By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The Pelahatchie town meeting on Monday, August 5, began at 6:00 P.M., with Mayor Karl VanHorn calling the meeting to order. Alderman Eddie Jones led the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor VanHorn then conducted the roll call, confirming the attendance of Alderwoman Diane Hill, Alderwoman Sandra Harvey, Alderwoman Margie Warren, Alderman Eddie Jones, and Alderman James Harrell.
Residents and Visitors’ Business:
The meeting began with Waggoner Engineering’s Hayden Overby, Project Manager, and discussed the potential extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) obligation deadline until December. The board discussed, considered and voted on the proposal.
Department Discussions:
The board briefly reviewed reports from the Police, Maintenance, Clerk, and Zoning departments.
During the police department’s discussion, the focus was on drafting a new ordinance to ban the operation of ATVs on streets and public roads within city limits.
The police chief and the city attorney agreed to collaborate on drafting the ordinance, which will be presented for a vote at next month’s meeting.
New Business:
The board swiftly addressed the following items under new business:
1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (July 1, 2024): A motion was made, seconded, and carried to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
2. Approval of Payment of Unpaid Claims Docket: The board discussed and approved the payment of the unpaid claims docket.
3. Approval of Disbursement to Morgan and White Insurance ($5,616.33): The motion to approve this disbursement was passed without opposition.
4. Approval of Bank Draft Payment to Blue Cross Insurance ($9,140.89):** The board voted in favor of the bank draft payment.
5. Approval of Bank Draft Payment to EMC Insurance ($6,536.27): The board approved this payment for property insurance.
6. Approval and Ratification of July 2024 Payroll: The board approved and ratified July’s payroll, totaling $71,127.72 from the General Fund and $25,105.54 from the Enterprise Fund. The motion passed.
Alderman Discussions:
Alderwoman Diane Hill: No comments or discussion items.
Alderwoman Sandra Harvey: Raised questions about expenditures from the general fund and the Muscadine Jubilee fund, which were addressed to her satisfaction. She had no further comments.
Alderwoman Margie Warren: No comments or discussion items.
Alderman Eddie Jones: Emphasized the importance of storm preparedness in light of Hurricane Debby, which became a Category 1 hurricane on August 4. Though the storm ultimately missed our town and our state, Alderman Jones highlighted the need for preventative planning and urged residents to be vigilant about being prepared for any potential severe weather and the condition of trees that could pose a risk during severe weather.
Alderman James Harrell: No discussion items were presented.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Karl VanHorn reported multiple complaints about vehicles—cars, trucks, and SUVs—being parked on public streets and blocking driveways, which is a violation of city ordinances. He and the police chief agreed to increase enforcement of this and other ordinance violations.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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