Council divided on phase II of Ridge Crest subdivision

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, May 8, 2019

For the second time, a motion to approve the development of 18 single family units in phase II of the Ridge Crest subdivision failed to garner the approval of Picayune’s City Council.

The matter died for a lack of a second during the last meeting held on April 19, which drew cheers from the audience.

During Tuesday’s meeting, continued discussion of the matter showed that the city’s Planning Commission was divided on the request, voting 3-3. Code Enforcement Officer Tom Milar said he took it the next step to the Council anyway because the developer, Jon Pearson, had met all of the Planned Unit District regulations for a preliminary plat.

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Some of the issues discussed concerning the next phase of the subdivision included drainage to a retention pond, and a privacy fence and its continued maintenance. After concerns of drainage to the retention pond were addressed, city attorney Nathan Farmer said the Council could handle issues with continued maintenance of the fence either through the developer’s establishment of a bond or turning over that responsibility to each future property owner.

When it came up for a vote, the Council was divided on the matter. Councilors Lynn Bogan Bumpers, Wayne Gouguet and Larry Breland voted for it, while Mayor Ed Pinero and Councilors Tammy Valente and Jan Stevens voted against it. The divided vote means the motion failed.

An issue with the repairs to the water tower near Frontage Road was also discussed. Jonathan Hickman with Dungan Engineering said the contractors working on repainting the tower found the collar for the access door had rusted through, requiring its replacement. The tower is being repainted internally and externally to ensure its longevity. Hickman said that no other issues with the tower have been found so far.

The Council also approved a motion to “show all pay items and quantities reflected in the new utility agreements with MDOT,” which ensure the city will not have to pay more than previously agreed upon for the relocation of utility lines in preparation of the widening of Highway 11.

For more on Tuesday’s meeting, see Thursday’s Item.