Hattiesburg public meetings in 2021

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held a special called meeting on December 31, 2021, and unanimously approved an amendment to the agreement with USA Yeast Company, LLC, extending the contract term through March 31, 2022. The council also entered executive session to discuss prospective litigation, but no action was taken during that session.

• Approved amendment to USA Yeast Company agreement extending contract to March 31, 2022 (5-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss prospective litigation (5-0)
• Reopened public meeting after executive session (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved the $13,637,834.93 bid from R & J Construction, Inc. for the Hall Avenue East Project, and accepted several other construction bids. The council also adopted multiple zoning ordinances, including rezoning properties on J. Ed Turner Drive, N 28th Ave/Northwood Dr, and 4607 Hardy St, and approved various contracts and change orders. One agreement with South Mississippi Planning and Development District was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved $13,637,834.93 bid for Hall Avenue East Project (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3303 zoning J. Ed Turner Drive properties R-1A (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3304 rezoning N 28th Ave/Northwood Dr to R-3 (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3305 closing portion of Fredna Avenue (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3306 rezoning 4607 Hardy St to B-5 (4-0)
• Approved $46,842.12 flooring and $10,044.27 electrical change orders for Public Safety Complex (4-0)
• Tabled agreement with South Mississippi Planning and Development District (4-0)
• Rejected all bids for Water Plant #1 Rehabilitation Phase I (4-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review meeting on December 20, 2021, and took one substantive action: it amended agenda item #25 to acknowledge bids received for the Water Plant #1 Rehabilitation - Phase J project, reject all bids, and authorize re-advertisement. No other decisions were made; the meeting was recessed until December 21, 2021.

• Rejected all bids for Water Plant #1 Rehabilitation - Phase J and authorized re-advertisement (unanimous)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a resolution to apply for and accept a $1.5 million Mississippi Development Authority grant for infrastructure related to a new Jones Family of Companies headquarters in Midtown. The council also adopted budget amendments, approved multiple contracts and grants, and ratified routine agenda items. All votes were unanimous except the budget amendment, which passed 4-1.

• Approved $1.5M MDA grant application for Jones Family headquarters infrastructure (5-0)
• Adopted FY2022 budget amendments and publication resolution (4-1)
• Approved engineering services agreement with Shows, Dearman and Waits for Edwards Street project (5-0)
• Approved right-of-way agreement with Norfolk Southern for Hall Avenue Project (5-0)
• Approved $75,000 MDEQ grant for hazardous waste day with $25,000 match (5-0)
• Approved $1,000,000 MDWFP grant for Midtown Green Park (5-0)
• Accepted $84,995 bid for lockers and $136,326.06 bid for dispatch consoles (5-0)
• Ratified Industrial Park Commission land transaction (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council is holding a work session to discuss the jail contract between the City of Hattiesburg and Forrest County, as requested by Councilwoman Deborah Delgado. The agenda also includes a citizens' forum and a meeting recess, with no other substantive items listed.

• Discussion of jail contract between City of Hattiesburg and Forrest County (2021-1381)

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review and work session on December 6, 2021, but made no substantive decisions. The only agenda item, a discussion on the jail contract with Forrest County, was moved to January 2022 at Councilwoman Delgado's request. The meeting recessed until December 7, 2021.

• Moved jail contract discussion to January 2022
• Deleted Policy Agenda Item #6 at Administration's request
• Added Policy Agenda Items #15, #16, #17 at Administration's request
• Recessed meeting until December 7, 2021

Planning Commission

The Hattiesburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on six petitions, including zoning changes, conditional use requests, and a street vacation. The meeting also includes routine approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings.

• Zoning change for 4607 Hardy St from I-1 Light Industrial to B-5 Regional Business
• Conditional use for utility operation center expansion at 1614 W 4th St in R-3 district
• Conditional use for restaurant without drive-thru at 1015 N Main St in B-2 district
• Zoning change along N 28th Ave and Northwood Dr from B-3 to R-3 Multi-Family Residential
• Street vacation west of Richard Collins Dr, east of Dabbs St, north of Ruby Ave, south of May Ave

General

The Hattiesburg City Council is holding a public hearing on Ward 2 redistricting. The agenda includes only the call to order, the hearing, and a recess, with no other business items listed.

• Public hearing on Ward 2 redistricting at Eureka School cafeteria, 410 E. 6th Street

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the redistricting of Ward 1. The meeting includes a call to order and a scheduled recess.

• Ward 1 Redistricting Public Hearing

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a $1,117,479.30 bid from R & J Construction for the Paving, Marking & Pedestrian Pathway project along Arledge Street, Edwards Street, and Katie Avenue. The council also approved several agreements, including a $20,000 soccer program contract, a $13,000 ceramics program contract, and a $20,760 arts council contract. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except for the final item, which passed 4-0 with one member absent.

• Approved $1,117,479.30 bid from R & J Construction for police parking lot paving project (5-0)
• Approved $20,000 agreement with Hattiesburg Youth Soccer Association (5-0)
• Approved $13,000 agreement with South Mississippi Art Association (5-0)
• Approved $20,760 agreement with Hattiesburg Arts Council (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance to vacate alley near East Hardy Street (5-0)
• Approved 110-foot variance at 6365 US Highway 98 (5-0)
• Approved conditional use for multi-family at 215 Forrest Street (5-0)
• Authorized City Attorney to execute Agreed Order in Roper's case (4-0, 1 absent)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review meeting on October 18, 2021, and rescheduled the public hearing for the Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule because the required notice had not been published. The council also received a redistricting update from Chris Watson of Bridge & Watson, Inc., and discussed scheduling ward public hearings for November. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Rescheduled Motor Vehicle Assessment Schedule public hearing (no vote recorded)
• Received redistricting update from Chris Watson (no vote recorded)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council unanimously approved all policy and routine agenda items, including a resolution to apply for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grant with local match support. The council also authorized the City Attorney to resolve a Forrest County Circuit Court case, approved a fire department training MOU, and authorized bids for police lockers and dispatch consoles.

• Approved minutes for Sept 20 & 21, 2021 meetings (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-107 authorizing Requisition No. 85 from Project Fund Construction Account (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-108 authorizing EDA grant application and local match (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Mississippi State Fire Academy for Driver/Operator Pumper Field Course (5-0)
• Authorized City Attorney to execute documents for Forrest County Circuit Court Case No. H20-0019 (5-0)
• Approved Routine Agenda including bids for police lockers and dispatch consoles (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council is holding a work session with a single agenda item: a tourism update presented by the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. The meeting also includes routine items like agenda review and citizens' forum. No votes or decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Tourism update by Hattiesburg Tourism Commission

The Hattiesburg City Council met on October 4, 2021, and received a tourism update from the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. The council then entered executive session to discuss pending litigation involving Precision Construction, voting 5-0 to do so. No action was taken during the executive session, and the meeting was recessed until October 5, 2021.

• Entered executive session to discuss pending litigation involving Precision Construction (5-0)
• Exited executive session and reopened the public meeting (5-0)
• Recessed meeting until October 5, 2021, by unanimous consent

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will vote on several zoning changes and variances, including properties on Hall Avenue and Hwy 49, and a conditional use for a school. They will also consider resolutions to condemn properties, declare surplus land and vehicles, and approve various agreements and appointments. The meeting includes routine approvals of reports, bids, and claims.

• Zoning change for 701 Hall Avenue from R-1C to B-1
• Zoning change and variances for 6751 Hwy 49 (Puckett Machinery)
• Conditional use for school at 321 South 24th Avenue
• Sale of city-owned property to Trace 4th Street, LLC for $4,150
• Agreement with Southern Pines Animal Shelter for animal services

The Hattiesburg City Council approved resolutions authorizing the City Attorney to file court actions to enjoin the reopening of Ropers and to abate Club Empire as public nuisances, with Council Member Delgado voting against both. The council also approved several zoning changes, variances, and conditional use permits for properties including 701 Hall Avenue, 6751 Hwy 49, and 321 South 24th Avenue, as well as a housing rehabilitation grant and property acquisition for the Hall Avenue Roundabout Project.

• Approved minutes for September 7 and 14, 2021 meetings.
• Adopted ordinance changing zoning at 701 Hall Avenue from RIC to B-1 (Professional Business).
• Adopted ordinance changing zoning near 6751 Hwy 49 from R-1A to B-5 (Regional Business).
• Approved zoning buffer variance of 10 feet (from 40 feet) at 6751 Hwy 49.
• Approved outdoor storage variance of 90% (from 40%) at 6751 Hwy 49.
• Approved conditional use for nonpublic outdoor storage of heavy equipment at 6751 Hwy 49.
• Approved conditional use for a school at 321 South 24th Avenue.
• Adopted resolutions to file lawsuits against Ropers and Club Empire as public nuisances (4-1, Delgado dissenting).

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held a public hearing on September 20, 2021, to determine whether eight listed properties were a menace to public health and safety under state law. No decisions were made during the hearing; the council recessed by unanimous consent until September 21, 2021, to continue the matter.

• Held public hearing on unsafe properties (no vote recorded)
• Recessed meeting to September 21, 2021 (unanimous consent)

General

The Hattiesburg City Council unanimously adopted the FY2022 budget (Resolution #2021-92) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2021, and authorized its publication. It also approved new water and sewer rate ordinances (#3295 and #3296) and authorized a manual check for housing repairs related to 2017 FHEO monitoring. All four policy items passed 5-0. The meeting recessed until September 20, 2021.

• Adopted water rate ordinance #3295 (5-0)
• Adopted sewer rate ordinance #3296 (5-0)
• Adopted FY2022 budget resolution #2021-92 (5-0)
• Approved manual check for 2017 FHEO housing repairs (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY2022 budget and tax levy, adopt amendments to the current FY2021 budget, and consider a revised Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The agenda also includes multiple contracts and agreements, including a redistricting consulting service, a DEA task force agreement, and a lease for a homeless resource center.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY2022 budget and ad valorem tax levy
• Adopt amended Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (repealing Ordinance 3247)
• Professional services agreement with Bridge & Watson, Inc. for redistricting consulting
• Lease agreement with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources for homeless resource center at 1410 W. Pine
• HOME grant addendum for rehab of 104 Donald Street (up to $60,000)

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a new Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, adopted September 2021 budget amendments, and levied ad valorem taxes for FY 2022. It also approved several agreements, including a redistricting consulting contract with Bridge & Watson, Inc. (3-2), a lease for a homeless resource center, and a tornado siren maintenance contract. The council tabled no items; a motion to table the redistricting agreement failed.

• Adopted Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance #3294 (5-0)
• Adopted September 2021 budget amendments and Resolution #2021-90 (5-0)
• Approved redistricting consulting agreement with Bridge & Watson, Inc. (3-2)
• Approved DEA task force agreement for police (5-0)
• Approved Mississippi Power lighting agreement (5-0)
• Approved tornado siren maintenance contract with Precision Communications (5-0)
• Approved lease with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare for homeless resource center (5-0)
• Adopted FY 2022 tax levy Resolution #2021-91 (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Hattiesburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on four petitions: two zoning changes, one conditional use for outdoor storage, and one conditional use for a school. The meeting also includes routine reports and approval of the agenda and minutes.

• Zoning change for 6751 Hwy 49 from R-1A to B-5 (Puckett Machinery)
• Conditional use for outdoor storage of heavy equipment at 6751 Hwy 49
• Conditional use for a school at 321 South 24th Avenue (A&J Gray Holdings)
• Zoning change for 701 Hall Avenue from R-1C to B-1

Board of Adjustment

The Hattiesburg Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two variance petitions filed by Rob Puckett on behalf of Puckett Machinery-Hastings Puckett, owner. The first seeks to reduce the required B-5 50-foot zoning buffer to 10 feet (a 40-foot variance) at 6751 Hwy 49. The second seeks to increase the allowed outdoor equipment storage from 50% to 90% of side and rear lot area (a 40% variance) for a proposed outdoor storage yard at the same location. The meeting also includes routine items: agenda approval, August minutes, and reports.

• Variance to reduce B-5 zoning buffer from 50 ft to 10 ft at 6751 Hwy 49 (Parcels 2-025I-36-013.00 and 2-025I-36-011.00, Ward 1)
• Variance to allow outdoor equipment storage up to 90% of side and rear lot area (from 50% limit) at 6751 Hwy 49
• Public hearing on petitions by Rob Puckett, representative, and Puckett Machinery-Hastings Puckett, owner
• Review and approval of August meeting minutes
• Planning Report and Chair's Report

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a $1,177,187.90 bid for the Hall Avenue Infrastructure Project, accepted a $29,000 demolition bid, and approved numerous appointments including new police and fire chiefs. The flood damage prevention ordinance was tabled to September 7, 2021. All votes were unanimous except for a few appointments and contract renewals that had dissenting votes.

• Approved Hall Avenue Infrastructure Project bid to Grady Crawford Construction Co., Inc. for $1,177,187.90 (5-0)
• Accepted Barnett Concrete Work, LLC demolition bid for $29,000 (5-0)
• Tabled Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to September 7, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning at 1512 Mcinnis Ave from B-3 to B-2 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning at 309 Mobile St from B-5 to B-4 (5-0)
• Approved conditional use for club/bar at 915 Dabbs St (5-0)
• Approved appointments of Peggy Sealy as Police Chief (3-2) and Sherrocko Stewart as Fire Chief (5-0)
• Approved renewal of Debris Tech contract (4-1)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review meeting on August 16, 2021, where they added a policy item to approve Change Order No. 1 with Chain Electric Company for the Tatum Park Lighting project. The change order adds a connection to a pad mounted transformer at an additional cost of $15,939.00 and authorizes the Mayor to execute the change order. No citizens spoke during the Citizens' Forum, and the meeting recessed until August 17, 2021.

• Added policy item 2021-1048 to the agenda
• Approved Change Order No. 1 with Chain Electric Company for $15,939.00 (agenda review, no vote recorded)
• Recessed meeting until August 17, 2021

Board of Adjustment

The Hattiesburg Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on four variance petitions. Three requests by Robert Green seek to relax parking lot requirements at 317 Rosa Ave, and one by Louis Gagnet seeks to allow outdoor volleyball courts closer to a residential property line at 309 Mobile Street. The board will also review its agenda and minutes from the June meeting.

• Variance to allow curb cut 0 feet from parcel line (10-foot variance) at 317 Rosa Ave
• Variance to waive 180 sq ft of interior landscaping in parking lot at 317 Rosa Ave
• Variance to eliminate 20-foot zoning buffer at 317 Rosa Ave
• Variance to allow volleyball courts 65 feet from residential property line (435-foot variance) at 309 Mobile Street

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council unanimously approved all agenda items, including a resolution to apply for funding to replace the Hutchinson Avenue Bridge at Gordon's Creek, a water meter testing contract, a lighting agreement, and a federal justice grant application. The council also approved the routine agenda, which included acknowledging deeds, publications, and approving the claims docket with an additional invoice.

• Approved minutes for July 19 & 20, 2021 meetings (5-0)
• Adopted 2021-2023 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal and program plan (5-0)
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Reed and Shows Meter Solutions for water meter testing (5-0)
• Authorized submission of 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application for $20,312 (5-0)
• Approved Lighting Agreement with Mississippi Power for additional lighting at 209 Magnolia Ave, 113 Katie Ave, 113 Dabbs St, $32.19/month increase (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-70 authorizing application for Hutchinson Avenue Bridge replacement funding (5-0)
• Approved routine agenda including deeds, publications, quote dockets, public comment period, street repair specs, grave space sales, and claims docket (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council met for an agenda review, citizens' forum, and work session on August 2, 2021. No formal votes or decisions were made; the session included presentations on upcoming flood ordinance and FEMA flood map changes, the upcoming budget process, and budget proposals from the Water & Sewer and Parks & Recreation departments. The meeting recessed until August 3, 2021.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the session
• Heard presentation on flood ordinance and FEMA flood map changes
• Heard budget process update requested by Councilwoman Deborah Delgado
• Heard Water & Sewer Department budget presentation
• Heard Parks & Recreation Department budget presentation
• Recessed meeting until August 3, 2021

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a $1,074,464.00 contract with Webster Electric Co., Inc. for the Bobby L. Chain Airport Runway 13-31 Lighting Improvements Project. The council also approved a $95,652.00 fire protection agreement with the University of Southern Mississippi and a $5,000.00 advertising sponsorship for the 2021 Hattiesburg Hall of Fame Program. All votes were 4-0, with Council Member Jeffrey George absent.

• Approved $1,074,464.00 bid for airport runway lighting (4-0)
• Approved $95,652.00 fire protection agreement with USM (4-0)
• Approved $5,000.00 Hall of Fame advertising sponsorship (4-0)
• Approved $3,026.21 sole-source purchase for National Night Out supplies (4-0)
• Approved $175.00 pest control agreement for Fire Station #9 (4-0)
• Adopted resolutions condemning 10 properties as health hazards (4-0)
• Adopted resolutions for cleanup cost assessments on 2 properties (4-0)
• Approved funding grant agreement for Midtown infrastructure (4-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held a public hearing to determine if 11 properties were a menace to health and safety. Code Enforcement Manager Wiley Quinn recommended resolutions giving owners 15 days to resolve violations, and asked that one property (1708 Eva Street) be dismissed because it was brought into compliance. The hearing was closed, and the meeting recessed to the next day without formal votes on the properties.

• Held public hearing on 11 unsafe properties under MS Code 21-19-11
• Dismissed case for 1708 Eva Street due to owner compliance
• Recommended 15-day period for owners to resolve violations
• Closed public hearing at 4:29 p.m.
• Recessed meeting until July 20, 2021

Historic Conservation

The Hattiesburg Historic Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing to review eight applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, covering tree removal, fencing, door replacements, new construction, and additions. The commission will also hear reports from the arborist, code enforcement, and coordinator, and take public comments.

• Tree removal at 222 2nd Ave. (Myla Bivins)
• New fencing at 803 Camp St. (Thomas Pearson)
• Two new commercial buildings in 800 block of James St. (Stone Properties)
• Rear addition at 1810 Brooklane Dr. (Jennifer Drenzek)
• New exterior doors and storm windows at 113 Pinehurst St. (Grace Mauberret)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an appeal by Liz Cotten of the Historic Conservation Commission's denial to paint exterior brick at 1101 Corinne Street. The council will also consider several contracts, including a $1.95 million bid for the Country Club Road reconstruction and a $197,368.94 engineering services contract. Other items include lighting agreements with Mississippi Power, a HUD lead hazard reduction grant application, and appointments of city officers.

• Appeal of HHCC denial to paint exterior brick at 1101 Corinne Street
• Contract with Shows, Dearman and Waits, Inc. for $197,368.94 for Country Club Road improvements
• Accept bid of R & J Construction, Inc. for $1,947,200.69 for Country Club Road reconstruction
• Lighting agreements with Mississippi Power: Trace-USM Gateway ($10.20/month increase) and Mable Street ($92.79/month increase)
• Authorize HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant application up to $1,800,000 with $180,000 match

The Hattiesburg City Council voted 5-0 to approve the appeal by Liz and Miles Cotten to paint the exterior brick at 1101 Corinne Street, overturning the Historic Conservation Commission's May 12 denial. The council also approved a $1,947,200.69 bid from R&J Construction for the Country Club Road Reconstruction project and a $197,368.94 contract with Shows, Dearman and Waits for related engineering and inspection services. A proposal for commercial overlay corridor planning with Emerge Community Planning & Strategy LLC was initially denied 2-3, then approved 3-2 on a second motion. The council also authorized applications for up to $2.2 million in HUD lead hazard reduction grants and appointed Ann Jones as Chief Administrative Officer, Kermas Eaton as Director of Administration and City Clerk, and Randy Pope as City Attorney.

• Approved the Cottens' appeal to paint exterior brick at 1101 Corinne Street, overturning the HHCC denial (5-0).
• Accepted R&J Construction's $1,947,200.69 bid for the Country Club Road Reconstruction project.
• Approved a $197,368.94 contract with Shows, Dearman and Waits for Country Club Road construction engineering and inspection.
• Approved the Emerge Community Planning & Strategy LLC agreement for Commercial Overlay Corridor Districts planning (3-2).
• Authorized application for HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant (up to $1,800,000) and Healthy Homes Supplement (up to $400,000).
• Adopted resolutions appointing Ann Jones as Chief Administrative Officer, Kermas Eaton as Director of Administration and City Clerk, and Randy Pope as City Attorney.
• Approved lighting agreements with Mississippi Power for the Trace-USM Gateway ($10.20/month) and Mable Street ($92.79/month).
• Approved the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan as recommended by the City Attorney after executive session.

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a conditional use permit for a club and bar (operating as a hookah bar) at 340 N 25th Avenue, with conditions including no alcohol consumption without a license, no dance hall permit, and a midnight closing time. The council also adopted ordinances amending the Land Development Code regarding food truck parks, stormwater management, and gravel storage in B-3 districts. Additionally, they approved several contracts, including a $920,315.02 engineering contract for the Hall Avenue West Build Project and a construction engineering and inspection contract for the Hardy Street Roundabout Project.

• Approved conditional use for club and bar at 340 N 25th Avenue with conditions (no alcohol without license, no dance hall permit, close by midnight).
• Adopted Ordinance #3290 amending Land Development Code for food truck park uses and stormwater management.
• Adopted Ordinance #3291 adding B-3 District as conditional use for gravel storage.
• Approved conditional use for machinery/tools sales and service at 4219 Lincoln Rd.
• Approved conditional use for gravel storage yard at 4219 Lincoln Rd.
• Approved variance for outdoor storage space up to 85% at 4219 Lincoln Rd.
• Approved variance for front setback of 9 feet 8 inches at 3810 Hardy Street.
• Approved engineering contract with Neel-Schaffer for Hall Avenue West Build Project ($920,315.02).

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council met for an agenda review on June 21, 2021, with all five council members present and the mayor absent. No substantive decisions were made; the council heard public comments from six citizens and then recessed by unanimous consent until June 22, 2021.

• Recessed meeting until June 22, 2021 (unanimous consent)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a series of routine and policy items, including accepting a $12,875,821 federal Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund award and accepting a $1,858,204 contract for the Hardy Street Roundabout Project. The council also approved a metal roof appeal, a sign variance, and multiple contracts and agreements. All votes were 4-0 with one member absent.

• Approved $12,875,821 federal recovery fund award (4-0)
• Accepted $1,858,204 Hardy Street Roundabout contract with Warren Paving (4-0)
• Approved metal roof appeal for 309 S. 19th Ave with conditions (4-0)
• Approved 68 sq ft sign variance at 4700 Hardy Street (4-0)
• Approved $1,400,000 Gordon's Creek Commons Pathway grant agreement (4-0)
• Approved $385,230 SAMHSA Treatment Drug Courts grant (4-0)
• Approved $10,000 housing repair grant for 400 S. Tipton Street (4-0)
• Approved $30,071.75 change order for 38th Avenue Roadway Project (4-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will hold a public hearing on an appeal by Carol Short of the Historic Conservation Commission's denial of her request to use metal roofing at 309 S. 19th Ave. The council will also receive updates on American Rescue Plan Act funds, a proposed registry for rental and vacant properties, and the status of CARES Act funding.

• Public hearing on appeal of HHCC denial of metal roof at 309 S. 19th Ave.
• Update on American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
• Discussion of registry for rental and vacant properties
• Status report on CARES Act funding

The City Council held a public hearing on Carol Short's appeal of the Historic Conservation Commission's denial of her request to change the roof material to metal at 309 S. 19th Ave. No decision was made during the meeting; the hearing was closed and the meeting recessed. The council also discussed updates on the American Rescue Plan Act, a rental and vacant property registry, and Cares Act funding status.

• Closed public hearing on Carol Short's metal roof appeal (no vote taken)
• Recessed meeting until June 9, 2021, by unanimous consent

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held a special called meeting and voted 4-0 to acknowledge receipt of the audited financial statements for fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, from Topp, McWhorter, Harvey, PLLC. The audit was presented by CPA Jabe Mills via teleconference. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Acknowledged receipt of FY2020 audited financial statements (4-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council denied a rezoning request for properties at 334-340 N 25th Avenue from B-2 to B-3, despite the Planning Commission's recommendation to deny. The council tabled a related conditional use request for a club and bar at 340 N 25th Avenue to gather more information, and tabled a sign variance request for 4700 Hardy Street until June 8, 2021. All other agenda items were approved unanimously, including contracts, grants, and routine items.

• Denied rezoning of 334-340 N 25th Avenue from B-2 to B-3 (5-0)
• Tabled conditional use for club and bar at 340 N 25th Avenue (5-0)
• Tabled sign variance for 4700 Hardy Street until June 8, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved $3,000 Juneteenth Celebration sponsorship (5-0)
• Approved $37,148.73 change order for South 28th Avenue Bridge (5-0)
• Accepted $172,800 bid for Quinn Street Speed Tables & Sidewalk (5-0)
• Ratified $25,000 Bloomberg Asphalt Art grant application (5-0)
• Ratified $100,000 MDOT Multimodal grant for bus replacement (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council held a public hearing to determine if 11 properties were a menace to health and safety. Code Enforcement recommended resolutions declaring the properties unsafe and giving homeowners 15 days to resolve violations. An attorney representing 8 of the properties agreed to submit a plan of action within the 15-day period. No formal resolutions were voted on during this hearing; the meeting was recessed to the next day.

• Held public hearing on 11 unsafe properties (procedural)
• Attorney for properties 1-8 agreed to submit plan of action within 15 days
• Closed public hearing at 4:08 p.m. by unanimous consent
• Recessed meeting until May 18, 2021, by unanimous consent

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a resolution to assume maintenance of 116 abandoned graves at Riverview Cemetery, and approved several street lighting agreements with Mississippi Power. The council also approved a lease with New Cingular Wireless for small cell equipment, a memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and ratified an amendment to increase funding for an NRCS watershed project. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved minutes for April 19 and 20, 2021 meetings (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to maintain 116 abandoned graves at Riverview Cemetery (5-0)
• Approved lighting agreement with Mississippi Power for 1213 N. 32nd Ave, $21.22/month increase (5-0)
• Approved lighting agreement for 711 Montrose Ave, $10.61/month increase (5-0)
• Approved lighting agreement for 207 S 15th Ave alley, $10.61/month increase (5-0)
• Approved lighting agreement for 424 Barnes Ave, $10.61/month increase (5-0)
• Approved lease with New Cingular Wireless for small cell equipment on city pole (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and HIDTA for 2021 (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council met for an agenda review and work session on May 3, 2021, but took no formal votes or decisions. The agenda included discussions on the city code of ordinances, a service line warranty program, broadband deficiencies, stimulus funding, paving, Little League, business equity, drainage, and youth summer programs. The meeting recessed until May 4, 2021.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the work session
• Meeting recessed until May 4, 2021, by unanimous consent

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council unanimously approved all agenda items, including accepting Chain Electric Company's $356,600 bid for Tatum Park lighting, a $35,200 MDAH grant for G.L. Hawkins Elementary roof repairs, and the 2021 Annual Action Plan for HUD. All votes were 5-0.

• Accepted Chain Electric Company bid of $356,600 for Tatum Park Lighting Fields #13 and #15 (5-0)
• Approved MDAH Community Heritage Preservation Grant of $35,200 for G.L. Hawkins Elementary roof repairs, with $8,800 local match (5-0)
• Approved 2021 Annual Action Plan for submission to HUD (5-0)
• Approved lighting agreements with Mississippi Power for 414 Dumas Avenue ($10.61/month) and Quinn Street ($80.82/month) (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Hattiesburg Arts Council to extend COVID-19 Arts Outreach Program (5-0)
• Authorized relocation assistance payments for 812 Hall Avenue property (5-0)
• Ratified re-appointments of Dick Conville and Michael G. Dickerson to Planning Commission (5-0)
• Approved claims docket for period ending April 16, 2021 (5-0)

City Council

This is a procedural meeting agenda with no substantive items listed. The council will review the agenda and hold a citizens' forum before recessing.

• Agenda review
• Citizens' forum

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review meeting on April 19, 2021, which included a citizens' forum and discussion of agenda items. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was recessed by unanimous consent until April 20, 2021.

• Recessed meeting to April 20, 2021 (unanimous)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved Anna Rush's appeal of the Historic Conservation Commission's denial of her petition to paint the exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street. The council also adopted resolutions condemning five properties as unclean and a menace to health and safety, and approved numerous agreements, including a maintenance contract with Doleac Electric Company and lighting agreements with Mississippi Power. Additionally, the council ratified a FEMA grant application for 18 additional firefighter positions and approved several property acquisitions for city projects.

• Approved the minutes for the March 15 and 16, 2021 meetings.
• Approved Anna Rush's appeal to paint exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street.
• Adopted resolutions condemning five properties as unclean and a menace to health and safety.
• Approved maintenance agreement with Doleac Electric Company for city lights (3-2 vote).
• Approved lighting agreements with Mississippi Power for three locations, including a $5,388 upfront cost for a parking lot.
• Approved change order for Sullivan Park Splash Pad fence enclosure at $4,640.
• Ratified FEMA SAFER grant application for 18 firefighter positions at $2,557,947.06.
• Authorized property acquisitions for Hall Avenue Overpass and Dynamic Message Sign projects.

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will hold a public hearing on an appeal by Anna Rush to paint exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street, after the Historic Conservation Commission denied the request. The council will also hold a public hearing on whether several properties are a health and safety menace. Work session items include a review of city ordinances, vacant buildings, broadband deficiencies, and a stimulus package.

• Appeal of HHCC denial to paint exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street
• Public hearing on unclean properties at 1211 Cherry St., 519 E. 6th St., 237(241) Short Columbia St., 906 Short Columbia St., 416 S. 15th Ave.
• Review of City of Hattiesburg Code of Ordinances
• Discussion of vacant, boarded-up buildings
• Discussion of broadband deficiencies and stimulus package

The City Council held a public hearing on Anna Rush's appeal of the Historic Conservation Commission's denial to paint exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street. New information revealed the brick was from a 1980s renovation, not historic. No citizens spoke, and the hearing was closed without a decision recorded in these minutes. The Council also held a public hearing on five unsafe properties, hearing testimony from residents, but no resolutions were adopted in this session.

• Closed public hearing for Anna Rush's appeal to paint exterior brick at 307 West Pine Street (no decision recorded)
• Closed public hearing on unsafe properties (no resolutions adopted in this session)
• Heard citizen comments on unsafe properties 1211 Cherry Street and 416 S. 15th Avenue
• Conducted agenda review and citizens' forum
• Discussed code of ordinances review, vacant buildings, broadband deficiencies, and stimulus package in work session
• Recessed meeting until April 6, 2021

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved all agenda items unanimously, including awarding a $4,654,776.19 contract to Walters Construction Company for the Highway 49 DECO Project at Forrest General Hospital. The council also adopted budget amendments, approved a $300,000 grant agreement for Gordon's Creek flood control improvements, and authorized a $85,899.56 grant application for the FY22 Impaired Driving Program. All other policy and routine items were approved as presented.

• Approved minutes for March 1 and 2, 2021 meetings
• Adopted March 16, 2021 budget amendments and publication resolution
• Adopted resolution requesting MDOT initiate Gordon's Creek Commons Project
• Approved hazardous waste disposal agreement with Complete Environmental & Remediation Co. for April 17 collection day
• Approved LED lighting agreement with Mississippi Power for Hwy 49, saving $123.08 monthly
• Approved Change Order No. 2 for Downtown Wayfinding & Signage, increasing contract to $80,310.08
• Approved rental agreement with Hardy Street Baptist Church for election precinct use
• Awarded $4,654,776.19 contract to Walters Construction for Highway 49 DECO Project

City Council

This is a brief procedural meeting. The council will hear a presentation from Ryan Frederic, District Director of the Mississippi Public Service Commission Southern District, followed by agenda review, citizens' forum, and recess. No votes or substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Ryan Frederic, District Director, Mississippi Public Service Commission Southern District (Item 2021-272)

The Hattiesburg City Council met for an agenda review on March 15, 2021, and heard a presentation from Ryan Frederic, Southern District Director of the Mississippi Public Service Commission. No formal decisions were made; the meeting recessed by unanimous consent until March 16, 2021.

• Recessed the meeting until March 16, 2021, by unanimous consent.

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will vote on a policy agenda including resolutions to condemn properties as health hazards, a $500,000 fund transfer for a zoo education center, and a change order for Fire Station No. 9. They will also consider agreements for parklets, a property purchase, and several grants and purchases. The routine agenda includes appeals, donations, and approvals of plans and claims.

• Resolution to set public hearing on unclean properties (April 5, 2021)
• Memorandum of Understanding for $500,000 transfer for Hattiesburg Zoo education center
• Change Order No. 1 with Hanco Corp for Fire Station No. 9 ($3,943)
• Purchase of property at 908 Gulfport Street for $5,000
• Grant application to Asbury Foundation for K-9 SUVs ($122,100)

The Hattiesburg City Council unanimously approved all 21 policy agenda items and the routine agenda. Key actions included adopting resolutions to condemn five properties as unclean, setting a public hearing for April 5, 2021, authorizing a $500,000 state fund transfer for the Hattiesburg Zoo education center, and approving a grant application for three K-9 SUVs. The council also accepted a bid for 10 police motorcycles, approved a $62,300 sole-source purchase for body cameras, and authorized a $5,000 property purchase.

• Approved minutes of February 16, 2021 meeting.
• Adopted resolutions condemning 5 properties as unclean and a menace to health/safety.
• Set public hearing for April 5, 2021 on unclean properties.
• Authorized requisition from 2016 bond project fund.
• Declared police canine Otter surplus and authorized transfer to handler.
• Approved agreement to assume maintenance of MDOT lighting after LED retrofit.
• Approved change order for Fire Station No. 9 ($3,943, +50 days).
• Approved $500,000 MOU for Hattiesburg Zoo education center funds.

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will hold a public hearing to determine if five listed properties are a menace to public health and safety. The agenda also includes work session items on a homeless program update, a code of ordinances review, a paving schedule, and a request for a city employee list.

• Public hearing on properties at 915 Roby St, 508 Buschman St, 715 McKinley St, 118 Tuscan Ave, 100 Claiborne Ave
• Homeless Program Update presented by City Administration
• Municode (Code of Ordinances) Review by City Attorney Randy Pope
• Updated Ward 2 Paving Schedule requested by Councilwoman Deborah Delgado
• Request for list of city employees by department

The Hattiesburg City Council held a public hearing on five properties deemed potential health and safety menaces, with Code Enforcement recommending 10-day deadlines for owners to resolve violations. No final decisions were made; the meeting recessed to March 2, 2021. The agenda item to delete Policy Item #10 was noted but not acted upon.

• Held public hearing on unsafe properties at 915 Roby St, 508 Buschman St, 715 McKinley St, 118 Tuscan Ave, 100 Claiborne Ave
• Recessed meeting to March 2, 2021 by unanimous consent

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will consider a range of items including a $459,900 fire truck purchase, a zoning change for a property on Cross Creek Parkway, and a resolution to issue water and sewer revenue refunding bonds. The agenda also includes a state of emergency declaration due to a winter storm, a request to waive liens for code violations, and several routine approvals such as bids for city vehicles and a police dog donation.

• Addendum to claims docket: $459,900 for a fire truck from Emergency Equipment Professionals
• Ordinance to rezone 156 Cross Creek Parkway from B-5 to R-3 (Planning Commission recommended approval)
• Resolution authorizing issuance of taxable Water and Sewer revenue refunding bonds, series 2021
• Professional services agreement with Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for FTA Bus Stop and Sidewalk Grant Project up to $620,000
• Resolution declaring Nostalgia Lounge a public nuisance and requesting permanent abatement

The Hattiesburg City Council approved a $459,900 addendum to the claims docket for a fire truck and adopted a resolution declaring Nostalgia Lounge a public nuisance, requesting the District Attorney to permanently abate it. The council also approved a zoning change at 156 Cross Creek Parkway, a sign variance at 3703 Hardy Street, and a resolution supporting a state bill to waive liens related to code violations. A motion to table the polling place changes failed, and the ordinance was subsequently adopted.

• Approved $459,900 addendum to claims docket for fire truck purchase (5-0)
• Declared Nostalgia Lounge a public nuisance, requesting DA to permanently abate (3-1, 1 absent)
• Adopted zoning change at 156 Cross Creek Parkway from B-5 to R-3 (5-0)
• Approved sign variance for six wall signs at 3703 Hardy Street (5-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting state bill to waive liens related to code violations (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance changing polling places for three precincts (3-1, 1 abstain)
• Approved $130,080 engineering contract for Hall Avenue Sewer Improvements (5-0)
• Approved $620,000 engineering contract for FTA Bus Stop and Sidewalk Grant (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council will consider a zoning change for 512 North Washington Avenue, approve several contracts including airport engineering and lighting agreements, and vote on resolutions to hire professionals for water/sewer debt refunding and to request naming a section of Highway 49 after Clyde Kennard. The agenda also includes property acquisitions for the Dabbs Street Community Center, a bid award for a culvert repair, and a grant application for a feasibility study. Routine items cover grant acknowledgments, reports, and claims.

• Zoning change for 512 North Washington Avenue from R-1C to A-2 (Planning Commission recommended denial)
• Resolution to name a section of Highway 49 after Civil Rights Pioneer Clyde Kennard
• Bid award to Walker Construction, LLC for $207,316 for St. Annes Drive Culvert Repair
• Property acquisitions for Dabbs Street Community Center totaling $101,700
• Grant application for $7,500 to study Hawkins School Gymnasium

The Hattiesburg City Council voted 3-2 to adopt Ordinance #3287, changing the zoning of 512 North Washington Avenue from R-1C (Single Family Residential) to A-2 (Agricultural Residential), despite the Planning Commission's recommendation to deny. The council also approved a $207,316 bid for the St. Annes Drive Culvert Repair project and authorized property acquisitions for the Dabbs Street Community Center Project. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Adopted Ordinance #3287 rezoning 512 N. Washington Ave. to A-2 (3-2)
• Approved $207,316 bid from Walker Construction for St. Annes Drive Culvert Repair (5-0)
• Authorized property acquisition for Dabbs Street Community Center for $82,367 (5-0)
• Authorized property acquisition for Dabbs Street Community Center for $19,333 (5-0)
• Approved $7,500 grant application for Hawkins School Gymnasium feasibility study (5-0)
• Approved corrected minutes of August 4, 2020 meeting (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Adopted resolution to request naming Hwy 49 section for Clyde Kennard (5-0)
• Approved routine agenda including claims docket and grave space sales (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council is holding a work session to discuss several items, including potential savings from refinancing city bonds, a review of the city code, stop sign reflectivity, living conditions at Fire Station #5, and plans to rebuild the Timberton Softball Complex. The meeting also includes approval of corrected minutes from a previous meeting.

• Refinancing options for City of Hattiesburg's Bonds presented by Raymond James
• Municode (Code of Ordinances) Review by City Attorney Randy Pope
• Retro reflectivity of stop signs requested by Council Vice President Mary Dryden
• Fire Station #5 on East Hardy Street living conditions requested by Councilwoman Deborah Delgado
• Timberton Softball Complex update and rebuild plans requested by Councilman Nicholas Brown

The Hattiesburg City Council held an agenda review and work session on February 1, 2021, but made no final decisions. The council added two items to the agenda: approval of corrected minutes from August 4, 2020, and a presentation on bond refinancing options. The work session included presentations on bond refinancing, code of ordinances review, stop sign reflectivity, Fire Station #5 living conditions, and Timberton Softball Complex rebuild plans. The meeting recessed until February 2, 2021.

• Added Policy Item #19 to approve corrected minutes of August 4, 2020 (agenda adjustment)
• Added Work Session Item A-1 on bond refinancing options (agenda adjustment)
• Recessed meeting until February 2, 2021 (unanimous consent)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council voted 5-0 to table the rezoning appeal for 512 North Washington Avenue, which sought to change the zoning from single-family residential to agricultural residential. The council also adopted ordinances for a rezoning at 806 W 7th Street and for mobile food vending units, and approved tax exemptions for Kohler and Sofidel America Corp. All votes were unanimous.

• Tabled rezoning appeal for 512 N Washington Ave (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3285 rezoning 806 W 7th St to B-2 (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #3286 regulating mobile food vending units (5-0)
• Approved variance for side setback at 2931 Laramie Circle (5-0)
• Approved variance for sign area at 103 Medical Park (5-0)
• Adopted budget amendments for FY2021 (5-0)
• Granted tax exemption to Kohler (5-0)
• Granted tax exemption to Sofidel America Corp (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council approved all policy and routine agenda items unanimously (5-0). It accepted the $2,730,000 bid from Hemphill Construction Company for the Longleaf Heights North Area Infrastructure Improvements Project, rejecting a lower bid from Grady Crawford Construction Co. due to statutory noncompliance. The council also approved a lighting agreement with Mississippi Power, a sponsorship agreement with the Hattiesburg Athletic Booster Club, and ratified two board appointments.

• Approved minutes for Dec. 21 & 22, 2020 meetings (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution #2021-1 authorizing Requisition No. 76 from Project Fund Construction Account (5-0)
• Approved Mississippi Power lighting agreement for Golf Course Road and Hwy 49, $21.22/month increase (5-0)
• Approved HABC sponsorship agreement up to $25,000 (5-0)
• Ratified Nicholas Fairley appointment to SEMCIC board, 3-year term (5-0)
• Ratified Amber D. Sumrall appointment to SEMCIC board, 3-year term (5-0)
• Accepted Hemphill Construction bid of $2,730,000 for Longleaf Heights North Area project (5-0)
• Approved claims docket for period ending Dec. 31, 2020, including addendum (5-0)

City Council

The Hattiesburg City Council met for an agenda review and work session on January 4, 2021, but took no formal votes or decisions. The session included presentations on the Code of Ordinances, Ward 2 paving schedule, junkyard status, and dumping issues, all requested by Councilwoman Deborah Delgado. The meeting recessed until January 22, 2021.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
• Recessed until January 22, 2021, by unanimous consent