The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Quitman, Mississippi met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. at the Depot.
Jonathan Tanner — Introduction of Josh Evans
Jonathan Tanner introduced Josh Evans to the Board regarding an upcoming position that will be needed in the Water/Sewer Department. Evans has prior experience and certification in water & sewer.
City of Quitman Recreational Complex — Concession Stand Building — Air Conditioner Unit
Mayor Watkins presented a quote from H & H Services for the purchase of a 2-ton AC Unit at a cost of $3900. Alderman Steve Neely made the motion to accept the quote. Alderman Harry Wheat seconded the motion and all Aldermen voted in the affirmative.
Great Southern Bank — Temporary Variance
Great Southern Bank has requested a temporary variance to place a modular building behind the current location to serve as the bank during the demolition and construction of a new bank. Alderman Ronald Holloway made a motion to approve a two-year temporary variance for Great Southern Bank. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion and all Alderman voted in the affirmative.
Confederate Memorial Holiday (Monday, April 25, 2022) Exchange for Good Friday, April 15, 2022.
Alderman Ronald Holloway made a motion to swap Confederate Memorial Holiday in exchange for Good Friday, April 15, 2022. Alderman Harry Wheat seconded the motion and all Alderman voted in the affirmative.
City Building Project No. 7305 — Overview Update
Mayor Watkins provided Board Members with an Update on the City Building Project.
Emergency Declaration — Thursday, February 17, 2022
Mayor Watkins informed the Board that he declared a State of Emergency for a Severe Weather and High Wind Event that was scheduled to affect Clarke County on February 17, 2022. Alderman Steve Neely made a motion to spread the Declaration to the Minutes. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion and all Aldermen voted in the affirmative.
City Events
Alderman Steve Neely stated he reached out to City of Meridian’s mayor to discuss how they manage their requests and stated the City of Quitman could consider something similar before approving events on the spot. Alderman Neely stated he felt the requests could be taken under advisement so that board members have an opportunity to discuss with the superintendents of the departments to determine the amount of manpower needed to be involved in the events/parades.
SWOT Analysis
Alderman Steve Neely stated he felt it would be beneficial to the city to schedule a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity & Threat) meeting in an effort to find ways for the City to prosper and ways to build and grow. Alderman Ronald Holloway and Mayor Steve Watkins stated that this may be something that the City could contact The Stennis Center to determine if there would be a fee to facilitate this meeting.
Suncoast Construction Payment $103,919.67
Alderman Joe Brooks made a motion to spread to the minutes the approval of a Suncoast Construction payment in the amount of $103,919.67 as part of the CDBG Water/Sewer Grant. Alderman Steve Neely seconded the motion and all Aldermen voted in the affirmative.
East Central Planning and Development — CDBG Water/Sewer Grant - $5,000
Alderman Steve Neely made a motion to spread to the minutes the approval of the ECPDD fee for managing the project/grant in the amount of $5000. Alderman Joe Brooks seconded the motion and all aldermen voted in the affirmative.
Fontaine Engineering Invoice No. 3244 in the amount of $8,750.00 for their fee for the 2020 CDBG Sewer Rehabilitation
Alderman Joe Brooks made a motion to approve the payment. Alderman Steve Neely seconded the motion with all Aldermen voted in the affirmative.
Fontaine Engineering Invoice No. 3245 in the amount of $16,000 for their fee for the Wastewater Collection and Treatment Improvements Facility Plan. This invoice is to be paid from the ARPA account.
Superintendent Andy Reese
Reese updated the Board that the electrical work is to begin this week at the Complex. His department will also be working to replace the lights at the Tennis Court; as well as working to correct a drainage issue so that work to repave the walking trail at the complex could begin soon.
Superintendent Jonathan Tanner
Tanner updated the board that the lift station has been installed on Mulberry Lane and is working. There is clean up his department will need to go back and complete.
Edgar’s Woodfire Bar & Grill held a grand opening and ribbon cutting March 1, 2022.
The meeting was adjourned until March 15.
