Holly Springs department reports

The City of Holly Springs took up department reports at the February 3 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Professional consultant Michael Watson took the lead reporting on the Ice Storm Fern recovery that began Sunday morning January 25 and leading on into Monday.

He said 90 percent of the meters were without energy after the storm, with parts of Mt. Pleasant the only part of the county spared.

Tuesday, January 27 outside crews began to arrive to assist in restoring power.

“We are working from all substations out of all five of our delivery points,” Watson said. “We brought in additional crews as the ability to move material through the warehouse and operate with this number of crews safely. These are some excellent crews.”

Watson said mutual aid crews arrived from Georgia and Clarksdale sent six linemen and a supervisor.

Three more tree trimming crews were added.

He said about that 19 percent of the meters were still out as of the February 3 meeting.

“In the last two days, we had to replace four or five poles to get 15 customers on,” he said.

Lots of poles were still on the ground and a lot of right-of-way had to be cut.

“Crews are working daylight to dark,” he said. “We switched from ice to mud today (as the thaw began). We have a very deliberate approach to restoration, to get as many customers on as quickly as possible. We are working in tightly controlled zones.”

Safety is paramount as they work, he said.

“What is your plans, particularly about ratepayers outside the city?” asked Ward 4 alderman Patricia Merriweather. “Do we have a plan or a team for that?”

Watson said the Clarksdale team will find and take care of individual outages.

“Significant progress took place today (February 3), as I understand it,” Watson said.

Mayor Charles Terry thanked the HSUD teams and servicemen whom he said are using radios to call in and let people know where they are.

“I thank you and you are doing a good job,” the mayor said.

“We are really grateful to have Watson here and all who have experience in working together,” Merriweather said.

In January, HSUD paid $1.4 million in invoices to TVA for April, Harris said.

“And yesterday over $2 million invoices were received from TVA,” she said.

“So we increased and we did pay the entire TVA monthly debt for April of $1.4 million,” said Chawanna Harris, senior accountant. “The month before, we paid over $2 million to TVA in several partial payments.”

Chief Grant Glover said there was a problem with a major water leak at the police station and some radios were damaged, carpet was flooded, body cameras were damaged.

“Our officers each are going to receive medals of commendation,” he said. “The photos documented the damages.”

“We would be using our insurance,” said Merriweather. “Thank you for being visible in the storm. It was great.”

Fire chief Rodney Crane said the department worked with Michael Watson to help track those working out in the field.

“If someone didn’t call in, they couldn’t energize the lines until they reported,” he said. “We all monitored them while working.”

He said he can get some trucks from Mississippi Surplus property for about $5,000 each and more trucks are needed.

Merriweather thanked the firemen for delivering food to the county line in Benton County.

“Y’all definitely been boots on the ground,” she said, delivering, transporting, helping to man warming centers. “Y’all have been there throughout the night.”

The board of aldermen approved Crane looking at surplus property in Pearl.

Darrell Thomas, director of Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the use of the Multi-Purpose building, especially by the Red Cross, but using the building as a warming center and food distribution both locally and to Benton County.

“There were so many people coming in to the Multi,” Merriweather said. “We made sure it was clean and safe.”

Ward 1 alderman Sandra Hodges thanked Chief Crane for supporting the use of the Multi-purpose Building and keeping it open as a warming center when the lights went out Sunday.

“The doors were open around the clock and breakfast, lunch and dinner were served,” she said.

She thanked the mayor and also Senator Neil Whaley for checking on services at the Multi-purpose Building.

Ward 2 alderman Andre Jones concurred saying the response on the city side from the mayor, aldermen, community leaders and community members was remarkable.

“It’s one of the best responses I’ve ever seen to the extent of damage we have,” Jones said.

He commended Mayor Terry and Michael Watson for their leadership out in the field.

“Crews were working day in, day out and continue,” he said. “Mr. Watson said we are not going to stop until we get every light on. I just appreciate your great effort.”

Ward 3 alderman Jim Moore praised the team for getting information out.

Merriweather praised Clancy’s for bringing in 300 meals a day and Grecian Rest for bring plates from Bartlett daily, and Annie’s Restaurant for delivering food daily.

“It’s been a concerted effort and a blessing to be able to do things,” she said. “Mayor Terry, you have not ignored my phone calls ( a quip). We want to make sure all rate payers are taken care of. Thank you, everybody. It’s been great.”

Alderman-at-large Dexter Shipp thanked all employees for “a phenomenal job and aldermen and mayor for standing by everybody.

“And to our linemen and crews who come in and help, and a big shoutout to Mike Watson,” Shipp said.

“Thank you Holly Springs. No one is forgotten and they are working diligently to get everybody restored. Keep aldermen and the mayor in prayer. We are also overwhelmed at times.”

Mayor Terry thanked the ratepayers and spoke directly to them.

“We still have boots on the ground and we are going to get your lights on,” he said. “Thank you for the patience of those who have talked to me.

“We have been through this before and this was catastrophic. Some said this is worse than Katrina.” Terry said people should call 662-252-4652 to report outages.

“Don’t post your outages on Facebook,” he said. “Don’t feel like you are left out.” He said HSUD is restoring primary lines and is now working on secondary lines.

He thanked all the volunteers who kept the Multi-purpose Building stocked.

“I want to thank Michael Watson,” he said. “He was listening to the weather service and planned for the worse. We had about 25 to 30 National Guard, all EMA workers.”

The board went into executive session to discuss personnel in the City Clerk’s office and a litigation update for HSUD.