NATCHEZ &045;&045; If all goes well, another phase of the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center renovation work will start soon.

In their Tuesday meeting city aldermen voted to allow City Planner Bob Jackson to negotiate with the state Department of Archives and History to fix either exterior masonry or do window repairs at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

A bid of $45,000 was received from Ransom Construction for the project. But only $16,000 in funds are left from an Archives and History grant, forcing the city choose between the window and masonry parts of the project.

Also in Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith assured Ser Seshshab Heter-C.M. Boxley, coordinator of the Friends of the Forks of the Road organization, that group will be included in discussions of what sign to place at the former slave market site.

&uot;We’re waiting for (the state Department of) Archives and History to call a meeting with you and the National Park Service&uot; on that matter, City Attorney Walter Brown told Boxley.

Boxley said he would like the sign to be erected before Spring Pilgrimage, if not Fall Pilgrimage.

&uot;We’re concerned about (the sign containing) watered-down information&uot; about the site, Boxley told the board.

Also on Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen:

4Voted to appoint Kirk Bartley to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Krouse on the Planning Commission.

4Authorized Police Chief Mike Mullins to accept a $1,250 donation from Isle of Capri for equipment for the emergency response team.

4Voted to advertise for bids for smoke testing of sewers and repair of any leaks that are found.