Poplarville’s Board of Aldermen hired an engineering firm to proceed with planning of the citywide bridge, culvert and paving project during Tuesday’s meeting.

According to the agenda, the Board took up two matters concerning the same project; to hire engineering firm The Walker and Associates PLLC, “to proceed with final preparation of project plans and specifications associated with the 2019 asphalt paving and roadway maintenance program,” and the same for the “culvert and bridge replacement program.”

City Clerk Jane O’Neal said the Board approved hiring The Walker and Associates PLLC for both aspects of the project.

According to previous coverage, that work will be completed without raising taxes by utilizing fuel taxes diverted to the city by the state.

The Board also approved a motion to hire Halee Angelette as deputy clerk at City Hall at an hourly rate of $12.72, contingent on pre-employment screenings. That motion was made and approved after executive session.

A request from The ARC of Pearl River County to use two pavilions at the City Park was approved by the Board, with the stipulation that the rental fees of $35 per pavilion be paid to the city and the organization secure liability insurance for the event, O’Neal said. The event, called IOD Awareness of Special Education Individuals, will be held March 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the agenda.

At the end of the meeting, the Board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters within public works, City Hall and the police department.

O’Neal said the only action taken by the Board after the executive session was to hire Angelette.

In other business, the Board approved a motion to dissolve the committee established during the previous meeting to seek out a new police chief. The committee was dissolved in order to ensure the Board abides by open meetings laws. Any further discussion about finding or hiring a new police chief will be conducted during regular Board meetings.

The next meeting will be Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. in City Hall.