During their January 2019 meeting, the Ackerman Board of Aldermen heard a presentation by Aspire MS-Beautify Ackerman spokesperson, Deannie Graves. Graves pointed out that Aspire is a program which is sponsored through the Mississippi Development Authority where different counties from around the state are chosen and MDA helps to train leaders in those communities to get things done.
Choctaw County team members who attended the meeting were Graves, Donna McKay, Amanda McBride, Lara Bowman, Mitzi Lawrence and Ackerman Mayor Tim Cutts. Graves stated, “We have people who are hard workers, who know how to get things done and love our community.”
Some of the goals of the team are the beautification of downtown Ackerman, to enhance the quality of life and sense of well-being, and to take care of the assets that already exist. In working toward these goals the team has developed a three-phase plan, with the first phase to begin in March or April. Graves requested the Board to fund the first two phases which will consist of planting of trees and shrubs and landscaping along the median on Main St., at an estimated cost of $9.77K. The Board voted 5-0 to fund the first two phases.
In other action, the Board:
•Voted 5-0 to permit Marty Crowder to prepare and submit an application for ERBRF funds to fix a double-culvert on McKnight Rd.
•Voted 5-0 to approve the sale of guns in the Police Dept. evidence locker. Police Chief Tim Cook stated that a court order had been issued approving the sale, that the guns would be sold as a unit to a licensed dealer, and the money would go into the Police Dept. fund.
• Voted 5-0 to drop Quentin Salsberry from a temporary full-time officer to part-time effective immediately.
• Voted 5-0 to approve travel for Tim Cook to attend NIBRS Training in Oxford, MS on January 14-15.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Ackerman Board of Aldermen is Tuesday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m.
