Water Operator Scott Cooper has been promoted to public works director for the city of Eupora. The Eupora Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Aug. 3 to promote him to the advertised available position following a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The motion to do so was made by Jerry Gary (at-large) and seconded by Robert Gibbs (Ward 4). Cooper’s hiring was effective immediately at the original starting salary of the previous public works director, with the standard 90-day probationary period. Gary noted that Cooper already has water and wastewater certification along with a bachelor’s degree. He has served as the full-time water operator for the Water Department since December 2018. Cooper succeeds Mike McCain, who retired June 30 according to discussion at the board's July 6 meeting. Those meeting minutes state under Department Head Reports: “Public Works Director Report — With the resignation of Mike McCain, Alderman Gary offered a motion (which was approved) to advertise for this position two weeks and to accept resumes and applications and to be prepared to make a recommendation at the August meeting.” In related action last week, the board voted to advertise to fill Cooper’s position as water operator. Committee Reports The Aug. 3 meeting in the Community Center of the City Hall complex also included updates/requests from the Eupora Beautification, Marketing and Cleanup Committees. Teresa Ozborn said the Beautification Committee is working on getting benches in honor or memory of people. At her request, the board approved the purchase of five more planters for Fox and Roane avenues at $59 each, with funds to come out of Economic Development. As requested by Ashtyn Krusee, the board authorized the purchase of lights and clips from low bidders to replace the decorative lights on the tops of downtown buildings, with funds to come out of Economic Development. Julie Garrett reported the Eupora Beautification Committee will have a Community Cleanup Day from 7-11 a.m. Aug. 29 on public and private property. She invited the mayor and aldermen to participate. Volunteers will meet in the Garan parking lot, and are asked to bring heavy-duty garbage bags, gloves, rakes, hedge trimmers, weed eaters or trailers. Stephanie Stewart said the Eupora Christmas Market is tentatively set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5 with “Noel” as the theme. Complaints About Rundown Properties South Dunn Street resident Jim Brown and Cleanup Committee Chair Bruce Walters, as they have at past meetings, requested a report on any action taken on blighted properties. Brown said Eupora has become known for having rundown rental properties, adding, “Our property values are deteriorating.” When Mayor Lamar Dumas told Brown no rundown properties were located near his residence, Brown replied, “It’s moving up Dunn Street.” Dumas also referred to the legal process involved in dealing with such situations and said the city cannot just go on blighted properties and clean them up. “We hear the same thing every month,” Brown said. Ozborn also commented, saying, “Some are determined not to clean up.” The mayor was asked if Donald “Duck” Newton, who was appointed in March as assistant code director/inspector, had begun contacting those who have undesirable properties to comply with the city’s blight prevention ordinance. Dumas said Newton was only assigned to that position temporarily and noted that responsibilities of the new public works director include building inspections. “We’re going to address things shortly,” said Dumas, who indicated during his response that 51% of city residents being low income is a contributing factor. “We’re trying to move forward …. It didn’t get this way overnight,” he said in asking for patience in dealing with the problem. 2-Mill Tax Increase Proposed The board set a public hearing for the 2020-21 tax levy and budget for 5:15 p.m. Aug. 20. Board members met to discuss budget matters for the next fiscal year during a special-called meeting July 29. Aldermen Gary, Robert Gibbs and James Shaw were present. “The millage rate has not increased in over 12 years and as equipment repairs and general expenses increase it was determined that an increase in the millage rate is needed,” meeting minutes state. After discussion, the board voted 3-0 to propose a tax millage rate increase by 2 mills. Toby Brantley Park Development Also on Aug. 3, Dumas gave an update on the clearcutting of timber at Toby Brantley Park. The board had approved advertising for bids for clearing the property at the September meeting. However, no bids were received at the October or November meetings and the matter was tabled both times. No bids were received at the December meeting either so the item was tabled indefinitely until with Good Hope Land and Timber Management of Natchez offered to clearcut all merchantable trees During a special-called meeting July 9, the board authorized Dumas to enter into a contract/agreement with Good Hope to clearcut about 12 acres of mixed timber from the park property, which is located across from Eupora Elementary School on Gifford Street. The mayor said the city received two checks from the cutting and hauling contract with Good Hope: one for $1,030.95 and another $839.90. “We’re going to try to get it developed (via a grant writer),” Dumas said of the city property. The mayor also said the city hopes to widen Gifford Street, which he said becomes congested during school times. Forest Harvesting and Production Technology students at the Webster County Career and Technology Center completed an inventory and appraisal of the timber tract last year under the supervision of instructor Buck Meek. Dumas said the city plans to give the class something for its assistance. Other Action Other action taken by the board on Aug. 3: • Authorized the mayor and clerk to sign a resolution selecting the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District to administer an Appalachian Regional Commission grant for water and sewer line improvements at Industrial Park West. • Authorized the mayor and clerk to sign a contract for asbestos and lead-based paint inspection services with Advanced Environmental Consultants of Jackson. The board approved AEC as the asbestos and lead-based paint inspectors for the HOME Program in June. • Approved the lowest bids as presented for annual services and supplies. Lara Bowman, executive director of The Enterprise, gave an update on Industrial Park development projects. No action was taken. Late in the meeting, Dumas commended the board for working together to improve the city. He also commended Bowman and George Crawford of the GTPDD for the jobs they are doing.
