Grass cutting bids now being accepted by city

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, October 14, 2009

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Board of Aldermen continued efforts Tuesday to trim the fiscal year 2010 budget, moving forward with the privatization of grass cutting services and considering additional layoffs.

During the board’s work session preceding the regular meeting, Recreation Director Ralph Tedder said 11 contractors have picked up request for proposal packets to maintain grass cutting services at city-owned parks and ball fields.

Contractors have until Nov. 24 to pick up and submit request for proposals to the city engineering department located at Natchez Water Works, Tedder said. The proposals will be reviewed Nov. 28.

If the aldermen accept a contractor’s proposal, four employees in the recreation department will either be laid off or transferred to the public works department, Tedder said.

Once the regular meeting was called to order, Alderman James “Ricky” Gray voiced his opposition to additional layoffs.

“I’m not going to be able to support more people losing their jobs,” Gray said. “Losing four jobs at $15,000 a piece isn’t going to save people any money.”

“I agree with Ricky,” Alderman Ernest “Tony” Fields said. “I’d rather us cut from the top and not be so top heavy rather than cut from the bottom.”

In his official report, Alderman Dan Dillard said relieving the city of grass cutting is a necessary step in streamlining city services.

“I think we can look forward to a competitive process,” Dillard said of the privatization.

In addition, Dillard said the board is closely examining the structure of city departments, and noted the City of Natchez has more departments than other cities its size. He announced discussions have begun concerning the future of city planning and described the talks as encouraging.

“We will be looking forward to bringing this information to the public soon,” Dillard said.

Fields, in his official report, said the board’s decision to terminate five city employees was not made haphazardly and explained the board’s initial silence regarding the terminations was a private, personnel matter.

“It was a very tough decision, but it was a very necessary one,” Fields said. Natchez isn’t any different from any municipality in the state and the nation.”

“People want answers, you need answers, but you need to know we’re not flying by the seat of our pants up here. We’re doing what we need to do.”

In other business:

4The board unanimously approved the rezoning of property at 608 Jefferson St. as residential. Property owners Jessie and Kendell Horton plan to operate a bed and breakfast at the site.

4Attorney Walter Brown announced the U.S. Justice Department has approved the city’s annexation request of approximately 2.5 square miles of county land. Two square miles of the annexation is along U.S. 61 South, near Trinity Episcopal Day School. The other parcel of land is off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

4Police Chief Mike Mullins announced the Natchez-Adams School District received a Secure Our Schools grant for $88,863 to purchase equipment to enhance physical security. In addition, the police department received a $20,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for traffic and safety belt enforcement. Mullins said the money will be used to pay for patrol overtime for traffic enforcement.

4The board unanimously granted Tourism Director Connie Taunton up to $1,800 to install an electrical pole and wiring for Christmas decorations at the Natchez Visitor Center.

4The board unanimously approved a proclamation in honor of Sgt. First Class Christopher D. Shaw, who was killed after his vehicle struck an explosive device Sept. 29 in the Philippines. The city will present the proclamation during Shaw’s funeral service at 11 a.m. today at the Natchez Convention Center.

4Alderwoman and Mayor Pro Tempore Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis presided over Tuesday’s meeting. Mayor Jake Middleton was out of town.

4The next board meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the City Council Chambers on Pearl Street.