Regular City Council Meeting

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MUNICIPAL MINUTES CITY OF TUPELO STATE OF MISSISSIPPI JUNE 01, 2021 Be it remembered that a regular meeting of the Tupelo City Council was held in the Council Chambers in the City Hall building on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. with the following in attendance: Council members Markel Whittington, Lynn Bryan, Travis Beard, Nettie Davis, Buddy Palmer, Mike Bryan and Willie Jennings; Attorney Ben Logan and Missy Shelton, Clerk of the Council. Council Member Mike Bryan introduced Michael Watkins, Executive Pastor at Cornerstone Church, who led the invocation. Council Member Palmer led the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Mike Bryan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. CONFIRMATION OR AMENDMENT TO THE AGENDA AND AGENDA ORDER Council Member Palmer moved, seconded by Council Member Whittington, to confirm the agenda and agenda order, as presented. The vote was unanimous in favor. PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND REPORTS AGENDA PROCLAMATIONS IN THE MATTER OF 246TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY PROCLAMATION Mayor Shelton presented a proclamation to Staff Sergeant Nicholas Bordwine and 1SG William Curry proclaiming June 14, 2021, the 246th birthday of the United States Army. APPENDIX A EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Mayor Shelton called Alex Farned, Director of Parks and Recreation, to recognize Fireman Ro Traylor and Police Officer Tremain Frison. In 2019, Tupelo received a $35,000 Healthy Heroes grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. Mr. Traylor and Mr. Frison were instrumental in the success of this grant because of their diligence in educating grades K-5 in healthy foods. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Council Member Davis thanked Kathryn Rhea and all those who participated in the tornado cleanup in the Park Hill area. Council Member Palmer thanked Alex Farned and all the others who were responsible for the Memorial Day Program at Veteran's Park. Council Member Jennings shared that he and his wife have recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. MAYOR'S REMARKS Mayor Shelton stated that the Memorial Day program was a great event with a very large crowd attending and Council Member Palmer served as the MC. He acknowledged two recent retirees of the City of Tupelo - Thomas Walker, Fire Chief and Craig Russell, Operations Director of the Bancorp South Arena. He thanked Keep Tupelo Beautiful representative, Kathryn Rhea, for spear heading the recent cleanup in the Park Hill area. Covid-19 cases are dropping and he continued to encourage all those who haven't already, to get the vaccine. There are two more State of the City addresses, as follows: Ward 6 - June 3 at Thomas Street School and Ward 7 - June 7 at Theron Nichols Community Center. Lastly, the Mayor reminded everyone to remember to vote in the June 8 General Election. PUBLIC AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS IN THE MATTER OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOT MOWING No one appeared to speak on the public hearing for lot mowing at the following property: Parcel Location 077D2515711 1208 EUGENE STREET APPEALS CITIZEN HEARING ACTION AGENDA ROUTINE AGENDA IN THE MATTER OF APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2021, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Member L Bryan moved, seconded by Council Member Palmer to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on May 18, 2021. The vote was unanimous in favor. IN THE MATTER OF BILL PAY Bills were reviewed at 4:30 p.m. by Council members: Markel Whittington, Travis Beard, and Buddy Palmer; and Accounts Payable Clerk, Traci Dillard. Council Member Beard moved, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to approve the payment of the checks, bills, claims and utility adjustments. The vote was unanimous in favor. APPENDIX B IN THE MATTER OF LOT MOWING Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Beard, to approve the final lot mowing list, as submitted. The vote was unanimous in favor, and a copy of the list is included as APPENDIX C. IN THE MATTER OF APPROVAL OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES FROM MAY 25, 2021 Council Member Jennings moved, seconded by Council Member Palmer, to approve the Traffic Committee minutes of May 25, 2021. The vote was unanimous in favor. APPENDIX D IN THE MATTER OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SURPLUS VEHICLE AND TO SELL AT AUCTION TWL Director Johnny Timmons requested the Council to surplus a 2008 Ford F-350 truck VIN 5910 and to sell at the next auction. Council Member Whittington moved, seconded by Council Member Beard, to approve the surplus and sale at auction. APPENDIX E STUDY AGENDA EXECUTIVE SESSION Council Member Davis moved, seconded by Council Member Jennings, to close the regular session to determine the need for an executive session. Attorney Ben Logan said the session will be for the prospective purchase, sale or leasing of lands under Miss. Code Anno. 25-41-7 (g) (c) (1972 as amended). The vote was unanimous in favor at 6:17 p.m. Council Member Whittington moved, seconded by Council Member Palmer, to close the regular session and enter executive session for discussion of the purchase, sale or leasing of lands under Miss. Code Anno. 25-41-7 (g) (c) (1972 as amended). The vote was unanimous in favor. After discussion in executive session, Council Member Jennings moved, seconded Council Member Davis to return to the regular meeting at 6:21 p.m.The vote was unanimous in favor.  OFFICE OF THE MAYOR United States army birthday PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established a Continental Army to secure the common defense of the original 13 colonies during the War for Independence; and WHEREAS, the United States Army exists to preserve the Republic and defend the liberty and freedom of its citizens and national security interests; and WHEREAS, many citizens of Tupelo served our country as members of the United States Army and gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation; and WHEREAS, it is proper to recognize the United States Army annually on its birthday and thank those who have served and those who are presently serving our nation; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jason L. Shelton, Mayor of the City of Tupelo, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2021, as the 246th Birthday of the United States army in Tupelo, and commend its observance to all citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Tupelo, Mississippi to be affixed this the 1st day of June, 2021. Jason L. Shelton, Mayor ATTEST: Kim Hanna, City Clerk  CHECK INFORMATION FOR COUNCIL MEETING June 1, 2021 FUND CHECK NUMBERS POOL CASH 402112-402409 EFT 50001113-50001124 TWL ADJUSTMENTS 1-75 ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS AS SHOWN ON THE FACE OF DOCKET INVOICES AS SHOWN ON FACE OF DOCKET  Preliminary Lot Mowing Report for 6/1/2021 Violation Ref Parcel Location Owner Owner Address Owner City State Zip Inspector 1. 32970 077D2515700 1208 EUGENE LIEBLING LUCILLE 6111 HWY 50 E STEENS, MS 39766 JLS ST M ESTATE 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Memo To: Tupelo City Council From: Tupelo Traffic Committee Subject: Review/Approve Traffic Committee Minutes of May 25, 2021 Date: May 26, 2021 Attached are the minutes of the Traffic Committee Meeting on May 25, 2021. The following is a summary of their actions. Old Business: 1. A request from Ms. Lindsey Cochran, Tel. 662-422-9007, for the installation of 40 mph speed limits signs on Heardtown Road. Action: Postponed 2. A request from Mr. Don Lewis, COO, for the installation of a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Park and Leake Streets. Action: Postponed New Business: 1. A request from The Grove Neighborhood Association c/o Mr. Henry Robinson, 529 Wooten Cove, Tel. 769-251-3315, for the installation of speed tables throughout the neighborhood. Action: Postponed 2. A request from Ms. Amanda Powell, 145 Road 1046, Tupelo, Tel. 662-321-7158, abpowell51@yahoo.com, for the installation of a caution light in front of Bissell Baptist Church, 4662 Main Street, for driver’s turning left. Postponed: Postponed 3. A request from Ms. Sasha Robinson, 2981 Old Belden Circle, Tel. 662-213-7734, sashasenter93@gmail.com, for the installation of an “Autistic Child” sign on each end of the road. Action: Approved “Watch for Children” sign Tupelo City Council May 26, 2021 Page 2 4. A request from Ms. Maegan Knight, 2482 Barnes Crossing Road, Tel. 662-401-5714, for the installation of an “Autistic Child” sign. Action: Approved “Watch for Children” sign 5. A request from Mr. Jacque Grayson, 2461 Barnes Crossing Road, Tel. 662-842-4748, for the installation of “Slow-Children at Play” signs on Barnes Crossing Road (before the hill). Action: Approved “Watch for Children” sign 6. A request from the Big Oaks Homeowner’s Association c/o George Rutledge, 3446 Mosseycup Drive, Tel. 662-231-7178, georgerutledge56@gmail.com, for the installation of some “Slow-Children at Play” signs to be installed in the neighborhood and help with speeding and cut-through traffic. Action: Postponed to perform speed study 7. A request from the Wilemon Acres Neighborhood Association c/o Ms. Sara Rutledge, 413 N. Ione Street, Tel. 662-231-9566, for the installation of stop signs on Thomas Street at Holmes, Crabapple and Rhenda (at the new addition). Action: Denied 8. A request from Mr. Lyndsey Rasberry, 2501 Bryan Drive, Tel. 770-410-9195, for help with excessive speeding. Action: Postponed to allow TPD to install digital radar sign and monitor traffic 9. A request from the Bristow Acres Planning Committee for installation of the following: a) Marquette and Lumpkin: Flashing red light at stop sign b) George and West Jackson: Flashing caution light c) Lumpkin (Down by railroad tracks): Speed tables d) Marquette: Speed tables on both ends e) West and East Bristow: Speed tables on both ends f) George: Speed tables off hill at George and Lambard Action: Postponed items (a) and (b); Denied items (c), (d), (e) and (f) 10. A request thru Mr. Emmitt Foster for help with on street parking at the intersection of Bickerstaff Street and Shonda Circle. Action: Postponed to allow fire marshals to speak to church Tupelo City Council May 26, 2021 Page 3 11. A request from the American Family Association, c/o Mr. Stephen Ladd with McCarty Architects, for the installation of a raised crosswalk/speed table on Parkgate Drive for their employees to safely cross the road from the parking lot to their building. Action: Postponed to get approval of other businesses affected 12. A request thru Mr. Chuck Williams, Public Works Director, for the installation of 20 mph and “Watch for Children” signs on Mercer Street. Action: Approved  MINUTES OF THE TUPELO TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MAY 25, 2021 A regular meeting of the Tupelo Traffic Committee was held on May 25, 2021, at 9:00 am in the in the council chambers on the 2nd floor at City Hall. Members present were Mr. Dennis Bonds, Mr. Jimmy Avery, Mr. Norman Cruse, Mr. Jake Logan, Mr. Barton Wynn, Mr. Emmitt Foster, Mr. Mike Williams and Mrs. Pam Blassingame. Ms. Shanta Jones and Officer Patrick Johnson were absent. Audience members were Mr. Johnny Timmons, Manager TW&L, Mr. Don Lewis, City COO, Mr. Chuck Williams, Director PW, Mr. Jason Rush, PW, Mr. Stephen Reed, City Attorney, Mr. George Rutledge (NB#6), Mr. Jim Curtis (NB#6), Mr. Tom Collins (NB#6), Mr. Charlie Eatmon (NB#10), Mr. Stephen Ladd (NB#11) and Mr. Walker Wilemon (NB#11). Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Dennis Bonds. A motion was made by Mr. Norman Cruse to approve the Traffic Committee minutes of the February 11, 2021 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jimmy Avery and it passed unanimously. Old Business 1. A request from Ms. Lindsey Cochran, Tel. 662-422-9007, for the installation of 40 mph speed limit signs on Heardtown Road. Mr. Dennis Bonds reminded the committee that the south side of Heardtown Road is in the city and the north side is in the county. He stated that he has not been able to talk to the county supervisor about this yet and therefore, he made a motion to postpone this item. Mr. Norman Cruse seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 2. A request from Mr. Don Lewis, COO, for the installation of a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Park and Leake Streets. Mr. Dennis Bonds noted that during construction on Jackson Street, this 4-way stop has been temporarily installed. Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to postpone this item until construction is complete and see if it is still needed. This request was seconded by Mr. Emmit Foster and it passed unanimously. New Business 1. A request from The Grove Neighborhood Association c/o Mr. Henry Robinson, 529 Wooten Cove, Tel. 769-251-3315, for the installation of speed tables throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to postpone this item until the Traffic Committee has completed the Speed Table Policy. Mr. Jimmy Avery seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 2. A request from Ms. Amanda Powell, 145 Road 1046, Tupelo, Tel. 662-321-7158, abpowell51@yahoo.com, for the installation of a caution light in front of Bissell Baptist Church, 4662 Main Street, for driver’s turning left. Tupelo Traffic Committee May 25, 2021 Page 2 The speed limit in the area is 45 mph. Mr. Dennis Bonds made a motion to postpone this item to allow a check of the accident history and possibly a traffic count. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jimmy Avery and it passed unanimously. 3. A request from Ms. Sasha Robinson, 2981 Old Belden Circle, Tel. 662-213-7734, sashasenter93@gmail.com, for the installation of an “Autistic Child” sign on each end of the road. Mr. Chuck Williams asked the committee to consider “Watch for Children” signs instead of the specialty sign. He stated that after these specialty signs are installed, often times the families move away or the children grow up and no one ever notifies us that the signs are no longer needed, but a “Watch for Children” sign would cover all situations. Therefore, Mr. Jake Logan made a motion to install “Watch for Children” signs. Mr. Norman Cruse seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 4. A request from Ms. Maegan Knight, 2482 Barnes Crossing Road, Tel. 662-401-5714, for the installation of an “Autistic Child” sign. Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to approve installation of “Watch for Children” signs and it was seconded by Mr. Jimmy Avery. The motion passed unanimously. 5. A request from Mr. Jacque Grayson, 2461 Barnes Crossing Road, Tel. 662-842-4748, for the installation of “Slow-Children at Play” signs on Barnes Crossing Road (before the hill). Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to approve installation of “Watch for Children” signs and it was seconded by Mr. Jimmy Avery. The motion passed unanimously. 6. A request from the Big Oaks Homeowner’s Association c/o George Rutledge, 3446 Mosseycup Drive, Tel. 662-231-7178, georgerutledge56@gmail.com, for the installation of some “Slow-Children at Play” signs to be installed in the neighborhood and help with speeding and cut-through traffic. Mr. George Rutledge, Mr. Jim Curtis and Mr. Tom Collins were present to discuss this item. Mr. Rutledge stated that most of the speeding problems are from people cutting through from Barnes Crossing Road to CR 811. He also stated that the posted speed limit is 15 mph and he thinks that is too slow. Mr. Rutledge asked if the committee could do a speed study and also study the feasibility of speed tables and “Watch for Children” signs. Mr. Mike Williams made a motion to perform a speed study and present findings at the next meeting. Mr. Barton Wynn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 7. A request from the Wilemon Acres Neighborhood Association c/o Ms. Sara Rutledge, 413 N. Ione Street, Tel. 662-231-9566, for the installation of a stop signs on Thomas Street at Holmes, Crabapple and Rhenda (at the new addition). Tupelo Traffic Committee May 25, 2021 Page 3 Mr. Jason Rush noted that an intersection marker sign has been installed at Holmes Street. Mr. Dennis Bonds stated that Thomas Street is designated as a collector road and no eligible for speed tables. Mr. Jimmy Avery made a motion to deny this request which was seconded by Mr. Jake Logan. The motion passed unanimously. 8. A request from Mr. Lyndsey Rasberry, 2501 Bryan Drive, Tel. 770-410-9195, for help with excessive speeding. Mr. Dennis Bonds made a motion to request that TPD install their digital radar sign and report the findings at the next meeting. Mr. Mike Williams seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. 9. A request from the Bristow Acres Planning Committee for installation of the following: a) Marquette and Lumpkin: Flashing red light at stop sign b) George and West Jackson: Flashing caution light c) Lumpkin (Down by railroad tracks): Speed tables d) Marquette: Speed tables on both ends e) West and East Bristow: Speed tables on both ends f) George: Speed tables off hill at George and Lambard Mr. Dennis Bonds noted that Lumpkin Street is classified as a collector and Marquette, Bristow Drive and George Street are classified as residential and are not eligible for speed tables. Therefore, Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to postpone items (a) and (b) to check on costs associated with these lights and perform a traffic count and to deny items (c), (d), (e) and (f) due their classifications. Mr. Jimmy Avery seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 10. A request thru Mr. Emmitt Foster for help with on street parking at the intersection of Bickerstaff Street and Shonda Circle. Mr. Charlie Eatmon was present to discuss this item. He stated that the problem arises when the Harvestime Church has events such as weddings, funerals and special programs. During these times, church members and guests will park on both sides of Shonda leading into the circle, which drastically narrows the roadway and makes it very hard for residents to get into and out of their homes. It also makes it impassable for a fire truck or ambulance. It was noted additional parking is located behind the church. Mr. Emmitt Foster suggested installing “No Parking” signs on the east side of the street. Concern was expressed that the No Parking signs could hinder the residences on the east side. Therefore, Mr. Jimmy Avery made a motion to postpone this item and allow the fire marshals check code requirements and to contact the pastor or elders of the church and ask if they could help by speaking to their congregation about not blocking the road during events. The motion was seconded by Mr. Norman Cruse and it passed unanimously. 11. A request from the American Family Assocation, c/o Mr. Stephen Ladd with McCarty Architects, for the installation of a raised crosswalk/speed table on Parkgate Drive for their employees to safely cross the road from the parking lot to their building. Tupelo Traffic Committee May 25, 2021 Page 4 Mr. Stephen Ladd and Mr. Walker Wilemon were present to discuss this item. Mr. Ladd explained that all parking for AFA is on the south side of the street with 75% of the employees working in the buildings on the north side of the street. AFA is requesting a raised crosswalk/speed table to allow their employees to safely cross the street and to slow down cut through traffic from Thomas Street to Main Street. It was noted that per city policy, speed tables must be installed in pairs at a total cost of $7,000. Mr. Dennis Bonds made a motion to postpone this item and allow AFA to provide approval from the dentist office, Skate Zone and any other businesses on Parkgate that would be affected by this request. The motion was seconded by Mr. Emmitt Foster and it passed unanimously. 12. A request thru Mr. Chuck Williams for the installation of a 20 mph and “Watch for Children” signs on Mercer Street. Mr. Williams explained that there is no posted speed limit signs or “Watch for Children” signs on Mercer Street. He also said they would install one pole with both signs mounted. Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to approve this request and it was seconded by Mr. Jake Logan. The motion passed unanimously. With there being no further business, Mr. Norman Cruse made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Emmitt Foster seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Submitted by: Pam Blassingame  AGENDA REQUEST TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Johnny Timmons, Manager TW&L DATE May 26, 2021 SUBJECT: IN THE MATTER OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SURPLUS VEHICLE JT Request: I respectfully request your approval to surplus the following truck:  2008 Ford F-350 PU Truck, VIN 1FDWW30R68ED85910 (TWL Unit # 19A) After declaration as surplus, this truck will be disposed of through the city auction. Thank you for your cooperation.