A series of lightning strikes at the Picayune Municipal Airport has caused the city to have to replace a 3-year-old security system.
During Tuesday’s Picayune City Council meeting, Airport Manager Andy Greenwood presented his request to replace the damaged video surveillance system. He said over the course of the last few years there have been five or six lighting strikes at the airport, eventually leading to the need to replace the entire video surveillance system.
He proposed a 10 camera wireless system, which would reduce potential damage incurred from future lightning strikes. The previous system was wired.
Greenwood estimates the system will cost less than $10,000. City Clerk Amber Hinton said the funds to purchase the system would come from his department’s cash reserves, which are in the budget.
The cameras would be placed throughout the airport, with some being pointed at the fuel farm and parking spots.
All Council members approved a motion to replace the system.
In other news, the Council accepted a donation from Coast Electric Power Association and Mississippi Power totaling $800 to be used to purchase one of the serpentine benches to be installed at Crosby Commons.
The Council also approved a contract change order in relation to the 2016 water distribution improvement project to include work along North Magnolia Street and Tung Tree Drive. Mayor Ed Pinero and Wayne Gouguet recused themselves from deliberation on the matter.
In other business the Council:
— Approved a motion to deny a request from Rachelle Dillard to build a house in the backyard of her property for her son. The property is located at 1809 East Canal Street.
— Approved a request from Max Ball to re-subdivide two lots within the Chateaugua Subdivision, located on East Sycamore Boulevard.
The next Council meeting will be Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Council chambers of City Hall.