Public Money Part 1

The state of Alaska is working on a project that I applaud them for. I heard on NPR [story link] that they have set up a website that allows people to pull up where and how the state's money is being spent. Any expense at or over $1,000 is listed, although I think there are allowances for certain types of confidential which may, in my opinion, cause problems for such a project. It's referred to as Alaska's checkbook online, similar to how people can check their bank accounts online. 10 other states have similar websites. From what I can tell, Mississippi is not one of those 10 and it is something I feel strongly enough about that I may write a formal letter to our state treasurer, Tate Reeves, asking he consider this concept.

On a local level, the city's yearly budget is always available both in city hall and on our website. Here is a pdf [link] of the 141 page city budget. Matt Cox, budget committee chairman, does a powerpoint presentation that gives a good brief overview. If I can find a copy of it I'll post that too in a follow up.

Souper Bowl

Meant to post on this earlier. We (Starkville Young Professionals) had a very successful event to help raise funds for the United Way. Special props go to Jeremiah Dumas, who introduced the idea and nurtured it through to the very end. I was able to serve on the committee that worked on the program and had a great time.

Over $2,600 was raised for the United Way. Likely this will become an annual event. There were 4 prizes awarded:

1st Place: Bin 612
2nd Place: Harvey's
3rd Place: Ole Venice
Best of Show: Dave's Darkhorse Tavern

As a point of pride, I'd like to point out that 3 of the 4 awards went to restaurants in Ward 4.

Here is an incomplete list of the soups available:

Bin 612
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup with Goat Cheese Mousse Topped w/ Fried Jalapenos

City Bagel
White Bean Chicken Chili

Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern
The Taverner

Front Door (Columbus, MS)
Tortilla Soup

Green Olive (Columbus, MS)
Italian Meat Trio Soup

Harveys
Crawfish Chowder

Oby’s
Turnip Green Soup

Old Venice
Spinach, Feta, Bacon, and Artichoke Soup

Sweet Peppers Deli
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Rock Bottom Bar and Grill
Venison and Wild Duck Gumbo Topped with Fried Okra

Shaherazad’s
Red Lentil Soup

Veranda
Purple Peruvian Potato and Pancetta

Wasson’s
Brunswick Stew

Special Called Meeting Today at 1:30pm

The mayor called a special called meeting for today at 1:30 for the purpose of recognizing Rodney Lincoln's election as Ward 2 alderman. I'm glad the mayor decided to do this now rather than later. Had he not, I would have asked the meeting be called regardless rather than put it off. Here's the official letter:

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF STARKVILLE

In accordance with the provisions of section 21-3-21 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, Mayor Robert D. Camp, hereby gives Notice of a Special Call Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Starkville, Mississippi, to meet this day, Tuesday January 29, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., in the Court Room of City Hall, 101 Lampkin Street, Starkville, Mississippi 39759. The specific subject(s) of the meeting is as follows:

ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF THE GEORGE M. BRYAN AIRPORT MANAGER

RODNEY L. LINCOLN

APPOINTMENT OF THE ALDERMAN OF WARD TWO (2)

The above notice was executed by a Police Officer; the Mayor of the City of Starkville, Mississippi; method of notice was via hand delivery by a City Police Officer, via electronic transmission- email; with said notice displayed on the front door of City Hall.

Quality of Life in Starkville

Skip Descant with the Commercial Dispatch sent an interesting letter to several members of the community asking various questions about the status of Starkville. I thought the questions themselves were rather insightful and plan to not only answer his email but also post my answers here in my next post. But I want to take a moment to ask any readers out there what they think and how they might answer the email below? It seems a good time to reflect on the city and has inspired me to do an annual "state of the city" write up of my own.


Hello Everyone:
The Commercial Dispatch is putting together its annual magazine special section. This year's edition is planned around that often over-used cliche: "Quality of Life"
One of the stories I'm working on explores how effective is this region at planning for the future and how does it compare with other parts of the South and country as a quality place to live...
I'd like to explore some of the various initiatives and changes to public policy that have affected Starkville's quality of life, and also look to you regarding where the city ought to begin focusing attention. My hope is for this to be a fairly public discussion that starts to take a long and well-versed look at planning, development and what sort of community you would like to see this town evolve into.

But here's some of the thoughts and or issues I'd like to explore. (Feel free to toss your own in as well.)

Thinking fairly broadly, what do local towns need to do to plan adequately for the years ahead?

Is Starkville being proactive enough in its plans for the future? We’ve seen some
initiatives stop nearly dead in the tracks: the justice complex or historic
preservation districts. While other issues have moved along a little easier
– i.e. the new trash ordinance and an in-progress landscape ordinance.

But when thinking about outside perception and Starkville growing as a modern community, what changes to public policy should Starkville explore? For example, (and now I’ll really pass the political football,) should the city rethink its aversion to
Sunday beer sales? Should this be an issue for the next set of city elections? Or, what changes to planning and public policy should the citizens and elected officials be thinking about when it comes to moving Starkville forward? Does the city need additional money? Should there be an ad velorem tax increase? Where does resistance come from?

Switching gears somewhat, (but maybe just rephrasing the previous questions,) does Richard Florida’s argument in "Rise of the Creative Class" ring true even in this part of the country? Do folks look to community vibrancy, diversity or creativity as reasons for being in Starkville? (Phrased another way, what about Starkville compared to other places in Mississippi...)
How does Starkville’s community life work to attract or keep residents to this area?
Where does it fall short?

Do you believe many people continue to choose more expensive cities because of their variety of place-related amenities like entertainment or cultural experiences, or even people?
How would you say Starkville ranks against other communities its size in terms of having a variety of different neighborhoods and people, all bringing a variety of experiences?

These are just a few thoughts to kick around. Feel free to address any or all of them. Any responses are greatly appreciated. Don't feel like you have to write a thesis or something. I'm just looking for public discussion.

Thanks again,

Skip Descant
The Commercial Dispatch
Starkville Bureau

That Time of Year Again...

September 15th is the state mandated time which municipal budgets are due to be adopted and provided. Over the past few weeks we have had opportunity to hear budget proposals from the various departments. We are going to be hearing some more later today at 5:30 in City Hall. The one item mentioned over and over again is the need to increase employee payrates. Why is this important? A few reasons include allowing our city to remain competitive. For example in our Police Department we have lost some good employees who have left for higher paying jobs in other areas or the Highway Patrol. Another reason is to attract good, high-quality help. Better paid employees tend to have a higher moral and do a better job, which in turn effects the quality of services that people in the community receive.

After I find a new online host, I will start uploading some of the documents we've received and share them here.

Krista Vowell Leaving WMSV

Krista Vowell has been a long time fixture at local radio station 91.1 WMSV. She informed me that she will be leaving this job in favor of other career options in her life. In addition to her programming director duties at the station, she hosts a weekly show called Perspectives which airs on Thursdays at 11am. I have had the fortune of doing roughly one show a month, usually the last Thursday of the month for the past year. I wanted to take a moment to wish Krista well as she undergoes this change in her career.

Best wishes!

Starkville Shopping Center

New Shopping Center for Starkville? I'm anxious to learn more and help these potential developers. I find myself somewhat approaching these things with a bit of skeptisism due to past endevours that never panned out; however, even the chance is worth exploring. The proposed location is the combined location of the old Coke bottling plant and the existing shopping center next to it.

SDN article here.

July 17th, 2007 agenda

Here is the agenda for the second July meeting. We will be meeting beforehand at 4:30 to hear '08 budget proposals from the Parks and City Clerk.

Of interest is the last minute (as in today) addition of discussion of the fire chief. I'm sure this will prove to be a slightly heated meeting at that part; however, the rest of the meeting should be fine.

OFFICIAL AGENDA

THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN

THE CITY OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI

RECESS MEETING OF TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2007

5:30 P.M., COURT ROOM, CITY HALL

101 EAST LAMPKIN STREET

*****AGENDA ITEMS MARKED WITH ASTERISKS AND IN ITALICS REFLECT ADDITIONS, REVISIONS OR DELETIONS.

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

II. APPROVAL OF THE OFFICIAL AGENDA

III. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE CITY OF STARKVILLE BOARD OF ALDERMEN RECESS MEETING HELD ON JUNE 19, 2007 AND THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 3, 2007.

IV. COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN

A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES:

JOANNA HOWARD, RECEPTIONIST AT CITY HALL AND PATSY MOORE, MANAGER OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

B. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RECEIPT BY STARKVILLE OF THE “SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL” GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $281,476. FROM MDOT FUNDS THAT WAS APPLIED FOR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE STARKVILLE IN MOTION ORGANIZATION REPRESENTED BY DR. JIMMY RICHARDSON.

V. CITIZEN COMMENTS

VI. PUBLIC APPEARANCES

A. PRESENTATION BY RAMONA POLLARD REGARDING THE EXPANSION OF LITTLE HEARTS LEARNING CENTER AS A NON-CONFORMING USE IN A RESIDENTIAL (R-1) NEIGHBORHOOD.

VII. CONTINUATION OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS TO THE B-1 BUFFER DISTRICT FOR THE CITY OF STARKVILLE.

VIII. MAYOR’S BUSINESS

IX. BOARD BUSINESS

A. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS TO THE B-1 BUFFER DISTRICT FOR THE CITY OF STARKVILLE.

B. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR THE CITY OF STARKVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

C. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE WATKINS, WARD & STAFFORD, PLLC, ENGAGEMENT LETTER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 AUDIT OF THE CITY OF STARKVILLE.

D. CONSIDERATION OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 7, 2007, ON REPEALING AND REPLACING THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS ENABLING ORDINANCE MODIFYING THE BOARD TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP AND TO CLARIFY PROCEDURES AND TO ESTABLISH FEES.

E. CONSIDERATION OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 7, 2007, TO REPEAL AND REPLACE THE SANITATION ORDINANCE 1993-03 AND ALL ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLARIFYING AND CONSOLIDATING THE CITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATIONS, SETTING FINES, FEES AND RATES.

F. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACT WITH SOUTHERN ADMINISTRATORS AND BENEFIT CONSULTANTS, INC. TO ADMINISTER THE CITY OF STARKVILLE’S FLEXIBLE BENEFIT CAFETERIA PLAN.

G. UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE COORDINATION BY OKTIBBEHA COUNTY HOSPITAL WITH BELLSOUTH FOR THE UNDERGROUND WIRING PROJECT ON HOSPITAL ROAD.

*****H. CONSIDERATION OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD AT THE BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 7, 2007, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING A RESOLUTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN TAX EXEMPT REVENUE BONDS AT THE REQUEST AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF FLORIDA CARE PROPERTIES, INC. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 147(F) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.

*****I. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID GAUDIN AS CITY OF STARKVILLE FIRE CHIEF.

X. DEPARTMENT BUSINESS

A. AIRPORT

1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN AN APPRAISAL, SURVEY AND METES AND BOUNDS ON APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE AIRPORT FOR THE PURPOSE OF A FUTURE SALE.

2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR A LEASE RENEWAL BETWEEN THE CITY OF STARKVILLE AND RAS FOR FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO) SERVICES ON BRYAN FIELD.

B. BUILDING, CODES AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT

1. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY DANIEL DUGAN FOR AN AMENDED SITE PLAN FOR GREEN OAKS PHASE II LOCATED AT 448 HIGHWAY 12 WEST TO ALLOW AN EXISTING BILLBOARD TO REMAIN AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.

2. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR ANNABELLA, A CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT SOUTH MONTGOMERY AND YELLOWJACKET DRIVE AS PRESENTED BY JEREMY TABOR AND RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.

3. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR NORTHGATE SUBDIVISION, PART 5 LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF OLD WEST POINT ROAD AS PRESENTED BY ROBERT WRIGHT AND APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.

C. OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

1. APPROVAL OF THE CLAIMS DOCKET AS OF JULY 12, 2007.

D. ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT

1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN “CERTIFICATE OF FINAL ACCEPTANCE” FOR THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON THE NEW SPORTSPLEX SOCCER FIELD LIGHTING PROJECT ON LYNN LANE.

*****2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF ALL CITY OWNED BUILDINGS AND CONCRETE PARKING AREAS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET & LAFAYETTE STREET.

3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH PRITCHARD ENGINEERING TO PERFORM A BOUNDARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY FOR $2,200.00.

4. REQUEST BOARD APPROVAL OF STARKVILLE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR JULY 1, 2007 TO DECEMBER 31, 2007.

5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE DECORATIVE STREET LIGHTS FOR INSTALLATION IN BELMONT ESTATES AT A COST OF $13,800.15 WITH THE COST TO BE SHARED BY THE DEVELOPER.

E. FIRE DEPARTMENT

1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWENTY (20) SECTIONS OF 1 ¾ INCH AND TWENTY (20) 2 ½ FIREFIGHTING OF FIREFIGHTING HOSE FROM SUNBELT FIRE EQUIPMENT UNDER STATE SOURCE OF SUPPLY.

2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COMBAT CHALLENGE TEAM CONSISTING OF LEE KELLUM, ANDY MORGAN, TODD PALMER, JUSTIN EDWARDS, BLAKE DANIELS, AND ALEX STOCK TO TRAVEL OUT-OF-STATE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY FROM AUGUST 9 – 11, 2007.

3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR CLARK HUDSON, GEORGE THOMPSON AND JEROME CLARK TO ATTEND THE STATE FIRE ACADEMY IN PEARL, MISSISSIPPI FOR THE FIRE SERVICE MANAGEMENT 101 COURSE FROM AUGUST 6 THROUGH 10, 2007.

4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR MARK MCCURDY TO TRAVEL TO THE STATE FIRE ACADEMY IN PEARL, MISSISSIPPI TO ATTEND THE FIRE INSPECTOR 1031 COURSE FROM AUGUST 20 THROUGH 31, 2007.

F. PERSONNEL

1. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE PROMOTION OF JAMES COKER TO THE POSITION OF CHIEF WASTEWATER OPERATOR AT GRADE 12/STEP 1 WITH AN ANNUAL SALARY OF $33,565.20 TO BE EFFECTIVE AT THE NEXT PAYROLL CYCLE.

2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO RECLASSIFY KEN MATHEWS FROM TEMPORARY TO REGULAR FULL-TIME LANDFILL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR.

*****3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE ANGELA YOUNG AS A DISPATCHER FOR THE STARKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT A GRADE 6/STEP1 FOR AN ANNUAL SALARY OF $20,308.47.

G. PUBLIC SERVICES

1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT THE BEST QUOTE FOR A PORTION OF THE 14” PVC WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS FOR HIGHWAY 12 EXTENDED FIRE MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT FROM SUMMIT PIPE AND SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,920.10.

2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT THE BEST QUOTE FOR A WATER LINE LOCATION UNIT FROM MID-SOUTH DITCH WITCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,272.50.

XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. POTENTIAL LITIGATION

B. LAND ACQUISITION

XII. ADJOURN UNTIL THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 7, 2007 @ 5:30 IN THE CITY HALL COURTROOM.

Long Time No Post

I believe that keeping a blog is a valuable tool in keeping in touch with citizens as well as allowing them a venue to voice their comments. Therefore, I apologize for not updating this blog for a long while. I have continued to do a monthly radio interview on WMSV and will now continue to update this blog on a much more regular basis.

Maroon Before Home Games

I received a message from one of the public relations officers of the MSU Student Association. They are asking everyone to wear a maroon shirt on the Friday before a home football game. I thought I would help pass the word around. Given that our next home football game is this weekend, I plan to show my support the day before and during the game.

Go Bulldogs!