The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Quitman, Mississippi met in regular session on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Mayor Steve Watkins and Water/Sewer Superintendent Jonathan Tanner gave an explanation to the board regarding the Master Meter – Harmony MDM Software.
A Meter Reading problem with Master Meter’s display did not affect our November billing and was coincidental. The billing issues in November was in fact due to the closing out of the month twice.
Municipal Building Project No. 7305 – Construction Overview - Mayor Watkins gave a Construction Project Overview of the Municipal Building Project.
Bank Loan Update – Municipal Project No. 7305 - Mayor Watkins informed the board the paperwork for the $250,000 loan was signed on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, by Watkins and City Clerk Cindy Kirkman. A motion was made to open a new checking account at First State Bank and deposit the $250,000. Those funds are to be used solely for the Municipal Building Project. The motion was approved.
Personnel – Mike McCarra - Police Chief Mike McCarra requested the approval to hire two part time police officers and one full time narcotics officer, Mildred Maria Utsey, Ryan Evans, and Mason Blaine Thomas. Chief McCarra informed the board that the present narcotics officer recently resigned, and the position needed to be filled.
Alderman Ronald Holloway made the motion to hire the three officers. The motion was approved.
Alderwoman Bridgett Peters made a motion to hire Officer David Viverette as Assistant Police Chief. The motion died due to a lack of second due to pending litigation
A motion was made by Alderwoman Bridgett Peters to go into closed session. Aldermen Ronald Holloway seconded the motion and all Aldermen voted in the affirmative. No action was taken during executive session
Water/Sewer Superintendent Jonathan Tanner reminded the board about the rate increase that went into effect January 1 and will be on the upcoming billing cycle.
A motion was made for the approval of two training classes for Jonathan Tanner.
Training – January 13, 2022 – One day Class – Meridian
Training – February 8, 2022 – Greenwood Public Works, Greenwood, Ms. This training requires an overnight stay.
State ARPA Additional Funding
The motion was approved.
Mayor Watkins informed the board that a survey has been submitted thru Mississippi Municipal League for the upcoming Legislative Session that will open doors for the City to receive additional funds during the Legislative Session. Mayor Watkins also sent letters to State Representative Troy Smith and Jeff Tate; and Fontaine Engineering Bronzon Miles also submitted a one page handout outlining water/sewer/drainage needs in the city.
The meeting was adjourned.
January 25, 2022
Quitman Volunteer Fire Chief Mickey Long informed the board of the new fire rating for the City of Quitman decreased from a 7 to a 6.
Jennifer Bozeman representing Creature Comforts requested the City of Quitman to continue their annual contribution to Creature Comforts with an allocation of $100 per month. Alderman Harry Wheat made the motion to approve the contract. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion and the motion carried with three Yes votes. Alderman Steve Neely refrained from voting due to his wife being on the Creature Comfort Board of Directors.
Municipal Judge Tobey Bartee requested the Board to consider providing an area in City Hall for the Municipal Clerk. No action was taken.
Jonathan Tanner informed the board that due to parts delay it could be middle to end of March before the repair of the lagoon pumps are completed. Tanner requested the vendor, IPS to find a pump in stock for the lagoon if needed.
Municipal Building Project No. 7305 - Mayor Steve Watkins informed Board members the checking account for Municipal Project 7305 has been established and reminded Aldermen to go to bank and sign signature cards.
BBI Software/Hardware Agreement for 2022. A motion was made by Alderman Joe Brooks to spread to the minutes the signed agreement between the City and BBI for $18,579.00 to provide software/hardware support. The motion was approved.
First State Bank Resolution. A motion was made by Alderman Harry Wheat to table this vote until the Mayor can speak with the Bank president regarding a correction. The motion was approved.
FAA Airport Grant. A motion was made by Alderman Steve Neely to spread to the minutes for the Mayor and Board Attorney to sign the airport grant. The motion was approved.
Street/Parks Superintendent Andy Reese requested the board to approve the quote of $8,884.75 from Hendry Services for the replacement of an electrical box at the Baseball Complex. A motion was made by Alderman Steve Neely to table the vote until Reese so can request if the electrical work comes with a warranty and if a timer could be installed in the box. Alderman Harry Wheat seconded the motion and the motion carried.
The quotes received were:
Bunch Electric $11,370.00; Premier, Bay Springs $9,408.00; Hendry Services $8,884.75
A second motion was made by Alderman Harry Wheat to obtain quotes for an air conditioning unit for the snack bar at the Complex. The motion was approved.
Police Chief Mike McCarra requested the board’s approval to move Officer Randy Harper from part time status to full time. The motion was approved.
Executive session. A motion was made by Alderman Joe Brooks to enter into closed session for personnel. Alderman Steve Neely seconded the motion. The motion carried. A motion was made by Alderman Steve Neely to enter into executive session. No action was taken during the Executive Session
Blue Cross Blue Shield Renewal - Mayor Steve Watkins informed the board that the annual renewal for the city’s health insurance was due for renewal February 1, 2022.
Under a previous administration, some employees were grandfathered in on an 85/15% for spouse coverage with one employee currently remaining under that policy. A motion was made by Alderman Steve Neely to continue this policy for employee Andy Reese. Alderman Harry Wheat seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mayor Watkins requested the Board’s approval to change the City’s Agent of Record to Andy Mayatt of Benefits Management Group. A motion was made by Alderman Harry Wheat to continue using the current agent, Mike Williams. Alderman Steve Neely seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Joe Brooks Voted No; Bridgett Peters Voted No; Steve Neely Voted Yes; Harry Wheat Voted Yes; Mayor Steve Watkins was the tie breaking vote with a No vote. The motion failed.
A Motion was made by Alderwoman Bridgett Peters to hire Andy Mayatt with Benefits Management Group to serve as the new Agent of Record. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Joe Brooks Voted Yes; Bridgett Peters Voted Yes; Steve Neely Voted No; Harry Wheat Voted No; Mayor Steve Watkins was the tie breaking vote with a Yes vote. The motion carried.
Police Department Hiring Procedure - A motion was made by Joe Brooks for the police chief to provide the three best applicants for an open position and provide a hiring recommendation. Alderman Steve Neely seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Baseball Association Bucket Drive Fundraiser - Alderman Steve Neely made a motion to approve the bucket drive fundraiser for January 29, 2022. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned.
