Picayune Police officers may soon have a facility next to the department in which to train and exercise.
Tuesday evening, members of the City Council approved a motion to seek quotes to construct a 30 by 40 foot metal building adjacent to the Picayune Police Department for training purposes. Chief Bryan Dawsey said the facility would be used to practice defensive moves and the use of the baton and electronic control devices. It would also house exercise equipment for officer use.
Dawsey said the nature of a law enforcement officers’ job leads to the need for each one to be physically fit, so they can not only defend themselves, but also be able to run.
City Manager Jim Luke said he has received calls from the community expressing interest in helping with the construction of the facility. Luke said an exact cost of the building is unknown at this time, but estimates it would be less than $50,000.
In separate matters, the Council approved a motion to deny two bids for two pieces of city property. City Clerk Amber Hinton said the bids were too low.
The Council also approved a motion to accept a donation of $2,137 from the Woods Subdivision Homeowner’s Association to be used in the planting of sound barrier trees. Public Works Director Eric Morris said the city agreed to plant the trees if the Homeowner’s Association provided the funds. Morris said city employees will plant 45 Holly trees in between Cooper Road and Interstate 59 between now and February as part of the agreement.
In a separate matter, the Council approved a entering into a utility installation agreement between a developer and the city. Morris said the agreement allows the developer to install as much of the water infrastructure as possible to reduce the tap fee typically associated with such a tie-in, so long as the proper materials and procedures are followed. Morris said that city employees will conduct inspections of the work to ensure the proper methods are followed.
Councilor Larry Breland invited the community to attend the annual Martin Luther King Jr., celebration event, set for Jan. 16. He said the march will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and head toward Rose of Sharon Baptist Church on Beech Street where a ceremony will follow.
The next Council meeting will be Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. in City Hall.