Recognizing public concern about parking in the downtown area, the Natchez Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday to consider reactivating the Downtown Parking Authority at its next meeting.

Ward 4 Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West presented the idea to the board after Police Chief Willie Huff was asked to conduct a survey of parking in downtown.

Deloris Vines, mayor’s assistant, said the authority was established in the early 1980s and has been inactive for several years. The board voted unanimously to refer discussion of the authority to the next meeting July 25.

In other business, the board:

–Granted City Engineer David Gardner permission to begin work on six Emergency Watershed Projects funded by the National Resource Conservation Service, including Pecanwood Lift Street, Espero/Mansfield Drive, Melrose Avenue, Melrose/Ratcliffe, Monette Street and Texas Street. The city will provide $9,000 of the $180,000 allotted for the project.

–Granted James Johnston, community development director, permission to contract for spray grounds in North Natchez Park and reimburse Catholic Charities for May expenses.

–Granted Public Works Director Richard Burke permission to advertise for the removal of several trees across the city which may cause a liability. The board also granted authorization for the mayor to sign Mississippi Department of Transportation contracts, as well as permission to hold an auction for surplus city equipment.

–Heard the report of Natchez Senior Citizen Multi Purpose Center Executive Director Sabrena Bartley who said Natchez Transit provided 1,000 more rides in June than the previous month.

She also said the senior center will be offering health screenings at a reduced rate on July 17, including three complimentary screenings to be given away through a drawing on July 14.

Bartley told the board the senior center was waiting on completion of renovation before beginning exercise classes for seniors.

–Approved a recommendation made by Brown to modify a lease with Auburn antebellum house, allowing the sale of items under $200

–Granted Police Chief Willie Huff permission to declare seven properties as nuisances until grass can be cut. Ward 5 Alderman David Massey asked Huff to investigate complains he had received from residents in Marilyn Heights concerning permanent blockades in the street.

–Heard the report of Yvonne Robbins, director of the Veterans Service office, who thanked Ward 3 Alderwoman Sue Stedman and her husband for placing flags around the city in honor of the Fourth of July holiday.

–Heard the report of Tourism Management Director Walter Tipton who said Natchez information booths were presented at three different locations across the country in June to favorable reception. He also said Isle of Capri Casino, Duncan Park and Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club will produce 400,000 copies of a golf guide to be distributed at golf shows around the country.

Tipton also said Alcorn State will host an economic summit on September 8, which the governor might attend; and reminded the board and mayor of the Food, Home and Health Show at the Community Center this weekend.

Ward 4 Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West thanked Tipton with his help with the Sadie V. Thompson Reunion, saying more than 800 registered for the event. He asked Tipton to put together an economic impact report.

–Congratulated Fire Chief Gary Winborne on his reelection to president of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association.