The Natchez Board of Aldermen approved the final design plans for the future Natchez Convention Center Tuesday.

Johnny Waycaster, of Waycaster and Associates architects, presented the final drawings to the board for their approval. A few detail adjustments had been made to the design plan since aldermen last viewed them. Waycaster called the improvements &uot;small, yet significant.&uot;

Several of the changes were made to win the approval of the Natchez Preservation Commission, whose purpose is to keep the appearance of new structures in line with the downtown landscape. The commission granted final approval on the plans in a meeting with Waycaster Monday night.

&uot;We’re ready to shift gears now,&uot; Waycaster said after receiving approval for the plans.

In other business Tuesday, the board:

Approved the scheduling of the swearing-in ceremony for new and reelected city officials for Friday, June 30, at 10 a.m.

Approved the Traffic Committee’s recommendation to reverse the direction of one-way traffic on Beaumont Street.

Accepted the Municipal Election Committee’s certification of the general election.

Approved a request by James Johnston, Community Development Coordinator, to submit an application for a grant from the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development for the rebuilding of Government Fleet Road.

Approved the transfer of $4,000 from the gaming fund to the farmer’s market fund.

Presented awards through the P.R.O.U.D. program (Presentations Representing Our Unique Diversity) to Darah White, winner of the McLaurin School National Geography Bee, and Melanie Richardson, recipient of the Humanitarian Award by Mississippi Public Transit Authority.

Named Carlee Reed, city engineering; Rick Freeman, transportation department, and Mayor Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown as employees of the month for April and May, respectively.

Granted approval for lease renewals of the Auburn Garden Club and Margaret Martin School, headquarters of the Natchez Opera Festival.

Approved a change order presented by City Engineer David Gardner for $1,054.76 from the community center project.

And accepted an award from the Consulting Engineers Council of Mississippi for the Natchez bluff stabilization project.

Also at the meeting,

Brown proclaimed Monday, July 3 a city holiday.

Sabrina Bartley, executive director for the Natchez Senior Multi-Purpose Center, announced her agency will soon be working on receiving a grant allowing more able seniors to assist older seniors in daily activities.

And members from Boy Scout Troop 170, Community Chapel Church of God, presented the colors at Tuesday’s meeting in honor of Flag Day, which is celebrated today.