During Tuesday night’s Picayune Council meeting, members of the current administration took a moment to honor the memory of a former Councilor, Luther Jones Sr.
City Manager Jim Luke read a proclamation issued by the city to Jones’ family members, which states that during his time in office from 1981 to 1993, his leadership, hard work and positive attitude were appreciated.
Jones passed away on July 26, of this year.
Councilor Larry Breland said that Jones had a nickname during his time in office, “Honest Luther,” which is rare for anyone serving in public office.
Councilor Lynn Bogan Bumpers said Jones was a member of her church, and she did not recall anyone speaking negatively about him.
In a separate matter, Breland took a moment to recognize City Clerk Amber Hinton for her efforts to receive master certification from the International Institute of Municipal Court Clerks. Hinton said she is the 11th city clerk to receive that certification in Mississippi.
During the public comment section of the meeting, David Lee Hughes spoke to the Council about the need for an anti-bullying program in the city.
After he addressed that need, Police Chief Bryan Dawsey told the Council that the department and the Picayune School District plan to continue the VOICE program, which helps children have a voice against bullying.
Sandy Farmer again addressed the Council about an ongoing problem she is having with patrons of a local dance studio parking in front of her driveway on Williams Avenue.
During a recent call about the issue, a police officer told her that tickets would be issued for violators. However, the next time it occurred, no tickets were issued, Farmer said.
Luke said he has been in discussions with the city attorney, Nathan Farmer, to come to a resolution on the matter. Nathan Farmer said the preliminary plan is to install no parking signs in front of private property in the area and designate a parking area for those cars. Luke said he expects a conversation between the city and the owner of the dance studio to take place next week.
A final issue addressed with the Council concerned the set rates charged for towing within the city limits. Mark Busby, who represented Road Assist 24, said the rate for towing inside the city limits as set by the ordinance is half that of the county’s.
Darren Champagne of Walker’s Collision Center agreed that the rates need to be adjusted and added that the city implement a system to ensure drivers who pick up vehicles that were towed have a valid driver’s license, insurance and registration.
No action was taken on any matters discussed during the public comment section of the meeting.
The next regular Council meeting will be held on Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. A public hearing will be held Friday, Sept. 8 at 8 a.m. to adopt next fiscal year’s budget.