Board of Mayor and Aldermen

1415 Walnut Street City of Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS 39180 Minutes - Final Board of Mayor and Aldermen George Flaggs, Jr., Mayor Michael A. Mayfield, Sr., Alderman Alex J. Monsour, Jr., Alderman Tuesday, September 10, 2019 10:00 AM Robert M. Walker Building 1. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Call to Order Invocation was given by Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Debra Goodman 2. Roll Call Also Present: Nancy Thomas, City Attorney Walter W. Osborne, Jr., City Clerk Tasha W. Jordan, Deputy City Clerk Present: 3 - Mayor George Flaggs Jr. Alderman Michael A. Mayfield Sr. Alderman Alex J. Monsour Jr. 3. Board Comments: 4. Adopt Agenda On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Agenda as printed. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. Recognitions: A. ID-19-1039 Employee Anniversaries: 25 years of service: Steven Bailey - Landscape; Paula Wright - Inspection Department 15 years of service: Derrick Gardner - Fire Department Mayor Flaggs recognized Steven Bailey in the Landscaping Department and Paula Wright in the Inspection Department with twenty-five (25) years each of service and Derrick Gardner with the Fire Department for fifteen (15) years of service. The Mayor and Aldermen congratulated Steven Bailey, Paula Wright and Derrick Gardner for their years of service with the City of Vicksburg. B. ID-19-1033 Proclamation: Hunger-Free Vicksburg Month Attachments: PROCLAMATION Hunger Approval of Consent Agenda Items: On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Consent Agenda Items. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. A. ID-19-1038 Adopt Board Meeting Minutes for: 1. July 25, 2019 2. August 2, 2019 (Special Called) 3. August 8, 2019 4. August 9, 2019 5. August 14, 2019 (Special Called) B. ID-19-1040 Approve the following Personnel Action Forms: 1. Resignation - Gas Department (1) 2. Reinstatement after Resignation Rescinded - Fire Department (1) City of Vicksburg Page 1 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 C. ID-19-1018 Approve request for advertisement in the amount of $1,000.00 from the Metro-Jackson Alcorn Alumni Chapter, Inc. for broadcast of eleven (11) Alcorn State University 2019 football games pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code Attachments: Alcorn Broadcast Games Mayor Flaggs stated that purchasing an advertisement from Metro-Jackson Alcorn Alumni Chapter, Inc. will bring into favorable notice the opportunities, possibilities and resources of the City of Vicksburg and will be helpful toward advancing the moral, financial and other interest of the City of Vicksburg. On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg approved the purchase of a sponsorship ad from Metro-Jackson Alcorn Alumni Chapter, Inc. for broadcast of eleven (11) Alcorn State University 2019 football games in the amount of $1,000.00. The City is authorized pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. D. ID-19-1020 Approve invoice #3499 for payment in the amount of $5,952.60 from Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport for the month of July 2019 Attachments: VTR Invoice E. ID-19-1030 Approve request from Debbie Haworth Peacock for: 1. Permission to host the Inaugural Reindeer Run 5K on Saturday, December 7, 2019 2. Close streets (via attached route) beginning at 8:00 a.m. 3. Assistance from Vicksburg Police, Fire, Traffic, and Community Service Departments 4. Use of barricades for the event Attachments: Reindeer Run F. ID-19-1024 Approve request from Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. to reserve motor coach on November 6 - 7, 2019 Attachments: Bus Reservation for 110619 G. ID-19-1025 Accept Letter Establishing Special Assessment and Adopt Resolution for Cutting and Cleaning of the following properties: 1. 2329 Grove Street, PPIN 20240; owned by Easthaven Tax Buyers LLC 2. 2511 Cedar Street, PPIN 15576; owned by Wheatley Estate c/o Annie Harrison 3. 1305 Bowmar Avenue, PPIN 16767; owned by Gary B. & Tonisha S. Foucha 4. Washington Street, PPIN 16730; owned by Dinnie K. Johnston 5. 920 Polk Street, PPIN 15851; owned by Darlene Cobbs Miles 6. 2628 Roosevelt, PPIN 13071; owned by Stacey Smith & Quenitn Smith 7. 711 Dabney, PPIN 16731; owned by Connie Thomas Craft et al 8. 316 A Lakehill Drive, PPIN 7720; owned by Katie Thomas 9. 1609 Marcus Street, PPIN 13852; owned by State of Mississippi 10. 1715 Lane Street, PPIN 15563; owned by State of Mississippi 11. Bowmar, PPIN 29752; owned by State of Mississippi Attachments: Special Assessments 2 The Letters (Statements) and Resolutions on the following properties were presented to the Board: 1. 2329 Grove Street, PPIN 20240; owned by Easthaven Tax Buyers LLC 2. 2511 Cedar Street, PPIN 15576; owned by Wheatley Estate c/o Annie Harrison 3. 1305 Bowmar Avenue, PPIN 16767; owned by Gary B. & Tonisha S. Foucha 4. Washington Street, PPIN 16730; owned by Dinnie K. Johnston 5. 920 Polk Street, PPIN 15851; owned by Darlene Cobbs Miles 6. 2628 Roosevelt, PPIN 13071; owned by Stacey Smith & Quentin Smith 7. 711 Dabney, PPIN 16731; owned by Connie Thomas Craft et al 8. 316 A Lakehill Drive, PPIN 7720; owned by Katie Thomas City of Vicksburg Page 2 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 9. 1609 Marcus Street, PPIN 13852; owned by State of Mississippi 10. 1715 Lane Street, PPIN 15563; owned by State of Mississippi 11. Bowmar, PPIN 29752; owned by State of Mississippi On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept the foregoing Letters (Statements) for cost of cutting and cleaning lots and Adopt the following Resolutions establishing Special Assessments. H. ID-19-1014 Adopt Resolution to Establish Downtown Taxing District Attachments: Resolution-Downtown Taxing District I. ID-19-1027 Adopt Resolution Granting Conditional Approval for Tax Abatement for 1201 Openwood Street (PPIN 18669) Attachments: Tax Abatement J. ID-19-1015 Approve Claims Docket The City Clerk presented the Docket of Claims numbering 1623-1929, 154711 and 156002-156365. Routine Agenda: A. ID-19-1017 Receive Sealed Bids for: 1. Section 592 Waterline Improvements, Phase I 2. Central Fire Station Window Replacement On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to received Sealed Bids for: 1. Section 592 Waterline Improvements, Phase I 2. Central Fire Station Window Replacement SECTION 592 WATERLINE IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE I HEMPHILL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, P.O. Drawer 879; Florence, MS 39073 C.O.R# 02449-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $5,030,815.20 Acknowledge Receipt of Addendum 1,2 and 3: Yes S & J CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., P.O. Box 5003; Jacksonville, AR 72078 C.O.R# 08804-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $5,309,226.82 Acknowledge Receipt of Addendum 1,2 and 3: Yes UTILITY CONSTRUCTORS, INC., P.O. Box 13627; Jackson, MS 39236 C.O.R# 16721-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $5,336,483.00 Acknowledge Receipt of Addendum 1,2 and 3: Yes NECAISE BROS. CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., 21040 Coastal Parkway; Gulfport, MS 39503 C.O.R# 05004-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $6,029,516.46 Acknowledge Receipt of Addendum 1,2 and 3: Yes One (1) Electronic Bid Received: KAJACS CONTRACTORS, INC., P.O. Box 969; Poplar Bluff, MO 63902 C.O.R# 11703-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $5,899,500.00 Acknowledge Receipt of Addendum 1,2 and 3: Yes On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept and refer the foregoing bids to EJES, Inc. for review and recommendation back to the Board for award. CENTRAL FIRE STATION WINDOW REPLACEMENT: FORDICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, P.O. Box 1101; Vicksburg, MS 39181 C.O.R# 00016-MC 5% Bid Bond: Yes Bid Amount: $328,800.00 Alt 1: $33,300.00 Alt 2: $ 24,000.00 Alt 3: $21,150.00 Alt 4: (deduct) $29,800.00 No Electronic Bids Received City of Vicksburg Page 3 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept and refer the foregoing bid to the Selection Committee for review and recommendation back to the Board for award. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. B. ID-19-1016 Discuss Southern Cultural Heritage Center Updates Ms. Stacey Mahoney, of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, came before the Board to inform the public of the upcoming events at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center for the month of September 2019, and invited the public to attend. The Mayor and Aldermen thanked Ms. Mahoney for attending the meeting. C. ID-19-1019 Adopt Budget Amendments On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt Budget Amendments for September 10, 2019. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. `D. ID-19-1028 Approve request from Ann Grimshel, Purchasing Director: 1. Permission to enter a float in the Christmas Parade to represent the City of Vicksburg 2. Expend funds in the amount of $2,000.00 from the Administration Budget to purchase promotional items pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code Annotated Attachments: Christmas Parade On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the request from Ann Grimshel, Purchasing Director: 1. Permission to enter a float in the Christmas Parade to represent the City of Vicksburg 2. Expend funds in the amount of $2,000.00 from the Administration Budget to purchase promotional items pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code Annotated. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. E. ID-19-1029 Declare all items listed on the attached forms as surplus property for the online auction that opens on September 24, 2019 and closes on October 1, 2019 Attachments: Surplus Property On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to declare all items listed on the attached forms as surplus property for the online auction that opens on September 24, 2019, and closes on October 1, 2019. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. F. ID-19-1023 Hearing to determine whether or not the properties listed on the Community Development Agenda are a public menace to the public health, safety and welfare of the community Attachments: Special Assessments Jeff Richardson, Director of Community Development, came for a hearing before the Board to discuss a request to proceed to cut, clean and demolish the following properties: 1201 Clay Street, PPIN 018928; owned by D. Properties LLC - (Remove dilapidated building) 3622 Washington Street, PPIn 015669; owned by Bristar 1 LLC - (Cut grass/weeds, remove trash & debris) On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor City of Vicksburg Page 4 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 and Aldermen voted to declare the foregoing properties which have not complied to be a menace to the public health, safety & welfare of the community and authorize the Director of Community Development to proceed to cut, clean and demolish structures with all charges incurred to be assessed against the property owners. In the event an extension is granted, if owners have not complied at the end of the extension period, the Director of Community Development is authorized to proceed; along with the following actions: 1201 Clay Street, PPIN 018928; owned by D. Properties LLC - Not Complied (Pending Sale) 3622 Washington Street, PPIn 015669; owned by Bristar 1 LLC - Not Complied The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. G. ID-19-1032 Introduce Ordinance to Amend Ordinance 2000-07 which granted to Vicksburg Video, Inc., the Non-Exclusive Right, Privilege, Permit to Use and Occupy for its Telecommunications Services by Amending Section (1) to Provide that the term of the Franchise Agreement will Extend until March 26, 2025 and by Amending Section (8) Permit Fees to Provide that the Franchise Fee will Equal 5% of all Gross Revenues as Defined by the FCC Attachments: Introduce Ordinance On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve and Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Ordinance 2000-07 which granted to Vicksburg Video, Inc., the Non-Exclusive Right, Privilege, Permit to Use and Occupy for its Telecommunications Services by Amending Section (1) to Provide that the term of the Franchise Agreement will Extend until March 26, 2025 and by Amending Section (8) Permit Fees to Provide that the Franchise Fee will Equal 5% of all Gross Revenues as Defined by the FCC. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. H. ID-19-1022 Accept proposal from J. Artis Consulting, LLC for Color of Law and Cultural Diversity Training for the Vicksburg Police Department Attachments: jartisconsulting On motion of Alderman Mayfield, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept proposal from J. Artis Consulting, LLC for Color of Law and Cultural Diversity Training for the Vicksburg Police Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. I. ID-19-1031 Authorize Mayor to execute Change Order Number 1 with Stantec Consulting Services for NRCS Erosion Control Hennessey Bayou Project Attachments: Stantec Change Order #1 On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, the Mayor and Aldermen voted to authorize the Mayor to execute Change Order Number 1 with Stantec Consulting Services for NRCS Erosion Control Hennessey Bayou Project. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. Executive Session: Mayor Flaggs moved the Mayor and Aldermen go into a closed meeting to determine if the Board should go into executive session. The motion was seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr. Voting aye, Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, Alderman Monsour, Jr. None voting nay, the motion was unanimously adopted. The Mayor and Aldermen discussed whether or not they should go into executive session. Alderman Mayfield moved to go into executive session to discuss Personnel Action Forms for: Pay Adjustment in the Fire Department (1); Pay Adjustments in the Ambulance Department (2); Pay Adjustments in the Police Department (4); Longevity Pay in the Fire Department (1); Suspensions in the Gas Department (2); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Termination in the Gas Department (1). City of Vicksburg Page 5 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 The motion was seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr. Upon vote being taken, the following voted aye: Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, Alderman Monsour, Jr. The motion was adopted unanimously. The Mayor and Aldermen announced they would go into executive session to discuss Personnel Action Forms for: Pay Adjustment in the Fire Department (1); Pay Adjustments in the Ambulance Department (2); Pay Adjustments in the Police Department (4); Longevity Pay in the Fire Department (1); Suspensions in the Gas Department (2); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Termination in the Gas Department (1). The Mayor and Aldermen are now in executive session. Those present at the executive session were Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, Alderman Monsour, Jr., Nancy Thomas - City Attorney, Walter W. Osborne, Jr. - City Clerk, Fermika Smith - Interim Human Resource Director, Tasha W. Jordan - Deputy City Clerk, Sam Andrews - Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, Debra Goodman - Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, Leroy Thomas - North Ward Alderman’s Administrative Assistant, Bobby Jones - Police Officer. Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. A. ID-19-1041 Pay Adjustment - Fire Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of a Firefighter/Ambulance IV from $11.54 per hour to a Firefighter IV at $10.71 per hour, effective September 11, 2019. Employee is no longer assigned to rescue unit in the Fire Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. B. ID-19-1042 Pay Adjustments - Ambulance Department (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Pay Adjustments of a Firefighter IV from $10.71 per hour to a Firefighter/Ambulance IV at $11.54 per hour, effective September 11, 2019. Employee has been assigned to the Rescue Unit. And a Firefighter/Ambulance III from $11.09 per hour to a Firefighter/Paramedic III at $13.41 per hour, effective September 11, 2019. Firefighter has obtained National Registry of EMT's paramedic certification in the Ambulance Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. C. ID-19-1043 Pay Adjustments - Police Department (4) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Pay Adjustments: Police Officer current hourly rate of $17.17 per hour to $17.37 ($16.42 + .75 + .20) new hourly rate, effective September 13, 2019. Officer received $1.60 for eight (8) years experience in 2017. This PAF is to request an additional .20 cents for two (2) years of service since rehire on September 13, 2017. Upon approval of this PAF, ten (10) years of experience pay will be acknowledged for officer; Narcotics/NET at a current hourly rate of $17.20 to a new hourly rate of $17.40 ($17.20 + .20) per hour, effective September 16, 2019. Officer is entitled to an additional .20 cents per hour for eight (8) years of service; Lieutenant/A-Watch Commander at a current rate of $25.62 to a new hourly rate of $25.82 ($25.62 + .20), effective September 22, 2019. Officer is entitled to an additional .20 cents per hour for nine (9) years of service; Captain-Patrol Commander at a current hourly rate of $31.94 ($31.77 + .17) to new hourly rate of $32.91($31.77 + .17 + $1.00), effective September 22, 2019. Officer is entitled to an additional $1.00 per hour for twenty (20) years of service in the Police Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. D. ID-19-1044 Longevity Pay - Fire Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Longevity Pay of a Firefighter from a current pay of $15.77 per hour to $15.96 ($15.89 + .07) per hour with longevity and an additional increase of .07 cents for fifteen (15) years of service, effective September 16, 2019, in the Fire Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: City of Vicksburg Page 6 Printed on 10/7/2019 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final September 10, 2019 Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. E. ID-19-1045 Suspensions - Gas Department (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Suspensions of a Laborer for two (2) days, effective September 10, 2019. Employee has not met is six (6) month probation. He was given a verbal warning on 8/21/19 for his absence on 8/21/19 (overslept). This is his second violation of the attendance policy 7.4(c)(i)(ii); Serviceman for five (5) days, effective September 10, 2019 for violating the attendance policy 7.4(c)(i)(ii). Employee was suspended for two (2) days (3/19/2019 and 3/20/2019) for violating the attendance policy on (10/16/18. 1/25/19 and 3/11/2019 - call outs). On 5/28/2019, he clocked in twenty-seven (27) minutes late and was sent home. On 9/4/2019, he called out without a 48-hour notice in the Gas Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. F. ID-19-1046 Suspension - Sewer Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Suspension of a Foreman for five (5) days, effective September 10, 2019. Employee has four (4) unexcused absences. This is a violation of the City of Vicksburg's Attendance Policy and the Personnel Rules and Regulations 4.1(i), (y) and (z). Sewer Department (1). The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. G. ID-19-1047 Termination - Gas Department (1) No Action Taken H. ID-19-1135 Come Out of Executive Session and Approve All Items Taken Up in Executive Session On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to Come Out of Executive Session and Approve All Items Taken Up in Executive Session. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Adjournment On motion of Mayor Flaggs, seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg adjourned to meet 10 o’clock a.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, to take up and act upon any and all matters that may come before the Board. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, and Alderman Monsour Jr. City of Vicksburg Page 7 Printed on 10/7/2019