A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the
City of Ocean Springs was called to order by Mayor
Ainsworth at
Alderman Cody gave the Invocation.
Mayor Ainsworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The presentation by Betty Magee regarding update and usage guidelines for the Mary C. O’Keefe Center was held over until the next meeting.
At this time Mayor Ainsworth recognized Frank Leach, President of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisors Tim Broussard and John McKay. Also present were Ocean Springs School Superintendent Anna Hurt and School Board members Steve Robinson and Dr. Sharon Walker.
Mr. Leach addressed the Board regarding several items, the
first being the request from
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Jalanivich,
to authorize Public Works to fill the driveway on the
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Mr. Leach told the Board that the county was in the process
of determining what the affordability was regarding the request by the Eastside
Church of Christ to open the Hwy 90 median.
He then addressed the business area on
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Jalanivich,
that the city is willing to participate with the county and state to
provide improved access to the businesses in the vicinity of the
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Mr. Leach announced that the county had redistricted and
that the polling place at City Hall had been moved to the armory. He briefly addressed several other issues
with the Board, including the
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Jalanivich,
to authorize the City Engineer to determine the cost to install sidewalks on
the north side of
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Cody, to
include in the list of projects for
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Lloyd, to include in the list of projects the purchase of a thermal-imaging camera for the Fire Dept. at an approximate cost of $18,000.00.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Lloyd, seconded by Cody, to obtain a cost estimate for construction of a boat ramp at the foot of the Hwy 90 bridge between the old bridge and the new bridge.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Cody, seconded by Dalgo, to go into Closed Session to determine the necessity for an Executive Session.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Cody, seconded by Dalgo, to go into Closed Session to discuss economic development and personnel in the Building Dept.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The City Clerk announced to the audience that the Board had elected to go into Executive Session to discuss economic development and personnel in the Building Dept.
The Executive Session began at 6:50 p.m. The Board was joined in Executive Session by members of the Board of Supervisors and the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, who stayed until 7:30 p.m. The City Planner was then asked to join the Board. The Executive Session ended at 7:40 p.m.
Motion by Carvin, seconded by Jalanivich, to resume the Regular Session.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
At this time Parks Superintendent Damien McKay gave a power point presentation on the Park Commission’s plans for a sports complex. He outlined their mission statement, the present state of their facilities and services, and facility shortages. He told the Board that the Commission’s biggest problem was centralizing activities. The Park Commission’s recommendation included purchasing two pieces of property on Groveland Rd. and developing the property in stages. The sports complex would include a multipurpose building, tennis courts, a skate park, soccer fields, baseball fields, etc. for a total projected cost of $6.8 million, not including grants. He proposed financing the project through 15 or 20-year general obligation bonds by method of an absence of protest resolution. He told the Board that the property on Hwy 57, once permitted, could be developed for other recreational activities such as a fishing pond, frisbee golf, etc. The Board was in favor of moving forward with their proposal; however, Alderman McDonnell wanted an election on the bond issue rather than an absence of protest resolution.
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to authorize the Park Commission to enter into formal negotiations for the property on Groveland Rd., and if successful, to allow them to move forward with development, and to allow them to continue negotiations for the Lemon property as proposed in the presentation.
VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, Lloyd, Cody, Carvin and Dalgo
VOTING NAY Alderman McDonnell
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Alderman Cody was temporarily absent at this time.
City Clerk:
a) Pay Docket of Claims and spread docket summary upon the Minutes:
(Claims Docket)
b) Accept Action Report
c) Approve FYE 2003 Budget Amendment for Court and Police Departments as presented:
(Court/Police Budget Amendment)
d) Approve FYE 2003 Budget Amendment for Risk Management/HR Department as presented:
(RM/HR Budget Amendment)
e) Adopt Resolution voiding 2001 Tax Sale of Parcel No. 61099085.000 and refund purchaser the amount paid at said sale:
(Tax Sale Resolution)
Police Dept.:
f) Accept Police Reserve Reports for December 2002 and January 2003
g) Adjust hourly pay for Det. Lt. William Jackson to $16.59, effective October 1, 2002, and Det. Michael Sweeney to $14.18, effective January 20, 2003:
(Jackson/Sweeney Pay Changes)
h) Allow George Mulvaney, Lionel Cothern, Mark Hare, Jill McDonnell and Patty Gaston to attend Wages, Hours & Pay for Mississippi Public Safety Agencies Seminar in Pearl on March 18, 2003, prepay registration fee and pay all other reasonable and actual expenses
City Engineer:
i) Approve Pay Request No. 2 for SCI, Inc. ($99,778.23) regarding DWSIRLF #DWI-H280035-02, Contract “B” Water Main project:
(SCI Invoice)
Public Works:
j) Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($615.80 – retainage) regarding work performed on 116 Hunter Dr. due to Tropical Storm Isidore/Hurricane Lili:
(Graham Invoice $615.80)
k) Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($656.30 – retainage) regarding work performed on 202 Hunter Dr. due to Tropical Storm Isidore/Hurricane Lili:
(Graham Invoice $656.30)
l) Pay invoice from Graham Construction Co., Inc. ($20,205.00) regarding sewer repairs at Blockbuster Video:
(Graham Invoice ($20,205.00)
Community Development & Planning:
m) Accept Building Report for January 2003
n) Discontinue lot cleaning process on property at Front Beach and Porter Ave.:
(Lot Cleaning Letter)
o) Accept resignation of Willis White from Tree Committee:
(White Resignation)
p) Remove Kim Beaugez from Historic Preservation Commission:
(Beaugez Letter)
q) Authorize Mayor and City Planner to proceed with formal offers to purchase necessary easements related to Davis Bayou Wastewater Improvements Project:
(Easement Purchase Letter)
City Attorney:
r) Pay City Attorney’s bill for January 2003 ($4,650.00)
Miscellaneous:
s) Declare list of Park Commission items as surplus and ratify auction held on February 22, 2003:
(Park Commission Surplus Items)
t) Accept Mayor’s recommendation to adopt Resolution Authorizing Submission of Notice of Intent and Stormwater Phase II Program for City of Ocean Springs to Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality:
(Stormwater Resolution)
u) Pay invoice from Joe Gill Consulting, LLC ($1,725.00) regarding professional lobbying services rendered from January 6-31, 2003:
(Gill Invoice)
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Evergreen Cemetery retaining wall issue was held over until the next meeting.
Alderman Jalanivich acknowledged a letter of appreciation regarding employee Jackie Tabb and encouraged her to keep up the good work.
(Elevated Water Tank Removal)
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Dalgo, to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for bids for the removal and/or sale of the City Hall and hospital water tanks, and that all dealings with regard to the antennas located on the tanks be resolved.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
(Coastal Piping Invoice)
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Jalanivich, to approve Pay Request No. 1 from Coastal Piping, Inc. in the amount of $78,897.92 regarding the Davis Bayou Wastewater Improvements, CIAP Project No. MS.07.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Public Works Director reported that MDOT had added grass to several of the medians on Hwy 90, however, maintenance of the new medians was not included in the City’s present landscape maintenance contract. He stated that the contractor had agreed to include the medians for an additional sum of $75.00.
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Jalanivich, to add the new grass medians to the landscape maintenance contract for an additional sum of $75.00.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Public Works Director reported that it was necessary for the Board to appoint a selection committee to review the proposals for engineering services for the projects partially funded through the Surface Transportation Program. He recommended appointing the same individuals who were on the previous selection committee.
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Lloyd, to accept the recommendation to appoint the Mayor, City Attorney, Public Works Director, and Alderman Jalanivich to the selection committee required for the Surface Transportation Program projects.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Public Works Director reported that Governor Musgrove had scheduled a First Responders Conference in Philadelphia, MS, on March 17-20, 2003, and that the state would reimburse the City for the meals and hotel. He added that reimbursement would be allowed for the Mayor, one alderman, and only one employee per department. He told the Board that he had called and reserved 10 slots for the conference.
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Jalanivich, to authorize the Mayor Pro Tem, Alderman Lloyd, and up to one member per department to attend the Governor’s First Responders Conference in Philadelphia, MS, on March 17-20, 2003, and to pay all reasonable and actual expenses not paid by the state.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Public Works Director asked that he be allowed to withdraw from the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans and be authorized to attend The World of Hurricane Protection Expo in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on May 15-17, 2003. He stated that he would still receive certification for attendance at the expo.
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Jalanivich, to allow the Public Works Director to withdraw from the National Hurricane Conference and allow him, the Mayor and any and all members of the Board to attend The World of Hurricane Protection Expo in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on May 15-17, 2003, and to pay all reasonable and actual expenses.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to open the lot cleaning hearing regarding 131 Lafayette.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The City Clerk reported that she had received no written comments regarding the property. Neither the property owner nor a representative was present for the hearing. The City Planner reported that the property was in bad condition and recommended moving forward with the lot cleaning process. After hearing all comments, Mayor Ainsworth declared the hearing closed.
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to authorize the City Planner to prepare the necessary lot cleaning resolution regarding 131 Lafayette for the next meeting.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
(Louis Degattista/Jalanivich – Request to Rezone 707 Russell Ave. from R-2 to C-1)
Motion by Carvin, seconded by Lloyd, to grant the request of Louis Degattista and conditionally rezone his property at 707 Russell Ave. from R-2 to C-1 and limit the uses to those recommended by the Planning Commission and City Planner.
VOTING AYE Aldermen Lloyd, McDonnell, Carvin and Dalgo
VOTING NAY NONE
VOTING ABSTAINED Alderman Jalanivich
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Dalgo, to appoint Kenny McClain to the Tree Committee to fill the unexpired term of Willis White.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Cody
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Carvin, seconded by __________, to remove traffic calming devices for Eastland Blvd. from the agenda.
MOTION DIES FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Traffic calming devices for Eastland Blvd. were held over until the next meeting.
Alderman Lloyd was temporarily absent at this time.
The City Planner reported that the owner of the Allman property had been given 60 days to remove the building. He stated that he would bring the issue back before the Board if the building was not removed within that timeframe.
Motion by Carvin, seconded by Jalanivich, to remove the Allman property building from the agenda.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
TEMPORARILY ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Aldermen Cody and Lloyd
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The issue of Government St. zoning was held over until the next meeting.
Aldermen Lloyd and Cody returned to the meeting at this time.
The Public Works Director reported that smoke testing had been postponed until March 10, 2003, and that a public forum would be held at the Civic Center on March 27, 2003, to educate the public on the issue.
The Risk Manager reported that the alarm system at Fort Maurepas was complete and that all of the bugs had been worked out. She recommended payment of the invoice.
(Alarm Invoice)
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to pay the invoice from Security Solutions, LLC, in the amount of $7,685.00 for the alarm system at Fort Maurepas.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The Police Chief reported that the sensitivity of the alarm system at Fort Maurepas was such that the Police Dept. was answering false alarms at the fort on a daily basis. He said the system needed to be tweaked again and was concerned that the issue would not be resolved once payment was made.
ORDINANCE NO. 9 - 2003
AN AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES,
THE CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI,
PROHIBITING PARKING OR STANDING VEHICLES
ON BOTH SIDES OF RUSSELL STREET (SCHMIDT)
FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH McNAMEE AVENUE
EASTERLY TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH DAVIDSON AVENUE
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to adopt the above and foregoing Ordinance.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
The City Attorney addressed the Board with regard to enforcement of the sewer ordinance. He stated that 70% of infiltration was from private sources and that smoke testing would identify properties with violations. He suggested the Board decide in advance if and how the ordinance would be enforced.
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by McDonnell, that from this day forward, all ordinance violations be handled in City Court and not by the Board of Aldermen.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Dalgo, to authorize the City Attorney to draft an amendment to the Animal Ordinance to include a pooper-scooper provision and to authorize him to review the vicious animal provision as well.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
(Jackson Co. Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Policy)
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to adopt the Jackson County Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Policy.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission were held over until the next meeting.
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by Carvin, to request the appropriate power company to perform a street lighting study on White Ave.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Alderman Cody asked that Mississippi Power’s street lighting recommendation for Holcomb Blvd. be held addressed at the next meeting.
Gloria Skillestad presented the following recommendation for appointments to the Fort Maurepas Commission.
(Skillestad Document)
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by Carvin, to approve the names presented by Gloria Skillestad for appointment to the Fort Maurepas Commission: Harold Rogers, Chandra Nicholson, Samuel Tucker, Marge Justice, Damien McKay and Gloria Skillestad.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Dalgo, seconded by McDonnell, to determine the terms of office for the members of the Fort Maurepas Commission at the next Board meeting.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Brian Britt reported that he was being billed for sewer, but had problems with the sewer service and had tried to request a hearing. He stated that he had been referred to Public Works about the problem, which dealt with the Sunplex sewer system. The Mayor, City Attorney, City Clerk and Public Works Director were directed to review the issue.
Doug Denehie praised the Board for moving forward with a sports complex, but complained that there were not enough soccer fields in the design.
Alderman McDonnell reported that he had met recently with the administrator of Singing River Hospital System and was shown the plans for Ocean Springs Hospital’s future growth. He stated they were now in the process of clearing the land and needed to relocate the present walking track. He told the Board that the hospital no longer wanted to be in the walking track business, but wanted the City to develop several walking tracks in different parts of the city and had offered to offset the cost of constructing them. Alderman McDonnell suggested, as an example, a perimeter track at Freedom Field, a track to intertwine with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a larger track at the proposed Groveland Rd. site. He emphasized that there was only a two-week window of opportunity for the Board to accept the hospital’s offer.
Motion by Jalanivich, seconded by McDonnell, to accept the offer from Singing River Hospital System for walking tracks.
VOTING AYE Aldermen Jalanivich, McDonnell, Cody and Carvin
VOTING NAY Aldermen Lloyd and Dalgo
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Alderman Cody presented the following petition from residents in the area of Halstead Rd. and Government St. objecting to the location of gas pumps at the intersection.
(Petition)
Motion by Cody, seconded by Dalgo, to accept the petition and spread it upon the minutes.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
(Fire List)
Motion by Cody, seconded by McDonnell, to approve the list of tools and equipment needed by the Fire Dept. and the painting of Central Fire Station at a cost of $5,000.00, and to authorize the City Clerk to prepare a budget amendment to pay for the expenditures from the ending cash balance.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
Motion by Lloyd, seconded by Cody, to recess until 6:00 p.m. on March 18, 2003.
VOTING AYE ALL
VOTING NAY NONE
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING Alderman Gill
______________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
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Date Date