City aldermen have approved zoning changes that will prohibit additional multifamily units in certain areas of Eupora.
The rezoning affects properties on Adams Avenue to Industrial Park, South Dunn Street, West Gould Avenue and Figgatt Avenue. They will be rezoned from R-2, which allows for multifamily units to R-1, which is for single-family residences only.
The Board of Aldermen approved the change in zoning classification on April 1 following a public hearing attended by about a dozen people in support of the rezoning.
The board voted 4-1 in February for the city not to issue building permits for duplexes on those streets. Duplexes already located on those streets will be grandfathered in. The motion also proposed that those streets be rezoned from R-1 to R-2. The public hearing was necessary before final approval.
In addition to making the city look better, the contribution of additional residential housing to its tax base was cited during the hearing.
“We’d just like to see our town improved,” said Mary Jane Gibson, who added, “Single-family housing will be an asset to our town.”
The motion to approve the rezoning was made by Jerry Gary (at-large) and seconded by Hugh Gibson (Ward 3). The motion was approved 4-1; Robert Gibbs (Ward 4) was absent because he was out of town on business.
Blighted properties were also discussed during the hearing, with one person saying, “It’s come to a head.”
Mayor Lamar Dumas said beautification of the city is a major concern.
“We’ve had some success but not a whole lot,” he said in regard to addressing blighted properties.
In a related item later in the meeting, the board set blight hearings for two properties for 5:30 p.m. May 6. One property is on Adams Avenue and the other is the former Jake’s Recycling lot on East Roane.
Also in regard to rental property, the board adopted a Rental Inspection Requirement Ordinance and International Property Maintenance Codes. Dumas said the purpose of the ordinance is to make sure rental property is safe and up to date.
The board initially approved the ordinance March 4 and had a public hearing before last week’s meeting. Some questions were asked but no one voiced opposition to the ordinance. Public Works Director Mike McCain will inspect rental properties once a year and issue a certificate of compliance, according to the discussion.
Access Road
Grant Announced
State Rep. Joey Hood (District 35) appeared before the board to announce the city and Webster County will be receiving a grant to construct an access road at Industrial Park. He mentioned working with the mayor and Lara Bowman of The Enterprise toward the grant.
Hood said the city and county will be receiving $100,000 for the project. However, Bowman told the aldermen in January that the Ready Site Grant from the Mississippi Development Authority is for $50,000 and requires a minimum 50% match from other sources. Those sources can include in-kind services with the county through an interlocal agreement, she said.
The city board authorized Bowman on Jan. 7 to submit the application for the grant and prepare an interlocal agreement with the county for in-kind services. The work will involve construction of an unpaved interior road (drive) off Industrial Park Road that would involve grading and building pads.
Other Business
Stephanie Stewart, chair of the Eupora Historic Preservation Commission, updated the board about the committee’s progress and typical requirements for exterior renovation on buildings in the local historic district. She was accompanied by committee members Sam and Ashtyn Krusee.
Stewart distributed copies of the agreed-upon map of the district’s boundaries and said aluminum signs will be installed on existing street signposts in Eupora’s separate National Historic District.
During department head reports, Park Director Rusty Bowen said 232 youths are playing baseball and softball this year, representing a significant increase. He said signs and sponsorships had brought in over $7,000 so far. Bowen also announced that the annual Family Fun Day will be this Saturday, April 13, at Gary Park (see related article in this issue).
Also on April 1, the board approved motions to:
• add Andrew Morris to the volunteer firefighter roster upon the recommendation of Fire Chief Mitch Jackson and vote by the Fire Department.
• buy a three-quarter ton four-wheel drive truck for the Water Department at state contract price. It has been budgeted for in the Water Department.
• approve a $3-an-hour raise for water operator Scott Cooper upon receipt of his paperwork for wastewater certification, which he has completed.
A public hearing has been rescheduled for 5:50 p.m. May 6 regarding an application for a USDA Rural Development grant for a backhoe/front-end loader for the Water Department.
Special Meeting
The board had a special-called meeting the morning of March 22 with aldermen Gary, Howard Rumore and James Shaw present. The two items on the agenda were Street Department personnel and Gary Park concession stand lease contract.
After advertising for the open full-time position and interviewing candidates, Street Supervisor Will Gary and McCain recommended Tyler Huffman for the position of Street Department equipment operator, according to the minutes.
The board did vote to hire Huffman after standard pre-employee physical and drug screen, and to begin March 25 at $9 an hour and after 90 days discuss evaluation and raise.
After discussion of the second item, minutes state the board voted to approve the contract as presented between the city and Diane Tomlinson to operate the Gary Park concession stand from March 31-Feb. 28.
