Beer Ordinance
At a previous meeting of the board, I proposed a change to the city’s beer ordinance that would allow for the sale of cold beer. This change passed by a 6-1 vote of the board and will take effect on Sept. 5. A copy of the entire ordinance can be obtained from either City Hall or Starkville’s Web site: http://www.cityofstarkville.org/government/ord2005.html.
University Bike Path
Patrick Nordin, representing Starkville in Motion, made a presentation for a bike lane to be placed within University Drive. Patrick has been working with Bill Webb, Matt Cox and other city officials on the plan. Representatives from Starkville in Motion contacted the residents and businesses along University Drive, and the only objection came from the Catholic Church, which feared losing some of its upfront parking. However, it is placing a bike rack in front as more and more of the congregation ride bikes to church. Matt Cox motioned approval, and I seconded with the entire board approving the measure. The only pressing legal concern left is with making sure that proper maintenance is made on the paths to prevent potential accidents.
Municipal Complex
At a prior meeting of the board, a presentation from Shafer & Associates was made on a proposed new Justice Complex which would include a new police department, municipal court and electric department. The location of the proposed design was downtown off of Highway 182. Upon further development of this new proposed location, a vote of the general public will be used to decide whether the location should be placed downtown or off of Miss. Highway 25. The building department in City Hall contains both plans, which are open to the public.
Emergency Meeting
Mayor Dan Camp called an emergency meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Aug. 30 to prepare for the impending hurricane. At that meeting the board unanimously voted to declare a local state of emergency. This allows for the city to apply for various disaster relief funds if necessary. In that motion, the board gave Dan Camp authority to review the situation in seven days and make a decision whether to continue the state of emergency.
New City Officials
A majority of the board voted to maintain all department heads in their current positions. Three new city positions were created, with their job description being drafted by Ward 3 Alderman P.C. McLaurin. After advertising for the positions and conducting a series of interviews, the board hired Lynn Spruill as chief administrative officer at $50,000 per year, George Rummel as city planner at $50,000 per year and Tammy Tyndall as administrative assistant at $31,000 per year. In addition, the city set out to hire a new city attorney. Mr. Rodney Favor was selected for the position with his salary being approved at $50,000 per year. Finally, sanitation received its own department head, Sharon Boyd.
City Budget
Currently, Starkville’s budget committee consists of Ward 5 Alderman Matt Cox as chair, along with Ward 2 Alderman Jim Mills and Ward 7 Alderwoman Janette Self. This committee is tasked with developing a balanced budget for the city. Sept. 15 is the deadline for the board to vote on a final budget for the upcoming fiscal year. At a previous board meeting Matt Cox made a presentation on sources of revenue generation. At the Tuesday meeting of the board, Cox will make a presentation on proposed expenditures that the city will make.