steroids in professional sports.  Councilwoman Henson stated that Arts in the Park was an enjoyable experience.  She commended the city employees who participated in this event.  She stated a lot of her constituents really like the yellow and white stripes on streets.  Councilwoman Perry stated four young people were given $500 scholarships by the Jackson State Alumni.  She commented on the ceremony for the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Street dedication.  She reminded everyone of her Ward 2 meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. that evening at Velma Young Center.

 

           

            An executive session was requested regarding economic development.  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 Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry 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 Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to go out of executive session. 

 

 

            President Smith called the meeting back to order.  No action was taken regarding the executive session.         

           

 

            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