Development of a Love’s Truck Stop, placement of a memorial sign and continued advancement of Poplarville joining the Main Street Association were some of the discussions at Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Mayor Brad Necaise said Love’s Truck Stop’s access request to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, which is planned for construction at the off ramp of Interstate 59 on Highway 26 was approved. This means the business can install a turn lane that would allow four trucks to wait to turn into the new business when it is complete.

Larry Williams with J&L Properties came before the board to discuss rezoning a two-acre lot just north of Pearl River Communtiy College on U.S. 11 from R-1 to R-4, which would allow the construction of two family homes. Williams said he intends to build either duplexes or town houses, but would build a maximum of three.

He intends to lease them to PRCC students or young professionals working in the area, such as at the Pearl River County Hospital.

“We’re metered for water but right now we’re just paying taxes and growing grass,” Williams said about the lots.

The board approved a motion to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation to set a rezoning public hearing for July 31.

Dilapidated property will become part of a training exercise for Poplarville firefighters. Board attorney Martin Smith said the department would like to use a home set for demolition as a controlled burn training exercise. The home is located on Orr Street.

Smith estimates the cost to the city to be about $1,100 and suggested the city notify neighbors when it will take place so they can prepare for the smoke and traffic.

Board member Shirley Wiltshire expressed concern since there are a number of homes in the area.

“If some of it gets away that whole neighborhood could burn down,” Wiltshire said.

Capt. Joshua Head with the Fire Department assured the board that the department would take every precaution.

Wiltshire and Carol Williams spoke to the board about their Main Street Association meeting earlier on Tuesday. Williams, who is the city’s point of contact between the Main Street Association,  told the board that joining would help the city with its economic development, but would not interfere with efforts of the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce.

Being a member of the association will help the city secure grant funding, but first the city has to pay the fee, which is due on Jan. 1, and form a nine-person steering committee. Poplarville will begin by becoming a network member, which requires a $1,000 fee.

Board members said they would like their Main Street Association to be involved in the formation of a farmers market, and are looking at a couple of spots in the city to establish it.

During his departmental update, Poplarville Police Chief Charlie Fazende informed the board that the police department’s website is up and includes a community survey. Fazende said the department has received more than 30 completed surveys so far.

Head gave the update for the Fire Department, saying the new fire truck on display at the recent Blueberry Jubilee is now outfitted with the city’s decals.

Lisa Ladner and her family addressed the board about putting up a sign in memory of her late 14-year-old nephew, Peyton Ladner, who passed away in May of this year. Peyton was scheduled to compete in the state rodeo finals, but died before hand. A sign installed within the city does not display his name, even though he was recognized with a buckle posthumously.

After some discussion the city approved allowing the temporary installation of a sign honoring Peyton Ladner’s memory near City Hall.

The next board meeting will be July 15, at 5 p.m.