The Poplarville Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night to discuss several code enforcement issues as well as statistics from the Poplarville Police Department.
City Attorney Nick Thompson was not present, so the Board tabled some agenda items until the next meeting.
Code Enforcement Officer Guy Rae Holston briefed the Board about complaints to his office regarding properties that need cleaning as well as one who is over two years due on city property taxes.
The Board approved Holston to continue planning to send second cleanup notifications via letters to each property owner.
They also approved a recommendation from the Poplarville Planning Commission for a mobile home renewal for Carla Witsell.
Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale updated the Board on the repair of the storm drain on North Main Street.
Hale said work scheduled for this week was delayed due to heavy rain and incoming cold weather. Contractors are scheduled to resume work on Dec. 12 and finish by the end of that week, Hale said.
During the first week of the new year, repairs to railroad crossings at Michigan, N. Hughes and Martin Luther King roads will cause road closures, Hale said.
The Board approved for Hale and other department employees, John Hancock and Robert Bellais, to attend the Mississippi Rural Water Association’s Water Operator Training Class at Pearl River Community College on Dec. 8. There is no cost for the class, Hale said.
A 2009 Ford F-150 truck used by the department needs a new transmission. Hale presented three quotes to the Board. The truck has 92,000 miles on it, exceeding the 36,000-mile warranty, Hale said.
The Board voted to purchase a Ford factory manufactured transmission from A&A Transmission in Hattiesburg at a cost of $4,200 with a 3-year warranty.
Other bids presented were from Pine Belt Ford for $5,140 for a new transmission under a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty and from A&A Transmission for a rebuilt transmission with a 12-month warranty at a cost of $3,400.
Poplarville Fire Chief Jonathan Head said he is awaiting quotes for the repair of the radiator in one of the department’s ladder trucks.
In a separate matter, Head said interest in a city-wide Christmas party wasn’t as strong as expected, so each department will continue to hold their own celebration.
The Board also voted to remove nine volunteer fire firefighters from the approved list, due to some moving to other areas or due to a lack of participation.
Reducing the list also reduces the cost of the department’s insurance, Head said.
Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby requested approval to travel to the Mississippi Association of Police Chief’s New Chief’s Training in Ridgeland from Jan. 17-20.
The Board approved the request at a cost of $500 plus lodging and evening meals.
More information from Tuesday’s meeting will be published in Thursday’s Item.