Aldermen Minutes
MINUTES
MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN
CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 1, 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 July 1, 2008. The Mayor presiding, Aldermen Gill, McDonnell, Denyer, Dalgo and Hagan were present. Also present were City Clerk Shelly Ferguson and City Attorney John Edwards. Aldermen Lloyd and Weaver were absent.
The Mayor gave the invocation. The Mayor led the pledge of allegiance.
PROCLAMATION
Rev. Carl King presented a Proclamation commending the 2008 Glouchester Township Katrina Relief Task Force Members for their hard work and dedication given to the citizens of the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
OLD BUSINESS
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to execute the Conservation Easement to be attached to the Warranty Deed conveying to the Land Trust of the Mississippi Coastal Plain.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the donation in the amount of $175,000.00 to the Land Trust of the Mississippi Coastal Plain for the purpose of land mitigation of Highway 57.
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to execute the wetlands permit to authorize the fill of 35.90 acres of wetlands to construct a recreational complex on a 120-acre site.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to open a lot cleaning hearing for 1119 Vermont Avenue. There was not a property owner in attendance nor was any correspondence received. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to come out of the public hearing. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to proceed with the lot cleaning at 1119 Vermont Avenue.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to open a lot cleaning hearing for 3701 Bienville Boulevard. 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 Denyer, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to come out of the public hearing. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to accept the Building Official’s recommendation to not proceed with lot cleaning at 3701 Bienville Boulevard and the lot has been cleaned to his satisfaction.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Linwood Grierson, Jr. presented the Business Plan for the ICD Business Incubator to be located in Moss Point, Mississippi.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Tina Sullivan, 1115 Porter Avenue, asked for assistance with the stray cat problem in her area located at Porter Avenue and Kotzum.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of items (g) and (aa) which were pulled by Alderman Dalgo; item (i) which was pulled by Alderman McDonnell and item (j) which was pulled by the Mayor.
Alderman Dalgo pulled item (g) to specify a sponsorship level. Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to provide security for the Mississippi Sound Spectacular. After further discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to authorize the Gold Sponsorship Level in the amount of $500.00 for the Mississippi Sound Spectacular (Exhibit 8-g).
Alderman McDonnell pulled item (i) to confirm with Betty Magee her approval and understanding of the Cultural Affairs Consulting Agreement between the City of Ocean Springs and Betty Magee. Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Hagan and unanimously carried to authorize Professional Services Contract with Betty Magee to serve as Cultural Programs Coordinator on behalf of the City under the Mayor’s Department at a rate of $15.00 per hour, beginning July 2, 2008, for a period of six-months ending January 2, 2009, and to amend the budget accordingly (Exhibit 8-i).
Alderman Dalgo pulled item (aa) to address the removal of a magnolia tree at 810 Magnolia Bayou Boulevard. Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to deny the application to remove the magnolia tree located at 810 Magnolia Bayou Boulevard. Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to accept the remainder of the tree committee report (Exhibit 8-aa).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Mayor
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to schedule a special call meeting to discuss the citywide drainage projects (Exhibit 9-a).
The Mayor asked for consideration to adopt a Tax Abatement Ordinance and small façade grant program for businesses who upgrade their storefronts along the designated Main Street and Downtown Business District areas. The Director of Planning and Development and City Clerk will review.
Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to submit applications for FY2010 Mississippi Tidelands Grants prioritized as follows: (1) Highway 90 Boat Ramp (2) Boat Trailer Parking at Bridge and (3) Front Beach Walkway (Exhibit 9-c).
City Clerk
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to authorize an expenditure of up to $10,000.00 to Delta Computer Systems to program a surcharge into the utility billing system and to amend Ordinance #27-2006 to reflect a $.30 per 1,000 gallon usage surcharge.
Parks and Leisure Services
The Interim Parks and Leisure Services Director gave an update for the 4th of July festivities which will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end after the fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. on Front Beach. Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to authorize overtime pay for the Public Works Department and Parks and Leisure Department for trash and litter control on Saturday and Sunday morning.
City Attorney
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer and seconded by Alderman Dalgo to adopt Ordinance No. 4-2008 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, REQUIRING STOP SIGNS AT THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTION: HALSTEAD ROAD AND BRUMBAUGH ROAD (Exhibit 9-f). The motion passed with a roll call vote as follows:
Alderman Weaver Absent
Alderman Gill Voted Aye
Alderman McDonnell Voted Aye
Alderman Lloyd Absent
Alderman Denyer Voted Aye
Alderman Dalgo Voted Aye
Alderman Hagan Voted Nay
ALDERMEN’S FORUM
Alderman Gill stated there are traffic problems on Highway 90. The Mayor advised that MDOT will install new sensors in the traffic lights.
Alderman McDonnell asked for the plan to provide ice to the residents of the City of Ocean Springs in the event of a natural disaster. The Public Works Department has quotes for purchasing ice in the event of a natural disaster.
Alderman McDonnell asked for clarification on transient vendor’s licenses. The Building Official and Police Department will patrol areas to insure that all transient vendors are properly permitted to sell merchandise.
Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the Community Development Director to obtain an appraisal from a local appraiser for Joe Girouard’s property located at Desoto Avenue and Cash Alley.
Alderman McDonnell said there is a water runoff problem at the Guyton Place causing hardship to residents abutting the property. The Building Official will investigate the problem.
Alderman McDonnell said there is a rodent problem at 522 Jackson Avenue. The City Attorney and the Building Official will determine the proper procedures for lot cleaning due to this being a Mississippi Department of Archives and History funded project.
The Mayor announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is offering a 25% grant to small businesses to make them more energy efficient equipment.
Alderman Denyer congratulated the City of Ocean Springs for their generous contribution at the benefit for Fire Chief Pat Williams.
Alderman Denyer asked the Mayor to send letter to Briley and Rhonda Richmond for their generous donation of Shearwater Pottery to the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center.
Alderman Denyer asked for a status on the stairway closer to bridge. The Mayor advised that she has spoken to Steve Twedt from MDOT about the permitting process.
Alderman Denyer asked the Interim Parks and Leisure Director for a cost analysis for the Clay Boyd spray park for the next board meeting.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to FEMA/MEMA asking to remove the demolition funding for the pilings in the amount of $35,000.00 in the project worksheet and not jeopardize any future funding for proposed Fort Maurepas pier.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to reappoint Dogan & Wilkinson, PLLC as City Attorney for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to reappoint Culumber, Fletcher, Harvey & Associates as City Auditor for one year term to expire June 30, 2009. Alderman McDonnell recused himself from the vote.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to reappoint Pat Williams as Civil Defense Director and Jeff Ponson as Alternate Civil Defense Director for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to reappoint Daryl Dryden as City Prosecuting Attorney for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to reappoint Matthew Mestayer as City Judge for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to reappoint George Murphy as City Judge Pro Tem/City Prosecuting Attorney Pro Tem for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Dalgo, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to appoint Alderman Greg Denyer as Mayor Pro Tem and Jerry Dalgo as Alternate Mayor Pro Tem for one year term to expire June 30, 2009.
Alderman Dalgo reported a problem at Bienville Place concerning non-residents fishing out of the pond that is owned by the Homeowners Association. The Police Chief will provide extra patrol in that area.
Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to turn on water to sprinkler system at Monticello Woods at the entrance sign.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion was made by Alderman Hagan, seconded by Alderman Dalgo 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 Denyer, seconded by Alderman Dalgo and unanimously carried to remain in executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding breach of contract and personnel in the Mayor, Planning and Court Departments.
Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to come out of executive session and return to regular session.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to direct the City Clerk to not pay any fuel costs incurred in Wayne County, Mississippi, because fuel was not used for proper municipal purposes.
Motion was made by Alderman Denyer, seconded by Alderman McDonnell and unanimously carried to include the City Judge in the City’s health insurance program.
Motion was made by Alderman McDonnell, seconded by Alderman Gill and unanimously carried to accept three cottages through Mississippi Cottage Program to be placed at Gulf Islands National Seashore and to transfer ownership to the seashore park March, 2009.
Motion was made by Alderman Gill, seconded by Alderman Denyer and unanimously carried to adjourn until 6:00 p.m. on July 16, 2008.
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City Clerk Mayor
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