RECESS MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2002

 

 

A Recess Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs was called to order by Mayor Ainsworth at 6:00 p.m. on August 20, 2002, at City Hall in the City of Ocean Springs.  Present were Aldermen Jalanivich, Lloyd, McDonnell, Cody, Carvin, Dalgo and Gill, City Attorney Oscar Jordan and City Clerk Adrienne Howell.

 

Alderman Cody gave the Invocation.

 

Mayor Ainsworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Consent Agenda

 

        City Clerk:

a)      Pay Docket of Claims and spread docket summary upon the Minutes:

(Docket Summary)

        Police Dept.:

b)      Authorize Police Chief to hire two additional substitute school crossing guards:

(Crossing Guards)

c)      Transfer unit no. 214 from patrol to investigations and designate it as an unmarked unit in according with state law:

(Vehicle Transfer to Undercover)

        Fire Dept.:

d)      Accept Fire Report for July 2002

e)      Temporarily promote Lts. Wayne Emile and Nate Wilson to Shift Captains, effective immediately until October 1, 2002, and place them at Band 6/Step 5 ($12.54 hr.):

(Emile/Wilson Temp. Promotions)

        Public Works:

f)        Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($1,324.50 – retainage) regarding sewer repairs on Bryant Circle:

(Graham Invoice)

g)      Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($2,209.50) regarding sewer repairs on Desoto St.:

(Graham Invoice)

h)      Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($17,345.70) regarding sewer repairs on Carolyn Dr.:

(Graham Invoice)

i)        Pay invoice from ACE Construction Co., Inc. ($3,136.35) regarding railroad crossing repairs at Hanley Rd.:

(ACE Invoice)

j)        Withdraw biannual bid award for Sewer Control Panel Boxes from Diversified Technical Services, LLC for reasons specified in the Public Works Director’s letter dated August 9, 2002, and authorize City Clerk to readvertise for bids:

(Sewer Control Panel Box Letter)

k)      Hire Jonathan Baum as Engineering Inspector, effective August 26, 2002, at Band 7/Step 5 ($37,000.00 yr.), contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements:

(Baum Hire Letter)

        Community Development & Planning:

l)        Accept Building Report for July 2002

m)    Release $4,222.00 to Walter Anderson Museum of Art for Centennial Celebration; authorize payment of $1,408.00 upon receipt of documentation of expenditures for remaining matching funds of Mississippi Arts Commission grant ($5,630.00); pay the $1,408.00 funds from community promotions account of Community Development and Planning budget:

(WAMA Payment)

n)      Accept Planning Commission’s recommendation to amend Sections 406.3, 407.3 and 408.3 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding “Special Uses” and authorize City Attorney to draft appropriate ordinance amendment:

(Zoning Ord. Amendment)

o)      Accept Historic Preservation Commission recommendations with regard to the following COA’s:

1.      Jefferson Rogers – 516 Jackson Ave.:

(Rogers COA)

2.      Rodney Robinson – 527 Front Beach Dr., No. 40:

(Robinson COA)

        City Attorney:

p)      Pay City Attorney’s bill for July 2002 ($3,280.00)

 

Item a was removed from the Consent Agenda for further consideration.

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Dalgo, to approve the Consent Agenda, excluding item a.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Department Reports

 

City Clerk

 

At this time discussion was held regarding item a of the Consent Agenda.  The City Clerk had placed the Park Commission’s claims docket before the Board and asked that they review the docket and include it with the docket of claims presented on the Consent Agenda.

 

Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to pay the docket of claims, including the docket of claims from the Park Commission.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Alderman McDonnell reported that a change order had not yet been negotiated for the Shearwater Bridge replacement project.  He announced that Jackson County’s pledge of $162,605.00 was still in place and that HOSA had increased their commitment to the project from $10,000.00 to $12,000.00.

 

The City Clerk reported that estimated utility figures for the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center had been plugged into the FYE 2003 budget because actual figures were unavailable from the school district due to Taconi School being included in the bills.

 

Alderman Dalgo reported that the Hanley/Government turn lane project would need to be re-bid.

 

Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the City Clerk to readvertise for bids for the Hanley Rd./Government St. turn lane project.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

The City Clerk reported that the committee reviewing the audit management letter had not yet met, but expected a report at the next meeting.

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to budget $30,000.00 in the FYE 2003 budget for maintenance and repairs on Fort Maurepas.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Cody, to direct the Police Chief to review possible security systems for Fort Maurepas and report back to the Board with his findings and prices.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Alderman Dalgo was temporarily absent at this time.

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Jalanivich, to budget $25,000.00 in the FYE 2003 budget for lighting Highway 90 east to Highway 57.

 

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, McDonnell, Cody, Carvin, and Gill

VOTING NAY Alderman Lloyd

TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Dalgo

 

Alderman Dalgo returned to the meeting at this time.

 

Police Dept.

 

The Police Chief recognized Albert Necaise and his staff in Gulfport for providing assistance regarding the Heather Hampton murder case.  He added that Mr. Necaise worked free gratis and was helpful in securing a capital murder conviction in the case.  He also recognized the Ocean Springs Police Dept. who had worked diligently in the case.

 

Motion by Lloyd, seconded by Cody, to authorize the Mayor to send a letter of appreciation to Albert Necaise on behalf of the City of Ocean Springs.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Alderman Dalgo stated that he and Alderman Lloyd had been working on a proposed new ranking structure and salary plan for public safety employees.  He presented the proposed plan for sworn officers and firefighters for the Board’s review and action.

 

(Public Safety Compensation Schedule)

 

Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Cody, to officially adopt the proposed Public Safety Compensation Schedule to go into effect October 1, 2002, and that all public safety sworn officers and firefighters be removed from the current band and step pay schedule and placed on the new schedule at that time.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

The Police Chief thanked the Board for the new salary scale on behalf of his department.

 

City Engineer

 

(Resolution - Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWI-H280035-02-0)

 

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

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

(Southern Consultants Letter - Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWI-H280035-02-0) Contract A – Elevated Water Tank/Tower)

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids for the new .05 MG elevated water tank in conjunction with the Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWI-H280035-02-0).

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

(Moran Seymour & Assoc. Letter – Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWI-H280035-02-0) Contract B – Distribution Lines)

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Dalgo, to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids for water distribution lines in conjunction with the Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWI-H280035-02-0).

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Public Works

 

At this time the Public Works Director introduced the Board to Jonathan Baum, the new Engineering Inspector.  Mr. Kaufman stated that he was relinquishing his vehicle to Mr. Baum and requested the Board allow him to purchase a new vehicle using $10,000.00 in insurance settlement funds and additional funds available in his department.

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Gill, to authorize the Public Works Director to transfer his vehicle to the new Engineering Inspector and allow him to begin the process to advertise for a replacement vehicle.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

The Public Works Director reported that ACE Construction Co., Inc. had made the additional repairs to the Hanshaw Rd. and Bechtel Blvd. railroad crossings as requested and submitted an invoice for the additional asphalt used.

 

(ACE Construction Invoice)

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by Dalgo, to pay the invoices from ACE Construction Co., Inc. in the total amount of $4,817.19 for repair of the Hanshaw Rd and Bechtel Blvd. railroad crossings.

 

VOTING AYE Aldermen Lloyd, McDonnell, Cody, Carvin, Dalgo and Gill

VOTING NAY Alderman Jalanivich

 

(Letter re: water main upgrade)

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to pursue water main upgrades to the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center as outlined by Architect Carl Germany and the Public Works Director.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by McDonnell, to authorize the Public Works Director to obtain proposals for cleaning and removing grass from sidewalks, especially at the schools.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Alderman Jalanivich reported that some areas of Government St. did not have a shoulder since the paving had been completed.

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, that Public Works proceed to build those shoulders back up on Government St. between Bechtel and Hanley and seed it and sod it as necessary to keep the dirt in place, and that he be authorized to rent or lease whatever equipment is necessary to do the project.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Community Development & Planning

 

(Traffic Calmer Quotes)

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to authorize an exception to the $10,000.00 bid limit and award the quote for three traffic calming devices for I’berville Dr. to James H. Adams & Son Construction Co., Inc. at a total cost of $12,750.00.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Alderman Jalanivich stated for the record that from this day forward that he would have no comment or actions concerning the Fayard property because he is involved in it.

 

Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to authorize the Police Chief to take whatever action necessary to fill the 4 vacant positions in the Police Dept. and re-establish the traffic division.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Risk Manager/HR Director

 

The Risk Manager reported that she had just received information regarding property and contents insurance for city buildings and recommended the Board approve option no. 1 on the property insurance and option no. 1 on the wind/hail coverage.  Alderman Lloyd asked how the insurance compared to last year.  Scott Lemon of Lemon-Mohler Insurance replied that the quote from Zurich was $1,500.00 higher than the other companies, however, the City had filed about $8,000.00 in claims on some additional coverages with Zurich that the other companies don’t have.  He added that there was a $3,000.00 difference in premium for the wind/hail portion of the insurance because the City went from a 5% deductible to a 3% deductible.

 

(Building & Contents Insurance for City Buildings)

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to approve option no. 1 on property insurance and option no. 1 on wind/hail insurance for city buildings at a total premium of $52,732.00.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to amend the FYE 2002 budget as necessary for the property insurance premium and take the additional funds from the ending cash balance.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Scott Lemon of Lemon-Mohler Insurance reported that Fletcher Construction had agreed to find insurance coverage for the entire Mary C. O’Keefe building while they are there and would list the City as the named insured.

 

City Attorney

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the Planning Dept. to proceed with inspection and condemnation procedures, if necessary, regarding 328 Teringo Circle.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by Gill, to begin the lot cleaning process regarding 328 Teringo Circle.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Old Business

 

At this time Betty Magee and Mary Lou Hutto addressed the Board on behalf of the Friends of Mary C. O’Keefe.  They thanked the Board and commended them for their vision and foresight for making the Cultural Center a reality.  They requested an operational planning committee be formed consisting of three members from the Friends of Mary C. O’Keefe, one member from the Board of Aldermen and one member from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors.  They also requested that the Museum Commission be reactivated.  They asked that the Cultural Center remain under the purview of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.  Marco St. John, an actor out of New York, stated that he had some input into the design of the theatre and hoped that his production group would perform at the theatre.  Mrs. Magee expected the Cultural Center to be self-sustaining from rental and admission fees.

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Jalanivich, to appoint Alderman McDonnell to the Operational Planning Committee for the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

 Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Cody, to reactivate the Museum Commission.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

(Friends Letter)

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Jalanivich, to accept the letter from the Friends of Mary C. O’Keefe and spread it upon the minutes.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

At this time the Board discussed the possibility of relinquishing the responsibility of Fort Maurepas to the Ocean Springs Park Commission, including operation and maintenance of the facility, however no action was taken.

 

Audience Request

 

Harold Rogers, a charter member of the Fort Maurepas Society, stated that the fort is important to the City of Ocean Springs, however it would take volunteers, professional people and money to properly finish the fort and fully utilize it.

 

Motion by Gill, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the City Planner to research any type of grants available to upgrade Fort Maurepas.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

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

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by Jalanivich, to go into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation regarding land matters.

 

VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Lloyd, McDonnell, Cody, Carvin and Gill

VOTING NAY Alderman Dalgo

 

The City Clerk announced to the audience that the Board had elected to go into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation regarding land matters.

 

The City Attorney left the Executive Session approximately 10 minutes as the session began.

 

The Executive Session ended after approximately 25 minutes.

 

Mayor Ainsworth was temporarily absent at this time and Mayor Pro Tem Jalanivich assumed chair of the meeting.  The Mayor Pro Tem did not vote on any of the following matters unless otherwise indicated.

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by McDonnell, to resume the Regular Session.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Mayor Ainsworth returned to the meeting at this time and resumed chair of the meeting.  Alderman Jalanivich voted on all following issues as indicated.

 

Motion by Cody, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the City Engineer to draw up specifications for bids for development of 62 lots in Evergreen Cemetery and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for bids.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to adjourn.

 

VOTING AYE ALL

VOTING NAY NONE

 

 

 

 

______________________________                        _____________________________

                     City Clerk                                                                      Mayor

 

 

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