Meeting Summary
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

This summary follows the agenda as discussed during the meeting and reflects the substance of each item in order.

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I–VII. Opening Items

The meeting opened with invocation and pledge.

• Agenda
• Minutes from April 21, 2026
• Docket of Claims
• Payroll approvals

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VIII. Citizens’ Comments

A resident spoke regarding severe road conditions connected to heavy truck traffic near Big Level Trucking.

Discussion included:

• Road base failure caused by long-term industrial truck traffic
• Concerns over vehicle damage from potholes and uneven pavement
• Questions about reimbursement for vehicle repairs
• Discussion of potential short-term fixes including milling, grading, and compacting existing material instead of additional asphalt patching

Board members and staff discussed:

• Historic development of the roadway
• Lack of funding for full reconstruction
• Possibility of future paving initiatives through upcoming bond funding

No action taken.

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IX. Old Business

No major discussion recorded.

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X. New Business

a. Infrastructure Modernization Act – Bond Resolution

The Board discussed beginning the process for a potential bond issue tied to roads and bridges.

Discussion included:

• Proposed authorization up to approximately $2.4 million
• Funding intended primarily for paving, roads, and bridge work
• Use tax revenues expected to support repayment
• Clarification that approval starts the process only and does not obligate the city to issue bonds immediately
• Public notice and petition process required before bonds could move forward
• Estimated timeline of 60–90 days before additional action

Discussion also included:

• Possibility of 10–12 year repayment structure
• Future eligibility for sidewalks beginning July 2026 under state law
• Use of private bank placement rather than traditional underwriting process

Motion made and approved.
Vote: 5–0

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b. Mississippi Municipal Attorneys Registration

Approval for attendance/registration discussed.
Motion made and approved.

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XI. Departments

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a. Land Code Administrator

Sound Wall Discussion – Data Center Area

Discussion included:

• Proposed sound wall surrounding the data center area
• Authorization for administrative review and approval process to move faster
• Questions raised about appearance, height, permanence, and visual impact
• Discussion that wall could reach approximately 28 feet tall
• Officials stated the structure is intended to reduce sound impact for nearby residents

Motion made to authorize review and approval process.
Motion approved.

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Rezoning Request – Parcel 2235

Discussion regarding amendment of land code ordinance for rezoning from R-3 to C-3.

Motion made and approved.
Vote: 5–0

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b. Police Department

Fallen Officer Memorial Service

Police Chief discussed:

• Memorial service scheduled for May 14 at 4:00 PM
• Desire for stronger community turnout
• Importance of honoring officers lost in service
• Plans to recognize the three officers featured on the memorial billboard

No formal action taken.

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Mental Health Support for First Responders

Police Chief requested board consideration for support services for police and fire personnel following traumatic incidents.

Discussion included:

• PTSD and burnout among officers and first responders
• Difficulty accessing counseling locally
• Long wait times for appointments
• High co-pays for counseling services
• Possibility of partnerships with:
  • local churches
  • counselors
  • virtual providers
  • William Carey University programs
  • state-level resources

Board members discussed exploring options and gathering more information.

No formal action taken.

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Personnel Changes

Dispatcher Hire

Approval for hiring Christian Barnett as dispatcher discussed.

Motion made and approved.

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Transfer from Dispatch to Patrol

Approval for moving India Johnson from dispatch to patrol officer role pending academy attendance discussed.

Motion made and approved.

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c. Fire Department

Safe Haven Baby Box Agreement

Discussion included:

• Lease and service agreement
• Donation structure covering costs
• Clarification regarding invoicing and ownership

Motion made and approved.

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Inventory Cleanup

Discussion included deleting outdated inventory items from records.

Motion made and approved.

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Fire Inspector Training

Approval for Kevin Sharpe to attend training discussed.

Motion made and approved.

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d. Public Works

Discussion included:

• Side trimming and vegetation clearing
• School bus route visibility
• Tree and limb removal
• Road maintenance concerns

No formal action taken.

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e. City Engineer

Woodland Drive Tank Rehabilitation Project

Five bids received.

Recommendation made to award project to G&L Tank Sandblasting & Coating, LLC in the amount of approximately $186,250.

Motion made and approved.
Vote: 5–0

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Sewer Repair Change Order

Discussion included:

• Additional timber support requirements discovered during project work
• Change Order #1 in the amount of approximately $9,200

Motion made and approved.
Vote: 5–0

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Highway 49 Sewer Improvements

Discussion regarding amendment of sewer facility plan to include Highway 49 sewer improvements project.

Motion made and approved.
Vote: 5–0

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Madison Avenue Cul-de-Sac Discussion

Discussion included:

• Easements
• School bus access
• County participation
• Potential costs
• Recommendation to send formal response letter to school district

No formal project approval at this time.

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Airport Property / Appraisal Update

Discussion included:

• Appraisal disagreement from property owner
• Review appraisal still pending
• Potential legal process if agreement cannot be reached

No formal action taken.

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Grants / Funding Coordination

Discussion included:

• Grant reimbursement process
• Coordination between city, county, contractors, and administrative staff
• Importance of tracking funding and project timelines

No formal action taken.

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XII. Aldermen / Mayor Comments

Additional discussion included:

• Future paving coordination with county
• Potential truck route enforcement/signage
• Weight and traffic impacts from commercial trucking
• Possibility of partnerships on future paving work

Uniform Service Costs

Discussion included:

• Weekly recurring uniform costs
• Review of state contract pricing
• Desire to reduce recurring expenses and compare alternatives

No formal action taken.

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Adjournment

Motion made to adjourn until Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Motion approved.