Starkville”s Transportation Committee and Commission on Disability have collaborated to identify $159,000 in improvements to enhance accessibility for all citizens.
However, Starkville”s transportation committee and commission on disability have a combined $70,000 budgeted to work with. But they”re doing what they can.
At Tuesday”s meeting of the Starkville Board of Aldermen, Dr. Bethany Stich and Tiffany Hamlin represented their committees in providing a prioritized list of recommended improvements. At the top of the list are curb cuts in sidewalks so individuals using wheelchairs can access more of the city”s sidewalks.
Next on the list is a sidewalk along Gillespie Street. Third on the list — and this is where the money begins to run out — are improvements to the sidewalk along University Drive.
The board unanimously approved the recommended improvements and commended the two citizen committees for working together toward a common goal.
The improvements are designed to bring the city into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In other business the board:
- Approved July 12 at 6 p.m. as the date and time to hold a public hearing on proceeding with the construction of a new police department and renovation of the municipal complex.
Now that a citizen committee and several outside planning firms have agreed on the north corner of Highway 182 and Jackson Street as the best location for a new police department, Mayor Parker Wiseman proposed the hearing to begin the process. The city will present its concepts for the new police department and renovation of the municipal building, construction timelines, estimated budgets and potential funding sources to the public.
Wiseman expressed his hope for a big crowd at the City Hall boardroom to provide “active public participation.”
- Received a report from Ward 3 Alderman Eric Parker concerning the city”s Solid Waste and Recycling Committee.
Parker reported that a public hearing will be held at the next Board of Aldermen meeting, to discuss pending changes to city”s solid waste ordinance. Previously, the city would haul away limbs up to 6 inches in diameter and 7 feet long; now, the city will haul limbs up to 8 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. Also, the crews will pick up any items which fit within the black trash bags supplied by the city.
Finally, the city”s fine schedule for violators of the solid waste ordinance will now reset each January. Previously, the third offense resulted in the maximum $100 fine and each offense afterward remained a $100 fine.
- Recognized James Michael Collins for 37 years of service with the Starkville Fire Department.
Collins, who will retire June 29, is the longest-serving full-time Starkville employee. The Grenada native began working for the city in 1974, and along the way has served as 911 director and fire investigator.
- Awarded the contract for relocating water lines in preparation for the Louisville Street widening project to the low bidder, Stidham Construction, with a bid of $24,700. The city”s budget for materials for the project is set at $50,000.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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