Board of Mayor and Aldermen

1415 Walnut Street City of Vicksburg Vicksburg, MS 39180 Minutes - Final Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday, July 19, 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 Alderman Alex J. Monsour, Jr. 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 Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Agenda. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. 4. Adopt Agenda Meeting Reconvened On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to Recess the Board Meeting and Reconvene at 11:00 a.m. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Flaggs, Jr., Alderman Mayfield, Sr., Alderman Monsour, Jr. On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to Reconvene the Board Meeting. Those present at the Reconvened meeting: Mayor Flaggs, Jr., Alderman Mayfield, Sr., Alderman Monsour, Jr., City Attorney Nancy Thomas, City Clerk Walter W. Osborne, Jr., Deputy City Clerk Tasha W. Jordan. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. Approval of Consent Agenda Items: On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Consent Agenda Items. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. A. ID-21-0726 Approve the following Personnel Action Form: 1. New Hire - Administration B. ID-21-0701 Approve request from Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District for allocation of funds in the amount of $15,000.00 pursuant to Section 69-27-24 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended Attachments: Allocation Warren County Soil On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve allocation of funds in the amount of $15,000.00 to Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District. The City is authorized pursuant to Section 69-27-24 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, for matching funds for social and community service programs. City of Vicksburg Page 1 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 C. ID-21-0704 Authorize issuance of the following requisitions: 1. 2107857 in the amount of $19,106.88 written to Core & Main, LP for new water meters for the Water Mains Department pursuant to Section 31-7-13 (m) (viii) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated which allows sole source purchases 2. 2108004 in the amount of $11,412.00 written to Temple, Inc. for four (4) new Type One (1) Traffic Controllers for the Traffic Department pursuant to Section 31-7-13 (m) (viii) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated which allows sole source purchases Attachments: Requisition 2107857 Requisition 2108004 D. ID-21-0708 Approve the following request from the Vicksburg Main Street Program: 1. Permission to hold the 11th Annual Bricks and Spokes bike ride on Saturday, October 2, 2021 2. Purchase promotional items from Downtown Taxing District Funds not to exceed $2,000.00 Attachments: Bricks and Spokes E. ID-21-0709 Receive Vicksburg Police Department Crime Statistic Report for: 1. June 2021 Attachments: Crime Stats for May 2021 - Jun 2021 F. ID-21-0710 Approve Water & Gas Administration Report Attachments: W&G Report G. ID-21-0713 Approve request for advertisement in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Red Carpet Bowl Committee for the 2021 Red Carpet Bowl Football Classic to be held in August 2020 pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended Attachments: Red Carpet Bowl Advertisement Mayor Flaggs stated that purchasing an advertisement from the Red Carpet Bowl 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 Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg approved the purchase of a sponsorship ad from the Red Carpet Bowl in the amount of $5,000.00 for the 2021 Red Carpet Bowl Football Classic to be held in August 2021. The City is authorized pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. H. ID-21-0714 Approve request for advertisement in the amount of $1,000.00 from Mississippi State Medical Association for the 2021 Healthcare Heroes Awards Gala Honoring the Champions of COVID-19 pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended Attachments: MSMA Advertisement Mayor Flaggs stated that purchasing an advertisement from the Mississippi State Medical Association 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 Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg approved the purchase of a sponsorship ad from the Mississippi State Medical Association in the amount of $1,000.00 for the 2021 Healthcare Heroes Awards Gala Honoring the Champions of COVID-19. The City is authorized pursuant to Section 17-3-1 and Section 17-3-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. City of Vicksburg Page 2 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 I. ID-21-0716 Approve request from Westside Theatre Foundation for matching funds in the amount of $8,000.00 to assist with work of presenting arts programming in the Old Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg pursuant to Section 39-15-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended Attachments: Westside Theatre On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve allocation of matching funds from Westside Theatre Foundation in the amount of $8,000.00. The City is authorized pursuant to Section 39-15-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, to expend matching general funds in support of the arts. Routine Agenda: A. ID-21-0702 Discuss Southern Heritage Air Foundation Warbirds, Wings & Wheels Event Attachments: Southern Heritage Air Foundation B. ID-21-0703 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: Master Copy Agenda July 19, 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. 211 Second Avenue, PPIN 020493; owned by Marguerite S. Griffin - (Remove inoperable vehicle from property) 2. 91 Spout Spring Road , PPIN 026908; owned by Hollis M. Johnson - (Cut and clean entire property, remove all trash and debris, remove dilapidated structure) On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen 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. 211 Second Avenue, PPIN 020493; owned by Marguerite S. Griffin - Complied 2. 91 Spout Spring Road , PPIN 026908; owned by Hollis M. Johnson - Complied The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. C. ID-21-0712 Adopt Budget Amendments On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Budget Amendments of July 19, 2021. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. D. ID-21-0736 Accept Grant Award from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health for Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 Attachments: Disposition Letter - CPI2021003429 CPI2021003429 - Vicksburg City Office of the City Clerk City of Vicksburg_NoA CPIMP211276 On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept the Grant Award from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health for Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: City of Vicksburg Page 3 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. E. ID-21-0705 Adopt Resolution by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi to Designate the Proper Individuals to Sign Checks and Perform Banking Transactions Attachments: Resolution Signing Checks On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Resolution by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi to Designate the Proper Individuals to Sign Checks and Perform Banking Transactions. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. F. ID-21-0706 Adopt Resolution Granting Conditional Approval for Tax Abatement for 1305 Washington Street (PPIN 18475) Attachments: Resolution Conditional Tax Abatement 1305 Washington Street On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Resolution Granting Conditional Approval for Tax Abatement for 1305 Washington Street (PPIN 18475). The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. G. ID-21-0715 Adopt Resolution to Provide Matching Funds to Provide Rainbow Farms, MS Therapeutic Riding Center for the Handicapped in the amount of $750.00 pursuant to Section 21-19-65 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Resolution to Provide Matching Funds to Rainbow Farms, MS Therapeutic Riding Center for the Handicapped in the amount of $750.00 pursuant to Section 21-19-65 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. H. ID-21-0717 Adopt Resolution Authorizing Preparation and Submittal of an Application to the U. S. Department of Labor for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Through The Delta Regional Authority Attachments: Resolution Worforce Opportunity On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Preparation and Submittal of an Application to the U. S. Department of Labor for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Through The Delta Regional Authority. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. I. ID-21-0718 Authorize Mayor to execute Final Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund Loan Agreement with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (SRF-C280733-04-2) On motion of Alderman Mayfield, Sr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to authorize the Mayor to execute Final Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund Loan Agreement with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (SRF-C280733-04-2). The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. Executive Session: Mayor Flaggs, Jr., 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 Mayfield, Sr. 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. Mayor Flaggs, Jr., moved to go into executive session to City of Vicksburg Page 4 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 discuss Personnel Action Forms for: Department Transfer in the Police Department (1); Promotions in the Street Department (2); Promotion in the Vehicle Maintenance Department (1); Pay Adjustments in the Police Department (2); Suspension in the Community Service Department (1); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Termination in Court Services (1); Termination in the Gas Department (1); Termination in the Community Service Department (1). The motion was seconded by Alderman Mayfield, Sr., upon vote being taken, the following voting 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: Department Transfer in the Police Department (1); Promotions in the Street Department (2); Promotion in the Vehicle Maintenance Department (1); Pay Adjustments in the Police Department (2); Suspension in the Community Service Department (1); Suspension in the Sewer Department (1); Termination in Court Services (1); Termination in the Gas Department (1); Termination in the Community Service 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, Jamma Williams - Constituent Service Representative, Tabitha Martin-Crawford - Compliance Officer. Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. A. ID-21-0727 Department Transfer - Police Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Department Transfer of a Part-time Police Compliance Officer from Administration to the Police Department, effective July 6, 2021. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. B. ID-21-0728 Promotion - Street Department (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Promotion of a Street Supervisor from $23.14 ($22.88 + .26) per hour to Superintendent of Street and Right of Way at $55,604.13 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee is being promoted to the Superintendent of Street and R.O.W and will receive a $8,000.00 annual increase; a Truck Driver from $14.56 ($14.21 + .35) per hour to a Street Supervisor at $41,200.00 annually, effective July 14, 2021. Employee is being promoted to Street Supervisor from an hourly employee to a salary employee. Employee will receive a $11,643.20 annual increase in the Street Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. C. ID-21-0729 Promotion - Vehicle Maintenance Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Promotion of a Mechanic II from $15.04 ($14.95 + .09) per hour to a Shop Foreman at $17.04 ($16.95 + .09) per hour, effective July 14, 2021 in the Vehicle Maintenance Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. D. ID-21-0730 Pay Adjustment - Police Department (2) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Pay Adjustments of a Chief of Police from $44.44 ($44.27 + .17) per hour to a Captain at $29.44 ($27.45 + .17 + $1.00 + .82) per hour, effective July 6, 2021. Employee is not longer serving as Chief of Police. Employee reached twenty (20) years of service on September 18, 2019 and is eligible for an additional $1.00 per hour. A city raise was issued on October 9, 2019 and based on employee's current pay rate of $27.45 which is less specialized pay and longevity, he is eligible for an additional .82 cents per hour ($28.45 + .17 + .82). Also, an error in the amount of longevity needs to be City of Vicksburg Page 5 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 corrected. Employee is only eligible for .17 cents based on his hire date; a Police Officer from $20.45 per hour to $20.65 ($20.45 + .20) per hour, effective July 21, 2021. Employee is entitled to an additional .20 cents for seven (7) years of service in the Police Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. E. ID-21-0731 Suspension - Community Service Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Suspension of a Foreman immediately, effective July 16, 2021. Employee is recommended for suspension pending termination for continuous violations of City of Vicksburg's policies specifically insubordination for being repeatedly warned by supervisor about answering city radio and cell phone. Employee is still exhibiting the same behavior and is within her probationary period in the Community Service Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. F. ID-21-0732 Suspension - Sewer Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Suspension of a Truck Operator for two (2) days, effective July 19, 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 two (2) unexcused absences in the Sewer Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. G. ID-21-0733 Termination - Court Services (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Termination of a Municipal Judge, effective July 6, 2021 in Court Services. Employee will not be reappointed due to consolidation of Municipal and Community Courts. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. H. ID-21-0734 Termination - Gas Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to waive the Termination of a Serviceman but impose a three (3) day suspension, effective July 9, 2021 in the Gas Department for violation of the City of Vicksburg's Attendance Policy. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. I. ID-21-0735 Termination - Community Service Department (1) On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., seconded by Alderman Monsour, Jr., the Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve the Termination of a Foreman, effective July 19, 2021. Employee was suspended pending termination on April 25, 2021 for insubordination specifically for being repeatedly warned by supervisor about not answering city issued radio and cell phone. Employee was retained and reminded of probationary period while still exhibiting the same behavior with time frame in the Community Service Department. The motion was adopted unanimously by the following vote: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. J. ID-21-0769 Come Out of Executive Session and Approve All Items Taken Up in Executive Session On motion of Mayor Flaggs, Jr., 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: Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. Adjournment On motion of Alderman Monsour, Jr., seconded by Mayor Flaggs Jr., and City of Vicksburg Page 6 Printed on 8/26/2021 Board of Mayor and Aldermen Minutes - Final July 19, 2021 unanimously passed, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg adjourned to meet 10 o’clock a.m., Friday, July 23, 2021, to take up and act upon any and all matters that may come before the Board. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Aye: 3- Mayor Flaggs Jr., Alderman Mayfield Sr., and Alderman Monsour Jr. City of Vicksburg Page 7 Printed on 8/26/2021