County to refurbish treatment plant at industrial park

The Copiah County Board of Supervisors authorized water manager David Boone to begin repairs to the old wastewater plant at the industrial park.

The county had previously hired a consultant to make recommendations on what would be needed to refurbish the old plant. The consultant’s recommendation ranged from $44,700 to $58,200.

Boone told the board that his crew can do most of the repairs on the list at a lower cost. After the repairs are complete, the county will let a contract for sandblasting and painting.

OTHER BUSINESS

The board passed a resolution to continue funding for the 4-H/Youth agent position at the Extension Service, which is the first step in the hiring process through the university.

Grant paperwork was signed for the new Emergency Management Performance Grant, which will fund $15,000 for the year. The Statewide Mutual Aid Compact was renewed, updating the list of equipment from the agreement approved two years ago.

Strong Hope Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $199,500 grant for the purchase of a tanker truck. The grant will run through the county so that the EMA can apply to the state for matching funds. Only four of the county’s 11 VFD’s still need a tanker truck, reported Randle Drane, EMA director.

A resolution of intent to modify the boundaries of the Hopewell Fire District was passed and authorized to be published to include part of the Burt Loop area which was inadvertently left out of the original boundary. Most of the Burt Loop area is within five miles of the Hopewell fire station and should be included in the Class 8 insurance rating. About 25 residences will be affected, according to Drane.

The board discussed the need for camping spaces at the county fairgrounds to accommodate visitors and agreed to pursue grant funds.

Veterans officer Ron Evans reported that a stolen bronze marker from a veteran’s grave had turned up at a scrap metal dealer in Crystal Springs. The dealer found the marker in a pile of metal and reported it to Evans. The marker has been returned to the cemetery from which it was stolen. The board went on record saying this sort of theft will not be tolerated in Copiah County. The sheriff was asked to consult Crime Stoppers on the matter and how to pursue charges against the thief who stole the marker.

The EMA director and coroner were authorized to attend a mass fatality training conference on the coast in March.

Routine adjustments to the tax rolls were authorized.

Raises were authorized for two jailers who have completed certification training. Johnny Campbell was hired as Circuit Court bailiff.

Annual membership in the floodplain managers association was authorized for Ricky Stevens and Randle Drane.

Recertification training for eight 911 dispatchers was authorized, as well as initial training for two dispatchers.

The board recessed for an hour to attend the ceremony unveiling the signs for the Trails of Wilmer Durr.

The State Aid maintenance report showed that the county has continued good maintenance on all State Aid roads, done a good job on patching and grass cutting and right of way maintenance.

A change order to add a test hole and well for $25,000 was approved for the contract with Griner Drilling Service.

An employee was terminated.

The comprehensive road and bridge plan was updated for 2010 as well as the road registry.

Payment of invoices on the EDA project was authorized with reimbursement to come from the grant.

An item was placed on the minutes regarding rapid burial of livestock with contagious diseases.

A resolution was passed regarding the Class 2 rubbish pit to be operated privately by Jones Lumber Company, as well as paperwork for the DEQ.

A group of dancers were authorized to practice in the Heritage House on Sunday afternoons.

The board will take sealed bids on March 1 for seven trucks that are being retired from the road department fleet.

Supervisors will meet again on Wednesday, February 10, at 9 a.m.