Aldermen Minutes
MINUTES
MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN
CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 5, 2008
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 5, 2008. The Mayor presiding, Aldermen Gill, Lloyd, Weaver, Denyer, Dalgo and Hagan were present. Also present were City Clerk Shelly Ferguson and City Attorney John Edwards. Alderman McDonnell was absent.
Alderman Hagan gave the invocation. The Mayor led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Moran asked that the agenda be amended to pull items (7-y) and (7-aa) to be discussed in Executive Session; to correct item (7-z) to authorize temporary employment of Tony Gagliano, as Assistant Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer at hourly rate of $18.00, until permanent position can be filled and accept the Addendum to the Agenda. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to accept the Addendum and changes to the Agenda.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Moran read a proclamation declaring August 5, 2008, as Asgard Motorcycle Club Day (Exhibit 3-a).
Mayor Moran read a proclamation proclaiming support and admiration for the very distinguished “Dream Program” (Exhibit 3-b).
Mayor Moran read a proclamation proclaiming support and admiration for the very distinguished Reyn Pravata (Exhibit 3-c).
Mr. Herb Moore and Ms. Michelle Hale thanked the City for all of their support during the Renaissance Festival held at Freedom Field in May, 2008.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to open the Public Hearing.
At this time a public hearing to hear and act on any complaint filed in writing objecting to and petitioning for a specified reduction on any portion or portions of the uniform assessment schedule for motor vehicles ad valorem taxes affecting the complaint directly was held. No complaints were filed. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution and Order of the FY-08 Uniform Assessment Schedule for motor vehicles (Exhibit 4-a).
At this time a public hearing was held to determine whether property located at 2510 Ridgewood Road is in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to public health and safety. There was not a property owner in attendance nor was any correspondence received. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to proceed with the lot cleaning at 2510 Ridgewood Drive (Exhibit 4-b).
At this time a public hearing was held to determine whether property located at 104 Myrtle Avenue is in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to public health and safety. There was not a property owner in attendance nor was any correspondence received. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to proceed with the lot cleaning at 104 Myrtle Avenue (Exhibit 4-c).
At this time a public hearing was held to determine whether property located at 3616 Reeves Lane is in such a state of uncleanliness so as to be a menace to public health and safety. There was not a property owner in attendance nor was any correspondence received. The Building Official explained that the property has been cleaned and recommends no further action. Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to accept the Building Official’s recommendation to not proceed with lot cleaning at 3616 Reeves Lane.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to close the public hearing.
OLD BUSINESS
Bruce Tolar presented proposed plans for renovations and expansion of the old jail building to house the Planning Department. Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to advertise bid specifications for renovations and expansion of the old jail building (Exhibit 5-a).
Mr. Frank Burandt presented plans for the Little Children’s Park. Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Weaver and unanimously carried to approve the conceptual design of the Little Children’s Park (Exhibit 5-b).
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of items (b) and (e) which were pulled by Alderman Lloyd, item (d) which was pulled by Alderman Denyer and item (x) which was pulled by Alderman Hagan.
Alderman Lloyd pulled item (b) and asked if funding for museums would be eligible under this grant. The Grants Coordinator explained that the City is applying for the Preserve America designation. If designated as a Preserve America City, the City is eligible to apply for grants and it is an on going funding program. Motion was made by Alderman Lloyd, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to adopt the Preserve America Grant Resolution (Exhibit 7-b).
Alderman Denyer pulled item (d) to ask for clarification of the sponsorship at the annual Paul Overstreet Charity event to promote the resources of the City for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Motion was made by Alderman Gill and seconded by Alderman Lloyd to table item (7-d). Motion carried with Alderman Gill, Lloyd, Weaver and Dalgo voting aye and Alderman Denyer and Hagan voting nay.
Alderman Lloyd pulled item (e) for clarification of the Streetscape Project. The Community Development Director advised it was to relocate utility lines rather than bury the lines for streetscape improvement. Motion was made by Alderman Lloyd, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement with Mississippi Power for Scope of Work related to the CDBG-funded Streetscape Project, pending CDBG approval (Exhibit 7-e).
Alderman Hagan pulled item (x) and asked that it be discussed in executive session. Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to discuss item (x) to accept the resignation of Building Manager, Kathy Beaugez, effective August 1, 2008 in Executive Session.
Mr. David Keith representing the YMCA asked the City to participate in the Strong Kids Campaign at the YMCA. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer and seconded by Alderman Gill to expend $1,000.00 to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign program to match funds from other sources and amend the budget accordingly, pending a letter from the YMCA. Motion carries with Aldermen Gill, Denyer and Hagan voting aye and Aldermen Dalgo, Weaver and Lloyd voting nay and the Mayor breaking the tie by voting aye.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Mayor
The Mayor presented the Board with an updated project costs for the intersection of Highway 90 and Ocean Springs Road reflecting the cost overrun to relocate utility lines. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize up to $50,000.00 to be committed in the ‘08-‘09 budget for the intersection project at Highway 90/Ocean Springs Road and to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors stating the City’s commitment.
Motion was made by Alderman Hagan and seconded by Alderman Gill to proceed as directed on the Project Worksheet concerning the community pier damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Motion carried with Alderman Gill, Lloyd, Weaver, Dalgo and Hagan voting aye and Alderman Denyer voting nay.
Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to ask the Department of Marine Resources to replenish the existing reef near the community pier.
The Mayor announced that the bids came in over budget for the Fort Maurepas project and FEMA has declined any additional funding. After further discussion, Alderman Denyer asked the Mayor to schedule a Work Session to discuss funding on the Fort Maurepas project.
City Clerk
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo and seconded by Alderman Hagan to adopt Ordinance No. 6-2008 CABLE TELEVISION ORDINANCE FOR CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI with a 3% franchise fee and a period of ten (10) years (Exhibit 8-d). The motion failed with a roll call vote as follows and the Mayor breaking the tie by voting nay:
Alderman Weaver Voted Nay
Alderman Gill Voted Aye
Alderman McDonnell Absent
Alderman Lloyd Voted Nay
Alderman Denyer Voted Nay
Alderman Dalgo Voted Aye
Alderman Hagan Voted Aye
Mayor Moran Voted Nay
After further discussion, a Motion was made by Alderman Lloyd and seconded by Alderman Denyer to adopt Ordinance No. 6-2008 CABLE TELEVISION ORDINANCE FOR CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI with a 3% franchise fee and for a period of five (5) years (Exhibit 8-d). The motion failed with a roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Weaver Voted Nay
Alderman Gill Voted Nay
Alderman McDonnell Absent
Alderman Lloyd Voted Aye
Alderman Denyer Voted Aye
Alderman Dalgo Voted Nay
Alderman Hagan Voted Nay
After further discussion, a Motion was made by Alderman Weaver, seconded by Alderman Denyer to adopt Ordinance No. 6-2008 CABLE TELEVISION ORDINANCE FOR CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI with a 5% franchise fee and a period of ten (10) years (Exhibit 8-d). Alderman Denyer withdraws his second. Motion fails for lack of second.
After further discussion, a Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo and seconded by Alderman Gill to adopt Ordinance No. 6-2008 CABLE TELEVISION ORDINANCE FOR CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI with a 3% franchise fee and a period of ten (10) years (Exhibit 8-d). The motion carries with a roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Weaver Voted Aye
Alderman Gill Voted Aye
Alderman McDonnell Absent
Alderman Lloyd Voted Nay
Alderman Denyer Voted Nay
Alderman Dalgo Voted Aye
Alderman Hagan Voted Aye
Fire
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer and seconded by Alderman Weaver to authorize the Interim Fire Chief to work with Bruce Tolar, Architect, to install a sprinkler system in the Katrina cottage not to exceed $3,000.00 and amend the budget accordingly. Motion carries with Alderman Gill, Weaver and Denyer voting aye and Alderman Lloyd, Dalgo and Hagan voting nay and the Mayor breaking the tie by voting aye (Exhibit 8-e).
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the Human Resources/Risk Management Director to obtain insurance coverage on the Katrina cottage.
ADDENDUM
Motion was made by Alderman Weaver, seconded by Alderman Dalgo to list the Katrina cottage with a commercial real estate firm for rental purposes. After further discussion, Alderman Dalgo withdrew his second. Motion dies for lack of second.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the City Attorney to recommend to the Board the best leasing options for the Katrina cottage.
ALDERMEN’S FORUM
Alderman Gill asked the Mayor to schedule a work session on drainage projects.
Alderman Lloyd advised that the “No Parking” signs installed at Bradford Circle do not reflect the times written in the Ordinance.
Alderman Weaver asked for a status on the speed signs. The Police Chief advised the signs were on order.
Alderman Denyer asked Public Works Department to pick up a set of mattresses at the entrance to Morris Strickland’s development on Halstead Road and also to advise Mr. Strickland to control the entrance to the development with a barrier.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to obtain a 2nd opinion concerning the condition of the oak tree located at Washington Avenue and Highway 90.
Alderman Denyer asked if another board member would like to serve on the Finance Committee which is made up of three (3) Aldermen, City Clerk and City Auditor. Aldermen Weaver, Gill and Denyer are serving on the Finance Committee.
Alderman Dalgo asked for an updated budget to be placed in his box.
Alderman Dalgo asked the Interim Parks and Leisure Director when the restrooms at Clay Boyd Spray Park would be opened. She advised the restrooms would be open this weekend and the hours to the park have been changed and will be open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.
Alderman Hagan asked for an update on the hiring of the Parks and Leisure Services Director. The Human Resource Director advised that preliminary interviews have been conducted and formal interviews would be held on August 18, 2008.
Alderman Hagan asked to be informed of what each department has asked for concerning the upcoming budget before any cuts are made and how much revenue is anticipated.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion was made by Alderman Weaver, seconded by Alderman Gill 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 that a motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to remain in executive session to discuss personnel in the Planning Department to discuss consent agenda items 7-x, 7-y and 7-aa.
Motion was made by Alderman Lloyd, seconded by Alderman Weaver and unanimously carried to come out of executive session and return to regular session.
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Weaver and unanimously carried to accept the resignation of Kathy Beaugez, Building Manager, effective August 1, 2008, and begin the process of hiring a Building Clerk instead of a Building Manager.
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Lloyd and unanimously carried to accept the resignation of David Crawford, Assistant Building Official, effective immediately and authorize beginning the process to fill the vacancy of a Building Inspector.
Motion was made by Alderman Gill and seconded by Alderman Lloyd to accept the resignation of David Minkler, City Arborist, effective immediately and authorize beginning the process to fill the vacancy. Motion carried with Alderman Gill, Lloyd, Weaver, Denyer and Dalgo voting aye and Alderman Hagan voting nay. Alderman Hagan objects to filling the vacancy for a City Arborist.
Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Lloyd and unanimously carried to recess until 6:00 p.m. on August 19, 2008.
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City Clerk Mayor
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