Tuesday, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen heard from a concerned resident regarding the speed limit on Rawls Street.
Currently, there is no posted speed limit on the street, Mark Smith said, and cars drive about 30 miles per hour down the small street.
Smith brought a petition to the board, which was signed by residents.
Many of the homeowners are concerned with the safety of the children who play in and around the street, Smith said. Smith told the board his granddaughter was almost hit by an ATV recently.
Aldermen Byron Wells said that while the city can’t put speed bumps on the street, they might be able to put some extra patrol officers on Rawls.
“We are all concerned and don’t want children to be killed in our city,” Wells said. “We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.”
The board discussed a number of options, which included placing a 15 mile per hour speed limit sign on Rawls Street. The board voted to take the matter under advisement until their next meeting.

In other action the board:
–– Heard from two candidates vying for a seat on the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors.
Frank Vaccarella, who is running for District II Supervisor, said in the past few years it seems, to him, the county has spent money on frivolous things.
“I feel they need someone on the board with business and management experience,” Vaccarella said. “If elected, you will get a full-time supervisor, one that is approachable and open-minded.”
Donald Hart is running for District I Supervisor and told the board he has owned a barbershop in Picayune for the past 20 years.
“I see great opportunities for economic development for our county,” Hart said. “Hopefully we can encourage our young people to stay here after graduation. I would like to be a part of moving the county forward.”
At previous meetings, Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise said that the aldermen meetings are open to any candidate who wishes to address the board.
–– Heard from interim Fire Chief Jonathan Head that about 60 to 70 percent of hydrant testing is complete. Head also told the board that backup camera was installed on ladder truck I, paid for with a Blueberry Jubilee grant from last year. Head said he also sat down with Pearl River County Emergency Operations Director Danny Manley and discussed a plan for hurricane season.
–– Heard from Police Department Capt. Rossi Creel who told the board their department was well represented at the funerals for the fallen Hattiesburg police officers.
“The department has also received several calls from residents expressing their thanks and appreciation for our officers,” Creel said.
–– Approved a resolution authorizing and a purchase and sale agreement regarding property on North Columbia Street.
–– Appointed the mayor, Aldermen Wells and Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire as the Mississippi Municipal League 2015 Voting Delegates.
–– Approved sending AL Tynes to a school resource officer school safety conference in Orlando, Florida. Travel costs are covered by the D.A.R.E. budget, Creel said.
The next board meeting will be held on June 2 at 5 p.m. in board chambers at City Hall.