Board of Mayor and Aldermen

1415 Walnut Street City of Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS 39180 Minutes - Final Board of Mayor and Aldermen Friday, July 9, 2021 10:00 AM Robert M. Walker Building 1. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Call to Order Invocation was given by Alderman Michael A. Mayfield, Sr. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sam Andrews. 2. Roll Call Also Present: Kim Nailor, Associate City Attorney Tasha W. Jordan, Deputy City Clerk Present: 2 - Mayor George Flaggs Jr. Alderman Michael A. Mayfield Sr. Absent: 1 - Alderman Alex J. Monsour Jr. 3. Board Comments: 4. Adopt Agenda On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to adopt the Agenda. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. Approval of Consent Agenda Items: On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Consent Agenda Items. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. A. ID-21-0689 Approve the following Personnel Action Forms: 1. New Hire - Gas Department (2) 2. New Hire - Building Maintenance Department (1) B. ID-21-0700 Approve Additions to Employee Driving List: 1. Audrey Walker - Building Maintenance Department 2. John Henry Wright, Jr., Jermaine Mallory - Gas Department 3. Russel Cook, Shannita Allen, Misty Bolles - Fire Department C. ID-21-0674 Approve the following requests from G6:2 Outdoors Ministry: 1. Permission to hold a 5k walk/run/1-mile fun run on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 2. Close Cherry Street from Harrison Street to Shannon Alley from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to accommodate day of registration, the walk/run/fun run, and cleanup 3. Close streets outlined on attached route while runners/walkers are present 4. Mayor welcomes guests to the city and thanks those in the community for supporting G6:2 Outdoors 5. Use of Channel 23 to inform community about event Attachments: Carrying Burdens 5K Run D. ID-21-0676 Accept Letter Establishing Special Assessment and Adopt Order for Demolition and Site Clearing of the following properties: 1. 122 Alfred Drive, PPIN 11895; owned by Georgia Donerson 2. 50 R L Chase Circle, PPIN 14313; owned by Charlie Haley c/o Danny Thomas City of Vicksburg Page 1 Printed on 8/11/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 9, 2021 3. 901 Pierce Street, PPIN 20225; owned by Everlline D. Gibson Estate c/o Portia Coleman 4. 2607 Oak Street, PPIN 26008; owned by Irene C. Baskin Attachments: Special Assessments E. ID-21-0677 Approve Claims Docket The City Clerk presented the Docket of Claims numbering: 2076 - 2091; 301509 - 301807 for approval. Routine Agenda: A. ID-21-0684 Discuss Southern Cultural Heritage Center Updates (Stacey Mahoney) 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 July 2021 and invited the public to attend. The Mayor and Alderman thanked Ms. Mahoney for attending the meeting. B. ID-21-0675 Hearing to determine whether or not the properties listed on the Community Development Agenda are a public menace the public health, safety, and welfare of the community Attachments: Master Copy of the Agenda for July 9, 2021 Jeff Richardson, Director of Community Development, came for a hearing before the Board to discuss and request permission to proceed to cut, clean and demolish the following properties: 1. 728 Farmer Street, PPIN 019456; owned by Rose Patrice - (Remove dilapidated fencing, cut and clean the entire property, remove all trash and debris) RE-ENTRY 1. 2400 Washington Street, PPIN 015207; owned by Zamora Rolando - (Cut and clean the entire property, remove all trash and debris) On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs, Jr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to declare the foregoing properties which have not complied to be a public menace to the 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 owner(s). In the event an extension is granted, if owner(s) has/have not complied at the end of the extension period, the Director of Community Development is authorized to proceed; along with the following actions: 1. 728 Farmer Street, PPIN 019456; owned by Rose Patrice - Not Complied RE-ENTRY 1. 2400 Washington Street, PPIN 015207; owned by Zamora Rolando - Not Complied The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. C. ID-21-0678 Adopt Order for Partial Payment for Ad Valorem Taxes: Real, Personal and Mobile Homes Attachments: Partial Payment Ad Valorem Taxes On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs, Jr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to adopt the Order for Partial Payment for Ad Valorem Taxes & Real, Personal and Mobile Homes. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. D. ID-21-0679 Adopt Order that the 2021-2022 Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule is Ready and Open for Inspection and Examination by any Interested Taxpayer and Authorize City Clerk to Set Hearing Date for July 23, 2021 City of Vicksburg Page 2 Printed on 8/11/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 9, 2021 for Protest on Adoption of 2021-2022 Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule pursuant to Section 27-15-21 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended Attachments: Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to adopt the Order that the 2021-2022 Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule is Ready and Open for Inspection and Examination by any Interested Taxpayer and Authorize City Clerk to Set Hearing Date for July 23, 2021 for Protest on Adoption of 2021-2022 Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule pursuant to Section 27-15-21 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. E. ID-21-0680 Accept Resolution from Vicksburg Main Street Requesting the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg to Establish a Business Promotion Area to Levy a Special Assessment on Commercial Real Property for the Purpose of Promoting Business, and for Related Purposes in Accordance with the Authority and Requirements Set Forth in House Bill No. 1223 Attachments: Resolution Main Street On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs, Jr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to accept the Resolution from Vicksburg Main Street Requesting the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg to Establish a Business Promotion Area to Levy a Special Assessment on Commercial Real Property for the Purpose of Promoting Business, and for Related Purposes in Accordance with the Authority and Requirements Set Forth in House Bill No.1223. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. F. ID-21-0682 Adopt Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg to Establish a Business Promotion Area to Levy a Special Assessment on Commercial Real Property Within the Business Area of the City of Vicksburg for the Purpose of Promoting Businesses, and for Related Purposes in Accordance With the Authority and Requirements Set Forth in House Bill No. 1223 Attachments: Resolution Mayor & Aldermen On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg to Establish a Business Promotion Area to Levy a Special Assessment on Commercial Real Property Within the Business Area of the City of Vicksburg for the Purpose of Promoting Businesses, and for Related Purposes in Accordance With the Authority and Requirements Set Forth in House Bill No.1223. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. G. ID-21-0683 Authorize City Clerk to Publish Notice and Set Hearing Date for August 25, 2021 to Establish Downtown Taxing District On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to authorize the City Clerk to Publish Notice and Set Hearing Date for August 25, 2021 to Establish Downtown Taxing District. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. H. ID-21-0686 Ratify request from Vicksburg Chapter of Nubian Kruzers Motorcycle Club for approval to close the 1400 block of Washington Street on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. to provide adequate parking and a route for safety as the number of bikers attempt to leave the area Attachments: NKU Request to Close Street On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to ratify the request from Vicksburg Chapter of Nubian Kruzers Motorcycle Club for approval to close the 1400 block of Washington Street on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. to provide City of Vicksburg Page 3 Printed on 8/11/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 9, 2021 adequate parking and a route for safety as the number of bikers attempt to leave the area. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. I. ID-21-0687 Authorize Mayor to execute Change Order No. 2 with Mitchell Contracting, Inc. to plug an existing sewer line for Anaerobic Sludge Digester Improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant Attachments: CO#2 Anaerobic Sludge Digester Improvements On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs, Jr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to authorize the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 2 with Mitchell Contracting, Inc. to plug an existing sewer line for Anaerobic Sludge Digester Improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. J. ID-21-0688 Appoint Alderman Monsour as the City of Vicksburg's ex-officio member of the Main Street Board of Directors On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs, Jr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to appoint Alderman Monsour as the City of Vicksburg's ex-officio member of the Main Street Board of Directors. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. Executive Session: Mayor Flaggs, Jr., moved the Mayor and Alderman go into a closed meeting to determine if the Board should go into executive session. The motion was seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr. Voting aye, Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield. None voting nay, the motion was unanimously adopted. The Mayor and Alderman discussed whether or not they should go into executive session. Mayor Flaggs,Jr., moved to go into executive session to discuss Personnel Action Forms for: Request for Medical Consideration in the Street Department (1); Promotion in the Accounting Department (1); Promotion in the Public Works Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Police Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Legal Department (2); Pay Adjustment in the I.T. Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Safety Department (1); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Suspension in the Right of Way Department (1). The motion was seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., upon vote being taken, the following voting aye: Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, Sr. The motion was adopted unanimously. The Mayor and Alderman announced they would go into executive session to discuss Personnel Action Forms for: Request for Medical Consideration in the Street Department (1); Promotion in the Accounting Department (1); Promotion in the Public Works Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Police Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Legal Department (2); Pay Adjustment in the I.T. Department (1); Pay Adjustment in the Safety Department (1); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Suspension in the Right of Way Department (1). The Mayor and Alderman are now in executive session. Those present at the executive session were Mayor Flaggs, Alderman Mayfield, Kim Nailor - Associate City Attorney, Fermika Smith – Interim Human Resource Director, Tasha W. Jordan - Deputy City Clerk, Sam Andrews - Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, Jamma Williams - Constituent Services Representative, Tabitha Martin-Crawford - Compliance Officer. Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. A. ID-21-0690 Request for Medical Consideration - Street Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Request for Medical Consideration of an employee in the Street Department to allow his dependent an extension of physical therapy and occupational therapy. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. City of Vicksburg Page 4 Printed on 8/11/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 9, 2021 B. ID-21-0691 Promotion - Accounting Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Promotion of an Accounting Specialist from $10.49 ($10.40 + .09) per hour to an Administrative Assistant at $15.24 ($15.15 + .09) per hour, effective July 14, 2021. Employee had a title change and is now serving as the Accounting Director Administrative Assistant in the Accounting Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. C. ID-21-0692 Promotion - Public Works Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Promotion of a Water & Gas Supervisor from $40.22 ($39.87 + .35) per hour to an Assistant Public Works Director at $85,932.30 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee is being promoted to Assistant Public Works Director and will receive a $3,000.00 annual increase in the Public Works Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. D. ID-21-0693 Pay Adjustment - Police Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of a Deputy Chief of Police from $35.69 ($35.52 + .17) per hour to a Sergeant at $24.72 ($23.91 + .09 + .72) per hour, effective July 6, 2021. Employee is no longer serving as a Deputy Chief. A city raise was issued October 9, 2019 and based on employee's rate of pay ($23.91), he is eligible for an additional .72 cents ($23.91 x 3% = .72). Also, an error in the amount of longevity employee received need to be corrected. He should only be receiving .09 cents based on his years on service in the Police Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. E. ID-21-0694 Pay Adjustment - Legal Department (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of an Associate City Attorney from $88,000.00 annually to an Assistant City/Prosecuting Attorney at $96,000.00 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee is being promoted to an Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor and will receive a $8,000.00 annual pay increase; a City Attorney from $57.85 ($57.50 + .35) per hour to an annual salary of $127,610.19, effective July 14, 2021. Employee will receive a $8,000.00 merit pay increase in the Legal Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. F. ID-21-0695 Pay Adjustment - Administration (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of a Northward Liaison from $13.62 per hour to $15.00 per hour, effective July 14, 2021. Employee will receive a $1.38 merit pay increase; an Executive Administrative Assistant from $21.29 per hour to $23.69 per hour, effective July 14, 2021. Employee will receive a $5,000.00 merit pay increase in the Administration Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. G. ID-21-0696 Pay Adjustment - IT Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of an IT Director from $34.76 ($34.41 + .35) per hour to $76,577.58 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee will receive a $5,000.00 merit pay increase in the IT Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. H. ID-21-0697 Pay Adjustment - Safety Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Pay Adjustment of a Safety Director from City of Vicksburg Page 5 Printed on 8/11/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 9, 2021 $21.45 ($21.36 + .09) per hour to $49,438.32 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee will receive a $5,000.00 merit pay increase in the Safety Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. I. ID-21-0698 Suspension - Sewer Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Suspension of a Laborer for two (2) days, effective July 9, 2021. Employee is in violation of the City of Vicksburg's Attendance Policy and Personnel Rules and Regulations 4.1 (i), (p) and (z) and has three (3) unexcused absences in the Sewer Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. J. ID-21-0699 Suspension - Right of Way Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the Suspension of a Sweeper Driver for two (2) days, effective July 9, 2021. Employee is in violation of the City of Vicksburg's Attendance Policy and Personnel Rules and Regulations 4 (i), (p) and (z). Employee also has four (4) unexcused absences in the Right of Way Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. K. ID-21-0768 Come Out of Executive Session and Approve All Items Taken Up in Executive Session On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Alderman 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, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Alderman of the City of Vicksburg adjourned to meet 10 o’clock a.m., Monday, July 19, 2021, to take up and act upon any and all matters that may come before the Board. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Aye: 2- Mayor Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Mayfield Sr. City of Vicksburg Page 6 Printed on 8/11/2021