Picayune’s City Council approved motions to apply for funding to control mosquitos and move forward with the plan to landscape Crosby Commons during Tuesday’s meeting.
Public Works Director Eric Morris said the mosquito control grant, called the Mississippi Local Mosquito Control Support Grant, would provide $76,527 in 100 percent funding through reimbursement that would provide for the chemicals, extra sprayer for the city’s backup truck, mobile equipment, traps and literature for distribution.
Morris said the increase in available funding is in response to the concerns of mosquito borne viruses, such as Zika.
In a separate motion the Council approved a motion to move forward with the landscaping project proposed by Morris during the May 16, meeting. That project allows community members to purchase trees or benches in honor of a loved one.
Details on pricing were not covered at the meeting.
With the purchase of a tree, a certificate with GPS coordinates of the tree. The purchase of a bench comes with a plaque with the information. Morris said the plan is to allow the public to assist in the beautification of the park.
When asked about the city’s obligation to maintain the trees and benches, City Attorney Nathan Farmer said the city would determine the level of care given, but if a tree died a sapling would be planted and if a bench deteriorated a new one would be installed. However, purchases of the trees and benches would be considered donations.
Concerning the matter of seeking bids to build a new fire station for the city, City Manager Jim Luke said he just received word that Fire Chief Keith Brown was awaiting additional information before he could move forward, and as such requested the matter be tabled. The Council approved a motion to table the matter.
During the citizen concerns portion of the meeting, Sandra Farmer, asked the Council to look into a problem she is having along Williams Avenue. She said she has dealt with illegal parking in front of her home due to the operation of a dance school in the area. She asked the Council to look into the matter and provide assistance. Luke said he would look into the situation and get back with her the following day.
In other business the Council:
— Approved a motion to set a public hearing for 15 properties to be held on July 18.
The next Council meeting will be held on June 20, at 5 p.m. in City Hall.