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Published: Jul 09, 2008 - 12:06:44 pm CDT
Vardaman passes clean-up ordinance n Big Creek takes possession of former Methodist Church. By Mack Spencer Monitor-Herald Vardaman aldermen passed a much-discussed ordinance designed to encourage the upkeep of property in town. The ordinance was prompted in large part by properties with absentee owners and rentals. The reconstituted Beautification Committee thanked the board members for their attention to the problem and offered to help in any way possible. Calhoun Economic Development Association director Terry Fales also commended the board. Fales is urging all of the towns and the county to stress clean properties in an effort to boost industrial recruitment. In other business: n Consideration of a vicious dog ordinance was again postponed, as was a longer lease for Catholic Charities. n All employees were rehired. n The town’s tax rate was left at 38 mills. n Three town buildings on the east side of Main Street were approved for termite control. n Aldermen approved payment for a new fire truck from the town fire department account and a short-term loan from BancorpSouth until grant funds of $70,000 and proceeds of a state loan are turned over to the town. Repayment of the state loan will come from fire rebates and a portion of hte town’s sales tax returns. Big Creek Aldermen met for the first time in their new town hall and community center. The town took possession of the former United Methodist Church building after the church’s state conference approved sale of the building for $500. “We’ve written them a check, but we don’t have a deed yet,” mayor Dwight Devall said Monday. The board set a rental fee of $50 per day and an additional deposit of $50 which will be returned if the building is left in good condition. To furnish the building, the board voted to purchase 10 tables and 40 chairs. Alderwoman Katie Devall will be in charge of scheduling rentals. n Mayor Devall said the board should consider patching and sealing the town walking track. n Devall also noted mischievous behavior in the park. “Somebody broke the top out of one of the Bradford pear trees,” Devall said. “There have also been some condoms found down there.” The board agreed to visit the park frequently and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. “If they find out they won’t get any privacy, they’ll move on somewhere else,” alderman Bob Harrison said. Bruce Aldermen took two bids for a generator under advisement. Mayor Robert Edward Oakley said the town might be able to get a federal grant that would pay 95 percent of the cost. The board sought specifications for new air conditioning and heating units at the Jesse Yancy Memorial Library. Two of the building’s units are not working, and the third is freezing up. John Lancaster and Brian Roberts were hired as part-time police officers. The town’s fire rebate rose about 10 percent, to more than $10,000. Alderman Gary Edwards said he would bring information about a voluntary recycling program used by his employer, United Chair, to a future meeting. AIG Insurance will be allowed to talk to town employees about supplemental insurance. The board may consider Sawmill Festival banners for next year. The town’s animal control ordinance may be amended to add penalties for people who release animals from traps. The police department will seek an agreement with the county to allow officers to provide traffic control for Parker Memorial Funeral Home, which outside the city limits. Derma Unicon Inc. won a contract to relocate utilities away from Highway 8. Camo Construction of Vidalia, La., won a contract for the town’s lagoon stabilization project. The town joined the MS One Call utility location hotline. The tax rate will remain 24.5 mills. Phillip Williams resigned as police officer; Keith Thacker was hired as a part-time officer. The town’s property and liability insurance policies with Renasant Insurance were renewed. The town tax sale will be held Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. in the tow courtroom.
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