Be it remembered that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs met in a Special Call meeting at City Hall in the City of Ocean Springs at 5:30 p.m. on August 10, 2010.  Mayor Moran presiding, Aldermen Gill, McDonnell, Cody, Denyer Dalgo and Hagan were present.  Also present were Deputy City Clerk Karen Kennedy.  Alderman Ross was absent.      

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

The Special Call Meeting is for the purpose of any and all matters pertaining to FY10-11 Budget.  

The City Clerk gave an overview of the FY10-11 Budget.  She reported that sales tax was down by 2% and the value of a millage value had decreased.  There was discussion concerning employee insurance and millage.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to go into closed session to determine the necessity of going into executive session.

The City Clerk returned to the meeting and announced a motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to remain in executive session to discuss personnel in all departments.

Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to return to regular session. 

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the Department Heads to notify the selected employees of layoffs effective August 31, 2010.

Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to recess until Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

Meeting ended at 10:29 p.m.

________________________                        ______________________

             City Clerk                                                       Mayor

 Be it remembered that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs met in a Regular meeting at City Hall in the City of Ocean Springs at 6:00 p.m. on August 3, 2010.  Mayor Moran presiding, Aldermen Ross, Gill, McDonnell, Cody, Denyer, Dalgo and Hagan were present.  Also present was City Clerk Shelly Ferguson and City Attorney John Edwards.  

 Karen Wagner led the invocation and the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Mayor Moran requested an amendment to the agenda.  Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to add the Addendum to the Agenda.

 PRESENTATION – Addendum

 The Mayor read a proclamation declaring August 3, 2010 as Karen Wagner Day in the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi (Exhibit A-1a).

 Ms. Suzie Harvey, Director of Camp Victor Ministries, thanked all of the city departments for their help to the ministries.  She presented a brief letter of their statistics further stating the contributions made to the City of Ocean Springs by Camp Victor volunteers in the last 5 years.  Due to funding, it was reported Camp Victor Ministries is scheduled to close on August 27, 2010, which marks five (5) years of Katrina recovery.  They requested financial support from the City to complete 15 homes in Jackson County through a close out construction program.  Mr. Chris Beninati further     stated they would like to continue serving the City and have four (4) projects underway.           

 Motion was made by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to authorize up to $1,000.00 from Miscellaneous Promotions; up to $2,000.00 from Ward 4 Capital Improvement Account; $up to $500.00 from each Alderman at Large, Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5 to advertise city resources at the Camp Victor Ministries acknowledging the contribution toward the Camp Victor construction efforts.

 PUBLIC HEARINGS

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to open the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 809 Martin Luther King Avenue (Exhibit 4-a). 

 The Building Official stated all proper notifications were followed.  The property owner was not present. The Building Official found the property to be in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to the public health and safety of the citizens of Ocean Springs for the following reasons:  1) partially completed home and can no longer be rebuilt since the framing members have been exposed to the elements for too long; 2) shed at back of property must be removed and 3) junk car at the back of the property (Exhibit 4-a).   

 Motion was made by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to close the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 809 Martin Luther King Avenue (Exhibit 4-a). 

 Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize to proceed with the lot cleaning of 809 Martin Luther King Avenue as recommended by the Planning Director (Exhibit 4-a).   

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to open the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 402 Hanley Road (Exhibit 4-b).  

 The Building Official stated all proper notifications were followed.  The property owner was not present. The Building Official found the property to be in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to the public health and safety of the citizens of Ocean Springs due to the overgrown condition of the lot and should be maintained at regular intervals (Exhibit 4-b).  

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to close the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 402 Hanley Road (Exhibit 4-b). 

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to authorize to proceed with the lot cleaning of 402 Hanley Road as recommended by the Planning Director (Exhibit 4-a).   

 Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to open the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 916 State Street (Exhibit 4-c).  

 The Building Official stated all proper notifications were followed.  Mr. Steven Jordan spoke on behalf of the property owner and further stating he was hired by the property owner to clean the property within the next seven (7) days.  The Building Official found the property to be in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to the public health and safety of the citizens of Ocean Springs due to the 3 derelict vehicles and the overgrown condition of the lot and should be maintained at regular intervals (Exhibit 4-c).  

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to close the Public Hearing for lot cleaning at 916 State Street (Exhibit 4-c). 

 Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to table the lot cleaning at 916 State Street for two (2) weeks (Exhibit 4-c).   

 PRESENTATION

 Ms. Jennifer Ladner was presented with a $1,000.00 Community Service Scholarship for 2010.  Ms. Ladner was a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council and participated in many community service events throughout the year. 

 NEW BUSINESS

 Mrs. Julia Weaver spoke on behalf of Dr. Mauldin, Chairman of the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County and also introduced the new Unit Director, Ms. Medrick Tate.  Mrs. Tate introduced two (2) of the club members, Chadrick and Jonathan Tate.   Mrs. Weaver further requested funding for the Outdoor Classroom for the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County.  Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to authorize up to $1,500.00 from the Mayor’s special projects account and up to $500.00 from Ward 4 Capital Improvement Account and authorize up to $1,500.00 from Ward 3 Capital Improvement Account and $500.00 from Ward 1 Capital Improvement Account in the FY10-11 Budget for the Outdoor Classroom for the Boys & Girls Club (Exhibit 5-a).  

 Mr. Scott Ratcliff gave a recap of the USTA Tennis Championship and stated the event was a great success (Exhibit 5-b).         

 Ms. Terri Jurich was not present to speak concerning a sinkhole problem on Oaklawn Drive (Exhibit 5-c).  The Public Works Director advised Ms. Jurich has a relatively small depressed area and the pipe was videoed.  He recommended doing a point repair for $3,000 – $4,000.  Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Cody to authorize point repair on Oaklawn Drive pending the Drainage and Infrastructure Committee review and determining the funding source.          

 NEW BUSINESS – Addendum

 Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to approve new prices for the rental facilities (Exhibit A-2a).

 Motion was made by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to authorize up to $500.00 from miscellaneous promotions; $100.00 from Mayor’s Capital Improvement Account; $200.00 from Alderman at Large Capital Improvement Account; $200.00 Ward 1 Capital Improvement Account; $100.00 from Ward 2 Capital Improvement Account and $500.00 from Ward 4 Capital Improvement Account to advertise the resources of the city through the Ocean Springs Little League at the All-star tournament in Waco, TX (Exhibit A-2b). 

 PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Ms. Maralou Guice Richards, 242 Lovers Lane, asked for help concerning her property at #7 Gulfview Drive and requested approval to move the house to AE zone on her property.  She will meet with the Planning Director to determine if the house can be moved.     

 Mr. Kevin Ladd, 217 Mitchell Street, stated the City is asking for more Easement to repair the sinkholes on his property and he would be requesting damages.  The Mayor advised $400,000.00 has been allocated to this project and stating as soon as he signs the Easement, the repair work could begin.  The Public Works Director stated they originally thought they could fix it within the 15 foot Easement which Mr. Ladd signed but since then after it was videoed they found the problem was much greater than anticipated and needed more space to do the repairs on double run pipes. 

 Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman McDonnell to move the materials purchased for Mitchell Street to the Gay Lemon project with the exception of the repair of the street.  The City Attorney advised to withhold the Board’s vote until discussion of potential litigation concerning Mr. Kevin Ladd in Executive Session.           

 CONSENT AGENDA

 Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to accept the Consent Agenda with exception of items (n) and (v) which were pulled by Alderman Hagan.

 Alderman Hagan pulled item (n) at the request of the Police Chief.  The Police Chief stated that no roads will be shut down for the event due to lack of manpower.  Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to authorize the Special Event Permit for Rotary Club 5K run on Saturday, October 23rd with no road closures.          

 Alderman Hagan pulled item (v) to change the date of the event to August 7^th.  Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to authorize waiver of the rental fee for the Ocean Springs Civic Center for a town meeting hosted by Secretary of State Ray Mabus on August 7^th (Exhibit 7-v).

 DEPARTMENT REPORTS – Addendum

 The Mayor presented information concerning the reconstruction on the window and door trim in the Aldermen’s mailroom done by Pat Irwin (Exhibit A-4a).

 Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to accept the donation of the fountain from Dr. W. F. and Mollie J. Pontius to be placed at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center pending approval of MDAH or any other place deemed appropriate by Dr. and Mrs. Pontius and the City.

 DEPARTMENT REPORTS

 Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to accept the Layoff and Recall Policy (Exhibit 8-a).

The Mayor presented a copy of the new City email newsletter.

ALDERMEN’S FORUM

Alderman Gill asked for a status on the light study for Portree Place and Dunsinance Street.  The Mayor reported she had requested it from the power company but would follow up on this matter. 

Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to authorize up to $800.00 from Ward 1 Capital Improvement Account for office furniture at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center.

 Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to take off the table the issue of the tree removal at 2006 Kensington Avenue.

 Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the removal of the magnolia tree at 2006 Kensington Avenue.  

 Alderman Cody requested a light study to be done at Robinson Street and Handy Avenue.   

 Alderman Cody asked the Public Works Department to ground out the tree trunks on Blount Street.  The Public Works Director advised he will look at it. 

 Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the use of the front yard of the Senior Citizen Center for Cruisin’ the Coast on October 7^th, 8^th and 9^th.  

 Alderman Denyer asked the Drainage and Infrastructure Committee to consider piping and videoing the pipes at  Parkwood to Ridgewood with corrugated steel pipes and also north of Ms. Hensley’s house on Ashley Place. 

 Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to authorize up to $375.00 from Ward 5 Capital Improvement Account and $375.00 from Alderman at Large Capital Improvement Account for a drinking fountain at Clay Boyd Park and $375.00 from Mayor’s Capital Improvement Account and $375.00 from Ward 4 Capital Improvement Account for a drinking fountain at Lemoyne Park. 

 EXECUTIVE SESSION

 Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to go into closed session to determine the necessity of going into executive session.

 The City Clerk returned to the meeting and announced a motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to remain in executive session to discuss personnel in the Planning Department; potential acquisition of property and potential litigation regarding 217 Mitchell Street.

 The City Attorney, John Edwards, exited executive session and asked the City Clerk to call Mike Watkins.  The City Clerk called twice.  Mike Watkins was not present.

 Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to return to regular session. 

 Alderman Hagan withdrew his previous motion and Alderman McDonnell withdrew his second concerning Mr. Kevin Ladd’s Easement.  

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to terminate the employment of Mike Watkins for cause effective August 4, 2010 pursuant to the ample reasons outlined in his notice letter and it’s attachments and statements by the department head to the Board regarding his job performance.

Further, the board found that Mr. Mike Watkins was served notice via his regularly used email address to respond in writing and/or orally at tonight’s board meeting.  No response was received.  He has not answered numerous calls to his City issued cell phone.  His last contact was that he was going to take care of some future legal matters in California.

Further, all leave afforded Mr. Watkins has been exhausted at this time and he is absent without explanation or approval.

Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to purchase the Right of Way Easement from Mr. Clyde Wayne and Susan K. Anderson in the amount of $3,000.00.  The amount reflects the compromise of a dispute regarding the location of the right of way.

Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to purchase and accept the Easement and Temporary Construction Easement  from Mr. Kevin Ladd in the amount of $2,500.00.  The amount reflects the compromise of a dispute regarding the location of an easement given to the City in 1997 by previous property owners and any past claims related to city infrastructure located on lot 14 Newport Village South subdivision.

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize advertisement for the position of Building Inspector.

 Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to recess until 6:00 p.m. on August 17, 2010.   

 Meeting ended at 8:50 p.m.

 _______________________________           ___________________________

City Clerk                                                     Mayor

___________________                                 ____________________

Date                                                             Date

Fallo’s Dry Cleaners officially closed its door in 2006, after nearly 50 years of business in Ocean Springs.  The original building was designed by Caroll Ishee and had been enlarged three times to accommodate customer needs. Located in Ward 3, Alderman Chic Cody noted that it is often difficult to rehab former dry cleaning businesses because of contaminates.

“The City was able to acquire a service grant from MS DEQ to do a Brownfield Assessment, evaluating the levels of contaminates on the property site.   Luckily, it was found to be a very clean dry cleaning site,” explained Alderman Cody.  “This site will greatly enhance our downtown area, especially in providing parking for our many events.  Downtown often becomes congested; this new parking lot will not only alleviate that problem, but create green space.”

“Phase  II of the Streetscape Project seeks to transform Government Street into as beautiful a place as Washington Avenue,” said Eric Meyer, Director of Community Development and Planning.

Plans for the site following demolition and moderate improvements include surface parking.  This improvement to Government Street is part of the city’s $4.6 million Downtown Streetscape Project.  The project will bring landscaping, improved sidewalks, brick pavers, curbing, lighting, buried utility cables, and approximately 70 trees varying in heights of 15 and 25 ft. to the city’s downtown area.

Beginning Saturday, August 28, 8 a.m. to noon, “Walk on Water” food drive and bridge walk will begin at the foot of the Biloxi Bay Bridge in Ocean Springs.  Sponsored by Coast Young Professionals, the Sun Herald, and the cities of Ocean Springs and Biloxi, this is the third year marking a visual reminder of the bridge that reconnected the coast.  Event organizers are asking walkers to donate canned food items.  Donation bins will be available at the foot of the bridge.  Donations made in Ocean Springs will be given to local food pantry, The Lord is My Help.

Simultaneously, city officials will be participating in the Phenomenal People Coast-Wide Torch Relay.  Beginning at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 90 and Highway 57, Ocean Springs officials will receive the torch from the City of Gautier.  Participating in the Ocean Springs torch run are:  Kyle Smith, Community Development and Planning; Eric Meyer, Director, Community Development and Planning; Capt. Williams Jackson, OSPD; Fire Chief Jeff Ponson, Geri Straight, Director, Parks and Leisure Services, and Troy Ross, Alderman-at-Large.  The final leg of the relay will feature Mayor Moran with Lt. Col. Connie Allen and soldiers of the 403rd Wing at Kessler AFB.  Beginning at Fort Maurepas Park, the torch will be carried to the top of the Biloxi Bay Bridge to hand-off to officials with the City of Biloxi.

Also on Saturday, the 28th, the Ocean Springs Yacht Club on Front Beach will open to the public from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  A special Katrina Regatta, games and lives music will be featured.  Triage will begin at noon, followed by Island of Rhythm.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  Delta Sanitation is a major sponsor of this event.

On Sunday morning, August 29th, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m., a multi-faith sunrise service is offered at Fort Maurepas Park.  Bring a lawn chair and enjoy inspiration and live music from several denominations in Ocean Springs.  For a listing of Phenomenal People events, visit the event web site at www.phenomenalpeople.org.

1.       CALL TO ORDER

 2.       ROLL CALL

 3.       PROCLAMATIONS

a)       Asgard Motorcycle Club Day (Exhibit 3-a)

b)       League of Women Voters Making Democracy Work Day (Exhibit 3-b)

 4.       PRESENTATIONS

1. Ocean Springs School District FY10-11 Budget  
2. Appreciation Plaque Presentation from Special Olympic of Mississippi – Assistant Chief Rodney McGilvary (Exhibit  
3. Disaster Assistance due to Deepwater BP Oil Spill – Richard Daigle, Public Affairs Specialist with the US Small Business Administration (Exhibit 4-c) 

5.       OLD BUSINESS

a)       Problem concerning property at #7 Gulfview Drive – Maralou Guice Richards (Exhibit 5-a)

b)       Drainage and Infrastructure Minutes and Drainage Projects Outline (Exhibit 5-b)

6.       PUBLIC COMMENT:   The public is invited to address the Board for up to 3 minutes.  The Board will take all comments under advisement for potential action at a later date if warranted. 

7.       CONSENT AGENDA*

* Consent Agenda – All matters listed under Item 7, Consent Agenda, are considered to be routine by the Board of Aldermen and will be enacted by one motion.  There will not be separate discussion of these items.  If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately.

Mayor:

a)       Authorize to advertise bid specifications for Erosion Control and Drainage Improvements related to the Front Beach Sidewalk Project – CDBG Round III, pending CDBG approval (Exhibit 7-a)

b)       Authorize Mayor to execute Change Order #1 in the amount of $9,150.00 for Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center Exterior Package, funded by CDBG Round III (Exhibit 7-b)

c)        Authorize payment to Joe Gill Consulting, LLC: $793.75 for lobbying services and fees (Exhibit 7-c)

d)       Authorize Mayor to execute contract with Brown & Mitchell, Inc. for engineering services related to this property of Front Beach Sidewalk Lighting project, funded by MDOT Emergency Relief (Exhibit 7-d)

e)        Authorize Mayor to execute Contract Amendment No. 3 with Brown & Mitchell for Front Beach Sidewalk Project/CDBG Round III, pending legal approval and MDA (Exhibit 7-e)

       City Clerk:

f)        Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting August 3, 2010 (Exhibit 7-f)

g)        Approve Minutes: Special Call Meeting August 10, 2010 (Exhibit 7-g)

h)       Approve Minutes: Finance Committee Meeting August 9, 2010 (Exhibit 7-h)

i)Approve payment: Docket of Claims and spread upon the Minutes (Exhibit 7-i)

j)         Accept Action Report (Exhibit 7-j)

       Police Dept.:

       Fire Dept.:

k)       Accept Monthly Fire Department Report (Exhibit 7-k)

l)     Authorize promotion of Firefighter Philip Dees to Lieutenant, annual salary of $41,212.80, effective August 18, 2010 with six-month probationary period (Exhibit 7-l)

m)     Authorize promotion of Lieutenant David Fisher to Battalion Chief, annual salary of $50,000.00, effective August 18, 2010 with six-month probationary period (Exhibit 7-m)

       Human Resources/Risk:

       City Engineer:  

       Public Works:

n)       Authorize to install two (2) additional 100w HPS Post Top Lights at Portree and Mt. Vernon Ct. (Exhibit 7-n)

o)       Award bid to Suncoast Infrastructure, Inc. for CIPP Pipe Lining Contract (slip lining drainage pipes) for a period of one (1) year (Exhibit 7-o)

p)       Award bid for Hanley-Halstead Drainage Improvements to Colom Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $89,125.00, with $25,000.00 to be paid by Pat Harrison Waterway District (Exhibit 7-p)

q)       Authorize removal of Stephen Farnsworth from probationary status and placement on full-time status, effective immediately and removal of Scott Alley from probationary status and placement on full-time status effective September 3, 2010 (Exhibit 7-q)

r)         Authorize to advertise bids for Drainage projects on Johnson, Hickory Circle and Simon/Ogden (Exhibit 7-r)

       Community Development & Planning:

s)        Accept Tree Committee Report (Exhibit 7-s)

t)         Approve temporary contract with Compton Engineering and Coastal Construction Consulting and Inspection to handle building inspection and code enforcement during Building Official’s leave of absence (Exhibit 7-t)

u)       Accept transfer of 1990 International Navistar dump truck to the Planning Department (Exhibit 7-u)

        Parks & Leisure Services:

v)       Approve Contract with Chris Fasth, Tennis Instructor and authorize Mayor to execute same (Exhibit 7-v)

w)      Approve Parks Advisory Minutes: August 11, 2010 (Exhibit 7-w)

        City Attorney:

        Facilities:

8.       DEPARTMENT REPORTS

       Mayor:

       Information Item: 

a)       Mississippi Heritage Trust public reception on August 31, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at Historic Carnegie Library in Downtown Gulfport, MS (Exhibit 8-a)

        City Clerk:

Police:

Fire:

Human Resources/Risk:

City Engineer:  

Public Works:

Community Development & Planning:    

        Parks & Leisure Services:

City Attorney:

Facilities:

9.       ALDERMEN’S FORUM 

10.    EXECUTIVE SESSION

a)       Personnel in Police Department

ADJOURN UNTIL 6:00 P.M. on September 7, 2010

The Mayor’s Youth Council, in conjunction with youth council programs under the Mississippi Municipal League and the National League of Cities guidelines, is structured to give youth the opportunity to learn about local government and develop leadership skills.  Youth Council members are also given the opportunity to serve as city ambassadors at city events, in addition to performing community service projects. 

Candidate profile forms for the commission can be downloaded from the city website, www.oceansprings-ms.gov.  Profile forms are also available in the Office of the City Clerk, at City Hall, 1018 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS  39564.  Interested citizens may call 228-875-4236 and ask that a form be sent by mail, e-mail or fax.  All nominations received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Board of Aldermen. 

The Ocean Springs Museum of History Commission has a four-year term of appointment.  Qualifications to serve on the commission include:  interest and/or knowledge of local history, museum knowledge, attendance of monthly meetings, and willingness to work in a group setting.  Grant writing ability, publicity and fundraiser experience is appreciated.

For more information, call the Ocean Springs Museum of History Director, Betty Magee at 228-215-0710.

The Civic Center offers lawn event capabilities, a stage, commercial kitchen, balcony seating, in addition to assistance from a professional staff with equipment and event needs.  Rental fee for the Civic Center is $300, Monday – Thursday; non-profit rate is $200.  A set-up fee of $300 is also assessed; non-profit set-up fee is $200. For events scheduled Friday – Sunday, rental fee is $350; non profit rate is $300.  Set-up fee is $350; non-profit set-up fee is $200.  The Civic Center can accommodate events of up to 500 people.

The Community Center, 512 Washington Avenue features the world-famous Walter Anderson murals.  The Center can accommodate up to 200 guests and also features staff assistance.  Rental fee is $400 Monday – Thursday; non-profit rental fee is $200.  Set-up fee is $200; non-profit set-up fee is $150.  For rentals booked Friday – Sunday, rental fee is $50; non-profit fee is $250.  Set-up fee is $250 and $200 for non-profit.

The Senior Citizens Center, 514 Washington Avenue can accommodate up to 70 guests.  It features a commercial kitchen and staff assistance.  Rental fee for the Center is $100 Monday – Sunday.  The rental fee for non-profit groups is also $100.  Set-up fee is $100 and $50 for non-profits.

A damage deposit of $300 is required for all facilities.  To view facility usage guidelines and to book a facility, contact City Hall at 228-875-4236.  To view a video of each facility, visit the city web site, www.oceansprings-ms.gov.  Look for the rental facilities link on the home page.

City officials hope to complete the sports complex by June 2011.  The sports complex will offer area youth four softball fields, five baseball fields, two footballl fields, two soccer fields, concession and restroom facilities, picnic area, and a maintenance building.

“I am very proud and honored, after many years with this department, to offer the public a first-class sports complex that is very much needed,” said Geri Straight, Director, Parks and Leisure Services with the City of Ocean Springs.

Funding for the project was provided from the 2% sales tax on restaurant and lounges passed by 66% of voters in December 2007.  In June of 2008, city officials signed wetland mitigation with the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, clearing a 10-year hurdle in making the property at Highway 57 suitable for recreational purposes.

Be it remembered that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs met in a Recess meeting at City Hall in the City of Ocean Springs at 6:00 p.m. on July 20, 2010.  Mayor Moran presiding, Aldermen Ross, Gill, McDonnell, Cody, Denyer, Dalgo and Hagan were present.  Also present was City Clerk Shelly Ferguson and City Attorney John Edwards.  

Alderman Cody led the invocation and the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATION

The Presentation was postponed until a later date.

Mayor Moran requested an amendment to the agenda.  Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to add the Addendum to the Agenda.

Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to move item (7-g) to New Business.

NEW BUSINESS

Sheriff Mike Byrd and Lt. Curtis Spiers, commander of the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County, briefed the Board and asked them to consider adopting the following Ordinance. 

Motion was made by Alderman Ross and seconded by Alderman Cody to adopt Ordinance No. 2010-09 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE, POSSESSION, DISTRIBUTION, SALE OR OFFERING FOR SALE SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS OR OTHER SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS, THEIR SALTS, ISOMERS, HOMOLOGUES, AND SALTS OF ISOMERS AND HOMOLOGUES (Exhibit 7-g).  The motion passed with a roll call vote as follows:

Alderman Ross                 Voted Aye

Alderman Gill                   Voted Aye

Alderman McDonnell         Voted Aye

Alderman Cody                 Voted Aye

Alderman Denyer              Voted Aye

Alderman Dalgo                Voted Aye

Alderman Hagan               Voted Aye

Mr. Mickey Williams requested the Board consider funding the Façade Grant Program in the FY10-11 Budget in the amount of $25,000.00.  He also suggested the Board consider including businesses East of Martin Luther King Boulevard.  The Committee would consist of representatives of the City, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council.  Alderman Denyer asked to consider making this request a line item in the upcoming budget and Alderman Gill stated the Finance Committee would consider it during the budget process (Exhibit 4-a).     

The Mayor updated the Board on the removal of the mailboxes to allow the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to repave the State Aid Road – Halstead Road.  She stated the City could loose the ARRA funding if the 6 or 7 mailboxes MDOT identified were not moved off of the State right of way to allow the paving.  She advised the City could move the mailboxes but could not re-erect them.  The Public Works Director read the MDOT guidelines.  He further stated all of the mailboxes in question were marked that could affect the funding.  He reiterated that the Public Works Department were willing to attempt to pick up the mailboxes and set them on the property but could not erect them on private property.                      

Mayor Moran requested an amendment to the agenda.  Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to move items (7-e) and (7-f) to New Business.

Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo and seconded by Alderman Gill to adopt Ordinance No. 2010-10 AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES (Exhibit 7-f).  The motion passed with a roll call vote as follows:

Alderman Ross                 Voted Aye

Alderman Gill                   Voted Aye

Alderman McDonnell         Voted Aye

Alderman Cody                 Voted Aye

Alderman Denyer              Voted Aye

Alderman Dalgo                Voted Aye

Alderman Hagan               Voted Aye

Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo and seconded by Alderman McDonnell to table item (7-e) An Ordinance Amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi to allow Sexually Oriented Businesses as a Permitted Use in I-2 Industrial District.  Motion carried with Aldermen Gill, McDonnell, Cody, Denyer and Dalgo voting aye and Aldermen Ross and Hagan voting nay (Exhibit 7-e).

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Anita Humphries asked why her neighbor, Mr. Smith, is requesting to demolish his house that had previously been denied a demolition permit and why he has not filed for a building permit.                    

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to accept the Consent Agenda with exception of items (e) which was pulled by Alderman Denyer and item (r) which was pulled by Alderman McDonnell.  Alderman Gill abstained from voting on the Consent Agenda.

Alderman Denyer pulled item (e) to ask if it was more cost effective to purchase a container for storage rather than rent a POD.  Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to approve for Contracted services and equipment purchases related to the BP Deepwater Horizon Block Grant with changes to purchase a container. 

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to table item (6-r) until the September 7^th Board meeting.  Alderman McDonnell stated if anyone is interested in acquiring the home for free and having it moved to another site, to contact Mr. Bill Lack at (228) 324-3772. 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS  

Mayor: 

The Mayor presented a thank-you letter from the Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire Committee (Exhibit 7-a).

The Mayor gave an update on the Contracted Public Outreach Services, eight-page tabloid special section to be inserted in the Sun Herald on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 (Exhibit 7-b). 

The Mayor presented a proposal from Natural Capital Development to pursue an official certification from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in the “ENHANCE” program recommended by the Beautification Committee.  She stated once certified, the City will be eligible for grant opportunities.  The Mayor asked to fund this proposal from the Mayor’s special projects budget.  There was a question whether this work could be done in-house.  Ms. Cynthia Ramseur from Natural Capital Development explained the scope of work proposed and the standard hourly rates for the project.  Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to table item (7-c). 

ALDERMEN’S FORUM   

Motion was made by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to design and erect a new sign recognizing the State Champions for the tennis and baseball teams at the end of Fort Bayou Bridge;  Highway 57 and by the caboose on Highway 90 to be funded by a private donor.  

Motion was made by Alderman Ross, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to waive the rental fees for the Ocean Springs Community Center for the “Art Off the Walls” fundraiser for the Mississippi Kidney Foundation hosted by DiVita Ocean Springs Dialysis on September 18, 2010 (Exhibit 8-b).

Alderman Gill asked to have a light study done on Portree Place and Dunsinance Street. 

Alderman Gill suggested the City needs to host an event similar to the Jimmy Buffett Concert recently held in Gulf Shores, AL to promote tourism on the Coast.  Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Governor’s Advisory Board requesting this type of event to fill restaurants and hotels/motels to be paid by the $15M tourism BP grant.      

Alderman McDonnell asked for an update on the slab removal progress at the next meeting. 

Alderman McDonnell asked for a status on Claire Brou’s trailer removal.  The Building Official stated she has been given to a date certain and understands the trailer has to be moved.     

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize up to $1510.00 from Ward 2 Capital Improvement Account for a small drainage project on Magnolia Avenue.

Alderman Cody asked the Planning Department to check the oak trees in the center median on Bechtel Boulevard; there are limbs hanging in the right of way and trucks are hitting them.   The City Arborist is working in the area and will check on this matter.    

Alderman Ross asked the City Engineer to look at the new crosswalk at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Government Street and stated he thought it appeared it was sunk down in the crossing.  The City Engineer said the Contractor has acknowledged there is an issue at the crossing and they have been instructed the City would not accept that intersection as it is and will be withholding payment until the punch list items have been corrected and completed.   

Alderman Ross asked if it was viable to have the new seat wall be defined as a seawall.  The City Engineer advised to ask Brown & Mitchell to investigate this matter with the appropriate entity.       

Alderman Denyer asked the Public Works Department to cut back the northwest corner of Halstead Road and Davidson.   

Motion was made b Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize up to $800.00 from Ward 4 Capital Improvement Account for a drainage project.

Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to authorize up to $1,000.00 to advertise city resources through the Ocean Springs Athletic Foundation from the miscellaneous promotions budget.

Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to authorize up to $1,000.00 from Ward 5 Capital Improvement Account for books, videos, DVDs and shelving at the library.

Alderman Dalgo asked for light a Cabildo Place and Booth Circle.

Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to accept the Tree Committee Report with the exception of 2006 Kensington Avenue (Exhibit 7-d).     

Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Cody and unanimously carried to table any action on 2006 Kensington Avenue listed on the Tree Committee Report.      

Alderman Gill announced there is a Drainage and Infrastructure committee meeting on Friday, July 23rd at 8:30 a.m.

Alderman McDonnell asked for the H.R. Director for the written explanation to provide a tighter filter system on the City computers regarding the Internet Usage Policy.  She stated it will be provided at the next Board meeting.   

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to go into closed session to determine the necessity of going into executive session.

The City Clerk returned to the meeting and announced a motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to remain in executive session to discuss personnel in the Planning and Public Works Departments.

Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Ross and unanimously carried to return to regular session. 

Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to accept the recommendation of the Public Works Director to suspend Billy Toche for two (2) weeks without pay.

Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors requesting them to pick up the trash on Front Beach or to participate in the cost.

Motion was made by Alderman Cody, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to adjourn until 6:00 p.m. on August 3, 2010.   

Meeting ended at 8:50 p.m.

_______________________________           ___________________________

City Clerk                                                     Mayor

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Date                                                             Date