The Webster Progress-Times

The Eupora Board of Aldermen has scheduled a recessed meeting next week to discuss the issue of blight properties in the city.

Aldermen set the meeting after again discussing the need to enforce the city's junk vehicle and blight ordinances on May 5. Henry Flowers, Ward 4, said he believed the city should try to enlist the help of property owners in cleaning up neglected properties in a reasonable matter without demanding that it be done.

If that fails to work, Flowers said the city could then send those property owners a letter detailing the legal process they would face.

"I believe if we get people interested in cleaning up, we'll find the mechanism to help them," he said, referring to those who might say they do not have the money or ability to do so.

Jack Haney, at large, recommended that the city start with the worst perpetrators.

After further discussion, the aldermen agreed to list properties in their wards that need cleaning up, divided between commercial and private. They will meet at 5 p.m. May 22 to further discuss the issue.

Also on May 22, the city will open bids at 10 a.m. for airport perimeter fencing, which is being funded by an FAA grant.

Mayor Tommy Lott reported that no one showed up for a public hearing on April 8 regarding the city's application for a HOME Investments Partnerships Program grant. The city's 2007 HOME grant application was not funded and Lott said there was too much competition for the 2008 grants from other areas of the state. Upon the recommendation of the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District, the board voted to rescind its April resolution to apply for a grant this year.

Eddy McGinnis of Sturgis met with the board regarding a building variance request for a lot on the west side of Whites Creek Lake for which he has a permanent recreational easement.

According to the discussion, the lot is not above the 100-year floodplain as required by the city's floodplain ordinance. City Attorney Hugh Gibson agreed to check into options available to McGinnis regarding his request to build a house on the lot.

Police Chief Gregg Hunter reported that boat launch fee collections at Whites Creek Lake are averaging $100 a week and that same amount in lake passes. He said most people boating at the lake are putting money in the collection box there. Additionally, Hunter noted that the recall grand jury meets next Tuesday and that the Police Department has eight felony cases to present.

Park Director Mike Narmour reported that four tournaments had been held at Gary Park since it opened and that others are slated. He estimated that the last one held the previous weekend would have a profit of $4,000-$4,500.

Haney gave a report on the Safe Routes to School grant proposal. He recommended that no action be taken until after a forthcoming meeting that is to provide more information about the program.

In other business last week, aldermen voted to:

€ approve a resolution to grant Plymouth Tube Co. a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption on new equipment subject to approval by the state Tax Commission and final approval by the board. The county Board of Supervisors approved a similar resolution the same day.

€ accept Hunter's recommendation to add Tommy Curtis and Donnie Yates to the pool of part-time police offices to be called if needed.

€ accept budget amendments presented by City Clerk Lesa Hardin.

€ approve a resolution declaring the unused, inoperable vehicles and equipment located on the city lagoon property surplus personal property. The property will be sold to and removed by Glenn Cagle of McCool "for the improvement of public health, safety, and civic and cultural welfare," effective immediately.

The board had previously accepted a bid from Cagle to demolish and remove two steel buildings from the old Allied Electroplating factory complex. Mayor Lott said Cagle had offered to pay the city $2,500 for the three vehicles being removed. According to the discussion, the city does not have to advertise for bids to sell such personal property under the section of the Mississippi Code referenced in the resolution.

€ apply for a historic preservation grant from the Plum Creek Foundation at the request of Stephanie Stewart of the city Historic Preservation Commission.