REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008 AT 5:00 P.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Henson.

 

Present:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Sephus Garrett of Christian Fellowship and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to confirm the agenda order for this meeting with an amendment to add an amendment to the claims docket; add Randy Hammon to citizens hearing.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilman Harris not present at meeting at this time) to approve the minutes dated January 02, 2008.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council (Councilman Harris not present at meeting at this time) to approve the following proclamations to be issued by the Mayor:

           

                        January 21, 2008 – “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day”

                        January 28 – February 2, 2008 – “Catholic Schools Week”

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14229       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ADDENDUM TO

                                    MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MERIDIAN

                                    HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (TWO

                                    LIAISON OFFICERS)

 

and, Councilwoman Perry seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Perry offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14230       ORDER AUTHORIZING INCREASE IN PERSONNEL SLOTS

                                    FOR SWORN POLICE OFFICERS FROM 102 TO 103

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry to allow off-duty law enforcement officers to use public uniforms and weapons in performance of certain private security duties.  Discussion was held.  City Attorney Bill Hammack stated that the Legislature passed legislation that would allow governing authorities of municipalities to allow off-duty law enforcement officers to wear official uniforms and utilize official firearms issued by the municipality.  He stated that even though the legislation shielded the city from liability that he felt if something went to federal court that the city would incur liability.  Also, if the city decided to allow this, each officer would have to approach the Council on an employee by employee basis for approval.  He recommended that the city did not adopt this policy.  Councilman Harris felt that this should be allowed and that it would be considered a fringe benefit.  Police Chief Benny Dubose said he was all for this until he met with other police chiefs at a conference and discussion was held about this statute.  Councilman Palmer stated that he did not support allowing this.  Councilwoman Perry stated that she would go along with what the City Attorney recommended.  Her problem was this statute did not protect the city on the federal level.  Councilman Thomas stated that he could not support this.  Councilwoman Henson also stated that she could not support this.  After discussion, said motion to allow off-duty law enforcement officers to use public uniforms and weapons in performance of certain private security duties failed due to the lack of a majority.  Voting yea: Harris.  Voting nay: Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer.

 

 

            Next on the agenda was the order setting salaries for the mayor and city council to be effective July, 2009 after the next election.  This raise would not affect the current mayor and council members.  Councilman Harris stated he would like to see the mayor’s salary raised to $100,000 because of the responsibility and duties of the mayor.  After discussion, Councilman Thomas offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #14231       ORDER SETTING SALARIES FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

                                    MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY, 2009

 

and, Councilwoman Perry seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer.

Nay:  Harris.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Perry duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated January 10, 2008 in the amount of $1,862,237.27 with an amendment to add Purchase Order No. 802472 in the amount of $559.14.

 

 

            President Henson called on Mayor Smith for his report.  He asked Sharon Smith to come and go over the events planned for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.  Sharon Smith and Pamela Graham appeared.  Ms. Smith stated that this would be the 9th annual celebration which will include a gala, parade, breakfast and scholarships.  The gala will be Saturday at the Riley Center from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Proceeds will go to the scholarship and educational benefits program.  MCC will hold a program on Friday at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a candlelight vigil on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.  There will be a breakfast Monday at 8:00 a.m. with the parade at 12:00 noon and the celebration at 1:30 p.m. at Dumont Plaza.  Ms. Graham stated that the Jackson State University’s Marching Band, The Sonic Boom of the South, will be in the parade as well as the Meridian High School band.  Ms. Smith stated that this year’s theme is “Our Youth: A Testament of Hope”.   Mayor Smith stated that the city is experiencing a positive ripple from the visit of Oprah to Meridian.  He commended Mark Naylor, Connie Royal, Maureen Lofton, Ken Storms, public works crews, parks and recreation crews, and the police, fire and homeland security personnel for helping to make this event go without a hitch.  He stated he was proud of all of them and of the city.  Parks & Recreation Director Mark Naylor appeared regarding the Just Lose It campaign which was originally set up as a three month program.  This campaign has been extended.  He urged people to go to the city’s web site and sign up for this program.  Mayor Smith stated Oprah and her staff complimented two groups which were the crowd and the media.  The crown was polite and courteous with no pushing or shoving.  The media was good to work with because of their professional handling of themselves in interviews.  Councilwoman Perry stated she would like to see this program submitted to the National League of Cities for recognition.

 

 

            President Henson called for citizens comments.  Randy Hammon, 2516 28th Avenue, appeared representing CAFA.  He said he was excited to see the city council meet with some of the supervisors regarding the abandoned structures in the city.  He wanted to know if anything had been done yet.  Councilman Thomas stated that there has been some contact about possible sources of trucks.  They plan to meet with the supervisors again.

 

 

            President Henson called for council comments.  Councilman Harris stated that in reference to the police uniforms that he thought it was good in order for those police officers to have a fringe benefit and felt this was one.  He also commented on the mayor’s salary.  He said they expect a lot out of the mayor and it is a lot of work involved in running this city.  The council members don’t have cell phones and vehicles but his phone rings all the time.  Some people think the city council is a full-time job.  He disagrees with the amount set for the salaries for the city council also.  He said he was excited about going to Love’s Kitchen.  The community needs to support this program and get involved.  The pluses for Oprah’s visit out weighs the negatives.  He feels the city and county will work together this year.  He congratulated Ray Boswell on being elected president and Mr. Newell on his election.  The community needs to be supported by working together.  There are a lot of things going on for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and everyone needs to stay focused on what the day is about and what Dr. King stood for.  Mission Meridian will hold the annual Mayor’s prayer breakfast on February 29th.  Councilman Palmer stated the city council has been assured that the supervisors know that they have an obligation to all of Lauderdale County.  He will be carrying on this conversation with Supervisor Joe Norwood when they talk about paving streets in the city.  He said he would like to see a street cut from Sykes Field to Old Hwy 80.  He thanked the people on the west side of Meridian for not seeing one pair of undershorts since the last meeting.  They have started wearing long shirts.  Parents are taking charges.  Councilman Harris stated he was at a neighborhood watch program last night.  Lt. Wade Johnson was leading this meeting.  He encouraged citizens to join together for a neighborhood watch program.  He said he would like to have another town hall type meeting.  Councilman Palmer stated that PERS will hold a work session on February 20th at MSU/Meridian for future retirees.  Those who want to attend need to sign up.  Councilwoman Perry stated that there will be a ribbon cutting at Love’s Kitchen some time this month.  She commended Northwest Jr. High school basketball teams.  The 9th graders look like professionals.  Caucuses will be in February and primary elections will be in March.  Councilman Thomas stated that the Meridian High boy’s soccer team is in the state play offs.  The boys’ basketball team is having a good year but the girls are struggling.  He congratulated Videt Carmichael for being appointed as Chair of the Education Committee in the Senate.  He reminded everyone that what they read in the paper that it is news – it is not the norm.  When you read something bad about a kid, you need to remember all the others that are doing well.  The MCC girls’ basketball team has had a good year.  There are a lot of people doing really good things.  Council President Henson stated that people choose to be joyful no matter the circumstances.  She said this council disagrees sometimes but are not disagreeable.

 

            An executive session was requested regarding economic development and a personnel matter.  Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to close the meeting to determine whether to declare an executive session.  Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to declare an executive session in order to discuss economic development and a personnel matter.  The Council then went into executive session.  Motion was made by Councilman Thomas duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the council to go out of executive session.  President Henson called the meeting back to order.  No action was taken regarding the executive session.       

 

            There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, the meeting was adjourned.  Sine die.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,  

 

                                                                        Pam McInnis, Clerk of Council