Picayune’s City Council took a moment at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting to recognize the Picayune Southern Pride softball team for bringing home the USSSA U16 World Championship title.
Mayor Ed Pinero read from an email that stated the team overcame tough challenges to reach that milestone.
At one point in the championship, the team was ranked in the losers bracket. But over the course of a couple of days, involving back-to-back wins each day, they were able to move up the ranks and eventually beat a team from New Jersey to bring home the Championship title.
The Council also approved a request from Mark Gibson to resubdivide, and therefore combine, six parcels along Stevenson Street. Code Enforcement Officer Tom Milar said there were some preliminary issues with the flooding and sewer aspects of the property, but they have been addressed.
Gibson said that the property in question is the same in which he plans to develop a single story housing facility for senior citizens. Residents in the area have expressed their disapproval of the work going on in that neighborhood because they fear the development will worsen flooding and attract undesirable people. Gibson contended in a subsequent meeting that he plans to build an upscale facility utilizing government assistance that would choose their residents based on references.
Councilor Tammy Valente took a moment at the end of the meeting to commend Picayune Police Officer Lamar Thompson, who also helps with security at Resurrection Life Worship Center in Picayune. She said that during a recent service for the youth, he handled a minor situation between some young people in a professional manner.
“He’s just got a way with these kids,” Valente said.
In other business the Council:
— Approved a motion concerning budget amendments for the general fund, utility fund and capital projects fund. City Clerk Amber Hinton said the change did not include a budget increase, but rather moved funds around between the departments.
— Approved an out of state travel request for Dale Raine in the public works department so he can attend a training workshop in Decatur, Ala., from Oct. 18 to 20.
The next Council meeting will be Oct. 4 at 5 p.m.