May 19, 2026

This summary is intended to document what was discussed and decided during the meeting. It follows the agenda in order and reflects the substance of each item.

1. Call to Order / Invocation / Pledge

The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:05 p.m.

The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Absent: Alderman Jared Harris

2. Approval of Agenda (May 19, 2026)

Motion made and approved.
Passed

3. Approval of Minutes (May 5, 2026)

Motion made and approved.
Passed

4. Approval of Docket of Claims (May 19, 2026)

Motion made and approved.
Passed

5. Approval of Payroll (May 8 and May 15, 2026)

Motion made and approved.
Passed

6. Citizens’ Comments

A resident invited the board and public to attend a 250th birthday celebration event planned for June 6 in the park.

No action taken.

---

New Business

7. Baylock Bash Event Request (July 11, 2026)

The board discussed a proposed event in the park planned for July 11.

Discussion included:

• Event planned in the park
• No street closures requested
• Informational discussion only

No vote taken.

8. Consolidated Pipe Metering System Presentation

Representatives from Consolidated Pipe presented information on a proposed wireless water meter system for the city.

Discussion included:

• Current meter reading process takes approximately five employees about five days
• Proposed system would transmit readings every 14 seconds
• Meters could potentially be read in hours rather than days
• System would allow tracking of leaks, reverse flow, and unusual usage
• Readings could be accessed through cloud-based software
• Officials discussed labor savings and potential increased revenue from newer meters
• Financing options for municipalities were presented
• Representatives stated meters include a 20-year manufacturer warranty (10-year full, remaining prorated)

Board members requested additional information, including projected labor savings and cost comparisons.

No action taken.

9. Waste Management Renewal Agreement

Board members discussed the city’s waste management contract.

Discussion included:

• Concern over receiving notice of rate increases with less than 30 days notice
• Frustration that the company did not attend the meeting to explain the increase
• Discussion of whether the city should begin reviewing alternatives

A motion was made to renew the agreement for one year rather than a longer term to allow time for research and review.

Motion made and approved.
Passed

10. Approval of Zoned 8 LLC Scope of Work Donation – Sundee Williams

The board considered acceptance of donated website and communications support from Zoned 8 LLC.

Discussion included:

• Need for help maintaining city communications and website content
• Existing staff time limitations
• Donation described as services provided at no cost to the city

Motion made and approved to accept the donation.
Passed

11. Sponsorship for Flint Creek Independence Day Celebration (July 3, 2026)

The board discussed sponsorship of the annual Flint Creek Independence Day celebration.

Motion made and approved for a $1,000 sponsorship.

Passed

---

Department Reports

12. Land Code Administrator

Seymour Engineering / Donovan Scruggs

Discussion included:

Italian restaurant opening

• Business had opened before final inspection
• Officials stated a final correction list had been issued
• Remaining items were reportedly addressed

Baseball field house expansion

• Discussion of plans for additions including bathrooms and offices
• Project described as relying heavily on donations
• Officials said they would work with organizers through the permitting process

No action taken.

13. Police Department

Training

A request was made for Officer Havard to attend a human trafficking investigations class in Gulfport from May 26–28. There is no expense for the class.

Discussion included hotel costs and training needs.

Motion made and approved.
Passed

Park Usage

• Considering alternate road closures for park events to reduce overtime and staffing burdens
• Need for 30–90 day notice for events requiring police support
• Staffing and academy scheduling concerns
• New speed sign deployment near schools and traffic areas
• Clarification that the sign is not issuing tickets, only displaying vehicle speed

Thursday, May 21, 2026

• Planned trip to Purvis to feed approximately 75 first responders
• Donation needs for food and supplies
• Invitation for volunteers to participate

No action taken.

14. Fire Department

No report

15. Public Works / Water & Sewer

Sewer and Lagoon Assessment

Officials reported ongoing review of sewer infrastructure, including:

• Overgrown rights-of-way
• Leaks and drainage concerns
• Equipment needs for repairs
• Clearing areas around lagoons and sewer access points

Discussion included reports of:

• A previously undetected water leak near Woodland Drive
• Damaged or temporary repairs to manholes
• Concerns about access and maintenance conditions

Lagoon Safety Concerns

Officials reported finding people swimming and fishing near lagoons.

Discussion included installing signs and barriers.

No action taken.

16. Municipal Court

No report.

17. City Engineer

Updates included:

Woodland Drive Tank Rehabilitation

• Contractor executed agreement received
• Reconstruction meeting expected to be scheduled

Water Avenue Sewer Repairs

• Repairs reported as substantially complete
• Waiting on caps for final work

Debris Cleanup Contract Bids

The city opened bids for debris cleanup contractors.

Discussion included:

• One bid rejected for failure to follow required submission instructions
• One bid received from Holliday Construction
• Cost comparisons to prior storms including Hurricane Zeta and Hurricane Katrina
• Purpose of maintaining a pre-positioned emergency contract before storms occur

Motion made and approved to place contractor on call if needed during emergencies.

Passed

18. City Clerk

No report.

---

Aldermen / Mayor Discussion

19. Sewer Pump Damage from Rehab Facility Waste

Officials discussed a bill from the Stone County Utility Authority related to pump damage.

Discussion included:

• Materials reportedly entering the sewer system from the rehabilitation facility
• Prior issues involving needles and pump damage
• Cost to the city estimated near $8,000
• Concern that improper materials were damaging sewer pumps and lift stations
• Discussion of possible filtering or containment methods at the facility

A motion was made to turn the matter over to the city attorney to pursue reimbursement and present billing to the rehabilitation facility.

Motion made and approved.
Passed

20. Mental Health Grant for Officers

Officials discussed efforts to secure grant funding covering 100% of mental health support costs for officers.

Three providers were reportedly being contacted.

No action taken.

Adjournment

Motion made to adjourn until Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:12 p.m.

Resident Note: This summary follows the agenda order and reflects discussion and action taken during the meeting. It is intended to document what was discussed, what action was taken, and what residents may want to know if they missed the meeting.