A Recess Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs was called to order by Mayor Ainsworth at 7:00 p.m. on November 8, 2000, at City Hall in the City of Ocean Springs. Present were Aldermen Jalanivich, Garrard, McDonnell, Cody, Cosper, Denyer and Gill, City Attorney Oscar Jordan, City Clerk Adrienne Howell and Deputy City Clerk Diane Northrop.

Alderman Cody gave the Invocation.

Mayor Ainsworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.

At this time Mayor Ainsworth presented Building Official David Hawkins with a Community Rating System Award from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Mayor Ainsworth announced that a memorial gift had been donated to the City by the US Army parachute team, the Golden Knights, and would be displayed in the Ocean Springs Civic Center.

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Gill, to authorize payment of $19,800.00 for the City Hall Renovation negotiable note due November 2000.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

At this time City Clerk Adrienne Howell and Mark Barhanovich of Stewart, Sneed & Hewes, Inc., the city’s insurance agent of record, reported on the proposals received for employee group health and life insurance. Based on cost and the level of benefits offered, it was their recommendation to accept the proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

(Health Insurance Proposals)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Gill, to accept the proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield for employee group health and life insurance and allow the Mayor to sign the necessary contracts.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

At this time Mayor Ainsworth deviated from the agenda to discuss the issue of ambulance service for the City of Ocean Springs. Several members of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors were present, including Manley Barton, John McKay, Tim Broussard, and Frank Leach, as well as Board Attorney Paula Yancey. Representatives from American Medical Response (AMR) and Acadian Ambulance Service were also present.

Alderman Gill told the Board he felt AMR offered the best service, based on response time, and was not ready to vote on the issue until he had seen Acadian’s proposal.

Alderman McDonnell stated he was concerned with the best ambulance provider for Ocean Springs, not the entire county. He brought up issues such as coverage, backup, response time, additional services, athletic event coverage, medical supplies, handicap-assisted vehicles, etc. He requested the contract contain a mutual aid agreement with AMR if the City were to select Acadian. A representative of Acadian advised the Board that a mutual aid agreement with all the surrounding agencies was required as a condition of their accreditation. AMR stated they were an accredited ambulance service as well and would provide backup. Alderman McDonnell requested a one-week delay so both companies could come back with a proposal for Ocean Springs.

Alderman Garrard stated he was not in favor of breaking up the EMS District. He noted that the cost in AMR’s proposal for fixed deployment of ambulances was much higher than that of Acadian’s. He expressed concern with Acadian’s proposal, which calls for the use of the Fire Dept. as first responders. He suggested one person from the emergency medical area of each of the two hospitals in Jackson County should be on the advisory committee.

Alderman Cosper asked about the differences between the two proposals and why the county selected Acadian over AMR. Supervisor Barton explained that the county had experienced some problems with AMR from a countywide perspective and wanted ambulances in the rural areas of the county. AMR had asked for a substantial subsidy and Acadian had not. Acadian’s references were good and they offered a better reporting system than AMR.

Alderman Denyer stated he was concerned with who should make the decision regarding ambulance service and felt the county should, with input from the municipalities. He asked if it would put the county in a dilemma to wait one week for the city to review both proposals. Board Attorney Paula Yancey replied that it would put the contract in grave danger and create a hardship due to the time needed to draft the contract. She advised the Board that the advertisement for proposals was for the entire EMS District, which included Ocean Springs, and that any change to the district would jeopardize the contract.

Alderman Jalanivich recommended that the City stay in the Jackson County EMS District and accept Acadian as Ocean Springs’ ambulance provider.

Motion by Cody, seconded by Jalanivich, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Jackson County and Acadian Ambulance Service and authorize the Mayor to sign said agreement on behalf of the City.

Mayor Ainsworth allowed Steve Delahousey of AMR and two other individuals to speak on AMR’s behalf before a vote was taken on the motion. Cindy Ladnier, representing residents of the Villa Maria, expressed concerned regarding response time, backup and a mutual aid agreement. She stated they had been pleased with AMR’s service in the past and the backup that they provided. She asked that the Board consider all options and ensure sufficient backup would be provided. Dr. Robert Carter stated he had found AMR’s service to be prompt, courteous, and very professional. He added that he had done some work as a medical examiner for the FAA and that AMR had responded when called, been helpful and had done a great job.

Mr. Delahousey felt it was not in the best interest of everyone in South Mississippi for one county to be segregated from the tri-county area. He stated that if there had to be some division, Ocean Springs should consider whether or not it wanted to be served by a larger EMS system with more resources. He felt that AMR could provide those resources and no one else could.

Supervisor McKay told the Board that Acadian had submitted the best proposal at the time and that the Board of Supervisors had worked hard to reach their decision. He reminded the Board that Ocean Springs was an important part of Jackson County and has better representation in the county than ever before. He asked that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen respect their decision and remain in Jackson County’s EMS District.

A representative of Acadian was present and stated he had nothing to add to the discussion, but offered to answer any questions the Board might have.

After hearing all discussion on the previous motion, the question was called and the vote was as follows:

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Garrard, Cody, Cosper and Denyer

VOTING NAY Aldermen McDonnell and Gill

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Denyer, that a mutual aid agreement exist between Acadian and AMR before any agreement for ambulance service is signed.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

At this time Mayor Ainsworth called for a 10 minute recess, after which time the regular session was resumed.

(Wise Permanent letter)

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Jalanivich, to accept the Police Chief’s recommendation to place Officer Chris Wise on permanent employee status with the Ocean Springs Police Dept. and place him on Band 4/Step 2 ($11.07) of the salary scale.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(Resolution Declaring Emergency – Sewer Lift Stations 9, 10 & 11)

Motion by Denyer, seconded by Gill, to adopt the above and foregoing Resolution.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(Utility Relocation – Sewer Expansion, Phase I)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Garrard, to accept the City Engineer’s recommendation to approve relocation of the necessary overhead utilities regarding the Ocean Springs Sewer Expansion Project, Phase I, and pay the costs associated with the relocation as outlined in the memo dated November 8, 2000.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Mayor Ainsworth reported that the University of Southern Mississippi had offered to participate in the Cedar Point/Eagle Nest sewer extension project to the extent of $100,000.00 and asked that the board accept the offer.

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Cody, to accept the offer from USM in the amount of $100,000.00 for participation in the Cedar Point/Eagle Nest sewer extension project.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Mayor Ainsworth reported that the total cost for the project was $362,000.00 and that the City would have to come up with approximately $112,000.00 more funding from the sewer fund for the project.

Motion by Gill, seconded by Cody, to amend the FYE 2001 budget for the Cedar Point/Eagle Nest sewer expansion project as necessary to reflect the increased cost of $362,000.00.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(Thompson COA)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by McDonnell, to accept the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission with regard to the Certificate of Appropriateness for Charles and Edna Thompson at 321 Cleveland Ave.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

The City Planner announced that Kenny King had withdrawn his application for COA at 1102 Bowen Ave.

(Anglada Letter – Request for Private Wastewater System at Lot 47, Zettel Rd.)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cosper, to accept the Building Official’s recommendation to approve the request of Richard Anglada for permission to install a private wastewater system at Lot 47, Zettel Rd., with the understanding that should sewer become available he would be required to connect to it.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman McDonnell

(Walls Letter – Request for Use of Water Well & Septic Tank)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to accept the Building Official’s recommendation to approve the request of John Walls for permission to use the pre-existing fresh water well and septic tank at 7613 E. Bienville Blvd. until City service is provided.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman McDonnell

(Terry Agar Letter – Position Description & Salary Change)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Denyer, to accept the City Planner’s recommendation with regard to Asst. Building Official Terry Agar and increase his annual salary to $35,000.00.

Alderman McDonnell was present at this time.

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Cody, Cosper, Denyer and Gill

VOTING NAY Aldermen Garrard and McDonnell

Motion by Cosper, seconded by Cody, to authorize the City Attorney to draft a letter for distribution by the Mayor to notify employees that driving city vehicles home may subject them to IRS withholding and penalties.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by Gill, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the City Planner to take the necessary steps for lot cleaning at the Caravan Truck Stop property on Highway 90.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

ORDINANCE NO. 13 - 2000

ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE

ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCEAN

SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI, BY REQUIRING NOTIFICATION

TO PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN 500 FEET OF ANY

PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ZONING CHANGE AND

REQUIRING THE REQUESTING PARTY TO PAY

THE COST ASSOCIATED THEREWITH

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Denyer, to adopt the above and foregoing Ordinance.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Gill, to authorize the City Attorney to continue to work with the Jackson County Board Attorney to draft the actual agreement for ambulance service.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

ORDINANCE NO. 14 - 2000

AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING AND CONTROLLING

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT; PROVIDING FOR

EROSION CONTROL MEASURES; AND PROVIDING

PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATION

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Jalanivich, to adopt the above and foregoing Ordinance.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(School Letter – Arts Courtyard for Oak Park Elementary)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to authorize the Public Works Department to assist in site preparation for the "Arts Courtyard" project at Oak Park Elementary, to include time and materials, as a donation to the Ocean Springs School System.

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Garrard, McDonnell, Cody, Cosper and Gill

VOTING NAY NONE

VOTING ABSTAINED Alderman Denyer

(Agreement – MS Gulf Coast YMCA)

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Denyer, to approve the agreement with the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA and authorize the Mayor to sign said agreement on behalf of the City.

VOTING AYE Aldermen Garrard, Cody, Cosper, Denyer and Gill

VOTING NAY NONE

TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Aldermen Jalanivich and McDonnell

(Fellowship Church – request for water and sewer services)

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Denyer, to accept the letter and authorize the Public Works Director to inform Fellowship Church that the estimated cost for the sewer extension is $12,000.00 and that if they are willing to pay, the City will come back to them with a final cost.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(Tiblier Documents)

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Garrard, to accept the Building Official’s recommendation to grant a building permit to Jack Tiblier for construction of a pier at 74 Maurepas Landing and charge him double the permit fee because the pier has already been constructed.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the Police Chief to bring the individual on to assist him with the animal control area of his department and to inform the Board if additional reserves are needed.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by Garrard, seconded by Jalanivich, to allow the Mayor to attend the MML meeting with regard to redistricting in Jackson on November 16, 2000, and pay all reasonable and actual expenses.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

(Feder Letter – Use of Civic Center for Cotillion Ball)

Motion by Cody, seconded by Gill, to allow the Ocean Springs Cotillion Sorority to use the Civic Center on December 16, 2000, if available, and to waive all fees.

VOTING AYE Aldermen Cody and Gill

VOTING NAY Aldermen Jalanivich, Garrard, McDonnell, Cosper and Denyer

(Jackson Co. Letter – Veterans Day Celebration)

Motion by Denyer, seconded by Jalanivich, to contribute $250.00 toward the Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by Jackson County on November 11, 2000, at the Jackson County Civic Center in Pascagoula.

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Garrard, McDonnell, Cosper, Denyer and Gill

VOTING NAY Alderman Cody

(Batson & Brown Engineering – Jackson County Bridge Replacement Project LSBP-30(7) – State Aid)

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Cody, to approve the Local System Bridge Program Agreement for Municipalities for replacement of the existing two-span bridge on Kensington Ave. and authorize the Mayor to sign said agreement on behalf of the City.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Cody, to allow Alderman Jalanivich and the Public Works Director to attend the National Conference on Beach Preservation in Orlando, FL, on February 5-9, 2000, and prepay any necessary registration fee and pay all other reasonable and actual expenses.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

No one in the audience addressed the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at this time.

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cosper, to go into Closed Session to determine the necessity for an Executive Session.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Denyer, to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter in the Public Works Department and excuse the clerk.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

The Deputy City Clerk announced to the audience that the Board had elected to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter in the Public Works Dept.

After approximately 15 minutes the Executive Session ended and the Regular Session was resumed.

Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Cody, to recess until 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2000.

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

______________________________ _____________________________

City Clerk Mayor

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Date Date