The Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night to discuss progress on construction of the new public works facility, current water rates and the possible purchase of a new city vehicle.

The meeting began with the Board adopting Mississippi State Department of Health’s Public Water System Annual Emergency Response Plan, which is an annual requirement by the Mississippi Department of Health that was last updated on Sept. 20, 2016.

Public Works Superintendent Sam Hale provided the Board with an update on the construction of the city’s new Public Works facility.

Hale said he met with representatives of HRL, the contractor for the project, who said work on Phase 1 of the project is underway.

The Board also discussed the possible purchase of a 2018 Dodge 5.7l HEMI pickup for the water department.

Alderwoman Anne G. Smith suggested waiting to purchase that vehicle considering the current budget did not factor in that expense. Smith said the Board could revisit the matter after it receives final figures on the construction of the new Public Works facility. After the Board discussed the matter for a time, Smith made a motion to rescind the Board’s decision from the Dec. 5  meeting concerning purchasing the truck.

The Board also discussed the current city water rates and whether it was time to make adjustments. The rates have not been changed since October 6, 2015. After some discussion, the Board approved Alderman Tony Smith’s motion to maintain the current water rates.

City Attorney Colette Oldmixion returned to previous discussions about drainage issues at 306 South Pine Street, which were first considered by the Board on Dec. 5. Oldmixion said it appears as though the fences on the problem area need to be strengthened. She suggested the Board avoid taking an action until representatives with the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors contact the city about next steps.

The Board also approved the Poplarville Police Department’s request to purchase a 2018 Ford Police Interceptor sedan for $27,654, and two bulletproof vests for $1,276.

Fire Chief Jonathan Head updated the Board about repairs to the station’s ladder truck. Head said two of the station’s fire trucks were recently pump tested and both passed.

In other matters, the city’s fire department, public works and police department received a $300 grant from the Blueberry Jubilee Council for their support and services provided during the Blueberry Jubilee festival earlier this year.

In other matters, the Board approved travel for Alderwoman Anne G. Smith and Alderman Kevin L. Tillman to attend the 2018 Mid- Winter Legislative Conference in Jackson, Mississippi from January 9-11.

The Board also approved travel for Alderman Tony Smith to attend the Mississippi Rural Water Association’s 2018 Board Member Management Training on Feb. 20 in Diamondhead, Mississippi.

The Board went into executive session to discuss a police department personnel matter and potential litigation.

No action was taken on those matters when the Board returned to open session.

The next Board meeting will be Jan. 2 at 5:00 p.m.