Development News for Brookhaven, Mississippi

City Tackles Decades-Old Drainage and Flooding Issues with New Grant Application

The city is addressing widespread drainage and flooding issues, particularly in Stanislaus, Mississippi, which have persisted for decades. The Delta Regional Authority's Community Infrastructure Fund has opened for applications, with a deadline of August 24th. The city plans to clean out drainage ditches section by section, starting from downstream and working upstream, to resolve these long-standing problems. The existing drainage system in older parts of town is very old (dating back to the 1930s) and often undersized, requiring significant and potentially expensive work. An update was provided on the drainage issues near the old Piggly Wiggly, where Suncoast is attempting to clear sand and debris, but progress is slowed by continuous inflow of clean water from storm drains due to recent rainfall.

Community Initiatives Focus on Unity, Second Chances, and Resident Engagement

Mr. Hayes discussed several community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of ward identity and encouraging participation from local organizations and residents. He highlighted upcoming events: a 'Clean Slate' event on June 3rd in Copiah County offering free felony record expungement, and a 'Unity in the Community' event aiming to foster pride and participation. He also stressed the need for neighbors to engage with each other and for residents to invite him to group meetings to better understand and advocate for their specific ward needs. The city aims to improve communication regarding waste management services and holiday pickup schedules following confusion.

City Council Addresses Personnel Changes, Payroll, and Permit Fees After Executive Session

The board convened in executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. Upon returning to open session, they reviewed and voted on several items: police department positions and policies, general payroll increases for fire, police, water, and street departments, employee training seminars, termination of two water department employees, approval of the cemetery budget, a temporary easement, and a temporary vendors permit. The board amended the temporary vendors permit fee from $50 to $20, then to $15 after a roll call vote. A motion to terminate the contract of Kenny Wayne Jones was discussed extensively, with one member expressing concern over losing a valuable resource, but ultimately passed. The board also reviewed final resolutions for previously discussed matters and legal issues.

City Council Addresses Parking Safety Concerns and Considers Striping Revisions

Mike McKenzie presented information on two parking striping issues that have been identified as safety concerns. The first involves handicap parking spaces at the Catholic church that are difficult to navigate, and the second concerns ingress and egress from the parking lot behind businesses on West Cherokee Street, where a truck parked in a specific spot can block the view of northbound traffic on South Jackson Street. Quotes were obtained from Park Right Striping for $13,860 and Traffic Control Products. The board discussed the need to review the budget and take the matter under advisement.