Procedural ordinance proposed
Out of concern for order and esprit decorum, Holly Springs Ward 2 Alderman Andre Jones proposed a procedural ordinance to maintain order at board meetings.
He said the purpose of the ordinance “is so we can maintain some order during meetings,” explaining citizens have been voicing their concerns about the conduct of board meetings in the City of Flowers.
Jones highlighted some important points the ordinance would address to include the following: • the agenda would be available for view by the mayor and board and the public no less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
• the mayor or the mayor pro tempore has the responsibility to maintain order.
• the meeting would follow an ordered agenda.
• public comment should be moved up closer to the top of the agenda instead of being last on the agenda as has been taking place. Jones said those who want to take advantage of the three-minute public comment should not have to wait through hourslong meetings to bring their concerns before the community.
• department head reports should follow.
• personnel comment/ concerns/ grievances would be taken next.
• unfinished business would be placed before new business.
• payment of claims would come near the end of the meeting.
• board discussion/ concerns would come next to last.
• the mayor’s report would follow the board’s discussion.
Jones said board meetings are no place for intolerance or slanderous comments when citizens address the board.
He recommended a Sargent at Arms, such as chief of police or top officer, be present at all meetings.
Jones made a motion to prepare the procedural ordinance for adoption and Ward 1 alderman Bernita Fountain seconded.
Board attorney John Perry said he is not sure if there is a preceeding ordinance and the motion should read that the proposed ordinance would supercede any prior ordinance of procedure. Holly Springs Mayor
Sharon Gipson said the proposed ordinance looked a lot like the one followed when she worked as attorney for the City of Jackson.
“Some things apply and some don’t,” she said. “Or we repeal a former ordinance.”
Jones amended his motion to read that the ordinance would supersede any previous ordinance enacted by the city.
Perry said the ordinance would take effect within 30 days of its approval.
The board unanimously approved developing a procedural ordinance.
In other actions, the board of aldermen:
• approved a motion to ratify a pay application #7 of $41,978 to B & B Specialty Contractors for renovation and restoration to the Old Water & Light Building. Pay application #6 to B & B was also approved in the amount of $2,531 for work completed.
• approved deposit of $27,279 into the public money market fund for revenue from the tourism tax for the month of April. Half of that amount was approved for transfer into the Holly Springs Tourism Bureau’s account.
• authorized deposit of tourism revenue from the state of $3,304 into the public money market fund. The board approved transfer half of that to be transferred into the account of the Tourism Bureau.
• approved transfer of $900 in ABC liquor tax into the general operating fund.
• authorized transfer of $147,555 in sales tax return from the state for April into the general operating fund.
• approved closing of an entrance from Chesterman Street adjacent to the shopping center on Van Dorn Avenue for safety during a Helping Hands event July 23. The event runs from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• approved alderman Andre Jones to serve as a voting delegate to the Mississippi Municipal League 2022 election. Alderman Dexter Shipp was approved as alternate delegate.
• authorized travel for Shawanna Moton to attend a 40-hour basic certification dispatch training in Tunica. The motion passed 4-1 with Jones opposing the motion. He said he needed more time to look at the police budget to see if the police department budget had sufficient funds.
Gipson said would use another category to fund the expense of the course - $395 plus per diem and expenses, if needed.