Thursday, October 11, 2007
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Subscriptions | Photo Gallery
|
|
||
|
Thursday, October 11, 2007 |
||
|
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Subscriptions | Photo Gallery |
| Utility department notches some projects forward By SUE WATSON The Holly Springs mayor and board of aldermen are looking at several projects and purchasing much-needed equipment. John Collins, utility department general manager, asked for and the board approved advertising a contract to replace the sewer lift station at Walthall near Rust College. He said the utility department does not have the heavy equipment to safely tear out and replace the old lift station which goes down to a depth of 18 feet. Aldermen approved advertising for a bucket truck, sewer camera, several pickups under state contract and a service truck for the water department. Public works director Don Hollingsworth presented bids for the Martin Street Project with W.G. Construction bidding $696,159 and Grisham Asphalt and Paving bidding $1.399 million. The board approved purchase of a Ford 2008 knuckleboom trash truck from Sansone in Birmingham at a bid price of $94,943. The truck is used to pick up and load heavy materials left out on the curbsides. Afterward the board approved a plat for R&R commercial subdivision on Highway 7 North and discussed zoning ordinances. Alderman Garrie Colhoun asked if the planning commission had approved waiving of curb and gutter requirements on estate lots of five or more acres. He said engineering should certify there would not be drainage problems if curb and gutter requirements were waived and added that zoning ordinances should treat everyone fairly. “The comprehensive plan needs to look at land uses forward,” said alderman Russell Johnson. Mayor Andre’ DeBerry added that waiving curb and gutter requirements amounts to spot zoning and “is not making use of the comprehensive plan.” Alderman Nancy Hutchens suggested the estate lots question should be put before Bob Barker, who is reviewing the comprehensive plan and zoning uses. “Run it past him and get some feedback on it,” she said. Police chief Robert Pearson presented the resignation of officer Brenda Kilpatrick for board approval. DeBerry said Ricky Shofner had resigned as director of the street department and Maia Miller had resigned from the tourism board of directors. He said the time is ripe to look at the organization of several departments which could be put under one general manager as is done in the utility department. The city could put a supervisor over the various departments such as street and building and grounds and save about $10,000 per position, he said. Alderman Johnson then asked the mayor who is responsible for the timely reporting of vandalism at the parks and for planning for the football field at Coopwood Park to be ready for the season each year. DeBerry explained how the football field was repaired following vandalism that is thought to have occurred in July. Johnson and alderman Naylond Hayes pressed DeBerry to name who is responsible for monitoring the parks without avail. Several other areas of Coopwood Park, including lights and announcer’s stand, and bathrooms were vandalized this year, Johnson said. |
        |
Report
News: (662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Questions, comments, corrections: south@dixie-net.com
©2004,
The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.
Web
Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter