During Tuesday’s meeting, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen discussed, at length, the future of the building at 101 North Main St.
The building currently houses the Poplarville Chamber of Commerce and the Poplarville Historical Preservation Society’s museum.
During the previous aldermen meeting, city Code Enforcer Guy Ray Holston condemned the building on the basis that it was unsafe for the public to enter due to damage caused by Formosan termites. Before that meeting, the board had voted to treat the building for termite damage.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise made it clear to those in attendance that the board has not made a determination on whether or not to demolish or repair the building.
Holston said condemning it does not mean it will be torn down.
“It’s to keep people out of the building for their own safety,” he said.
Necaise said if the board chooses to move forward with repair estimates to building, financing would then become the single most important component. There are many factors to consider, he said, including the well-traveled streets in need of repair.
Aldermen Byron Wells said he was told by Poplarville Historical Preservation Society President Joan Bassett that, according to Bill Gatlin with the Mississippi Department of Archives, no building can be down until they come down and give permission.
Local contractor Keith Lott gave the board his summation of the situation. He said the only way to know if the structure is sound is to remove the roof and gain visibility to the rafters.
“If it’s structurally sound, then you can go in and facelift the outside,” Lott said. “You also need to figure out if you’re going to make improvements to air conditioning and electrical to bring the building up to the code.”
The board will need to determine the specifications before getting a true estimate of repairs, he said. Lott said it should cost the city less than $1,000 to remove the ceiling and have it hauled off.
However, another problem is the contents that belong to the chamber and museum, which are still inside the building. The items will have to be treated before they are moved to another location. However, city attorney Nick Thompson informed the board the he believed the city cannot pay for the treatment of the items since they don’t own them. Thompsons said he would continue researching the matter.
Chamber board member and alderwoman Maggie Smith said she they should get a price for treatment for both the chamber and museum’s items and see what could be done.
However, even after the items are removed, there is a question of where they can be stored at an affordable cost to the chamber and historical society.
The mayor said he would begin searching for storage unit owners who might be willing to donate a climate-controlled space.
No official action was taken on the matter, but Necaise did say the board may move toward securing bids to pull out the roof.
The next board of aldermen meeting will be held on Oct. 20 in the board room at City Hall at 5 p.m.