City aldermen heard a proposal for a business development in a residential area at their Sept. 7 meeting.
James Townsend and two business associates appeared before the board concerning a proposed diversified business center at Naron Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Townsend said they want to locate a mobile scrap metal collection operation at that corner on a small-scale basis. They also plan to have a mobile unit to sell barbecue and snacks. He said a privacy fence would be built around the area.
"We're trying to create something ... of a positive nature," Townsend said.
The ensuing discussion included concerns about the effect on school traffic through the area. Also, because the area is zoned residential, the city will have to conduct a public hearing if rezoning is proposed to allow the business development.
The board tabled the matter until next month in order for Mayor Tommy Lott and board attorney Hugh Gibson to further investigate and make a recommendation.
In a matter tabled from previous meetings, Alderman-at Large Jack Haney asked that the board either vote on the matter of advertising for a municipal judge and public defender or decide not to pursue the matter any further.
"I just want to save some money," he said.
During the following discussion, Alderman Dan Burchfield said that while the city could still look into data collection before any changes are made in the court system, "Nothing's broken."
The board eventually voted to rehire Municipal Judge Buchanan Meek Jr. and Public Defender Stephanie Mallette through the remainder of the fiscal year. Their employment had only been extended to Jan. 1 in September.
In department head reports, City Clerk Lesa Hardin said the state attorney general's office had given approval for the city to collect the village of Walthall's sewer fees, which is to begin in January.
The previous city board voted in June 2004 to enter into an interlocal agreement with the village to collect its sewer fees on a commission basis. The city of Eupora owns and operates Walthall's water system and currently collects its water fees, but the village owns the sewer system and had handled billing for that service separately.
Aldermen appointed 10 members to the new Eupora Preservation Commission: Michael Bailey, Jay Butler, Sandra Dewberry, Alderman Hank Flowers, Bud Gladney, Mike McCully, Supervisor Mart Salley, Stephanie Stewart, Bruce Walters and Cynthia Wilson.
The commission is being established in compliance with the city's designation as a Certified Local Government Community. Its purpose is to preserve, promote and develop the city's historical resources and to advise the city on the designation of historic districts, landmarks and landmark sites.
In other matters on Sept. 7, the Board of Aldermen:
learned that Jimmy McLemore has asked to serve as city airport overseer at no pay. The mayor agreed to meet with Gibson concerning related legalities and report back.
tabled action on a proposed vicious dog ordinance prepared by Gibson
voted to advertise with the Eupora Rotary Club for the upcoming Christmas Parade (6 p.m. Dec. 8) at $500.
learned that the Mississippi Municipal League had presented a posthumous award to the late Phillip Harrison for his 24 years of service to the city of Eupora. He served eight years as an alderman (1961-69) and 16 years as mayor. The award was to be given to his daughter, Janice Rhodes of Starkville.
A brief special called meeting was held Monday afternoon to handle two matters related to a planned sewer line replacement project. The board previously approved a loan resolution authorizing the borrowing of up $476,000 from USDA Rural Development for sewer improvements.
On Monday, aldermen voted to employ Watkins, Ludlum, Winter and Stennis of Jackson as specialized legal counsel for the bond closure. They also voted to accept the bond resolution.
Burchfield was absent Monday.
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