Image Credit: Imani Khayyam
The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, October 20th at 6 p.m. For residents unable to attend, this recap highlights the council’s discussions and decisions with potential impact on neighborhoods across Jackson.
Review the agenda packet for this meeting here.
By the Numbers
$617,396 insurance settlement approved for Jackson Fire Department maintenance garage repairs
1 church partnership approved to maintain Pittman Park
3 ordinances introduced for final vote at the November 3 meeting
1 leisure and recreation district proposed
$33,179 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant application authorized
Up to $9,612,416 authorized for new fire apparatus
1 task order approved for Westbrook Road Bridge replacement
1 voluntary reduction of HOME funds not to exceed $2,065,754.92
Church Takes on Pittman Park Maintenance
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Word of Life Christian Fellowship Church for the daily care and maintenance of Pittman Park (formerly Poindexter Park) as well as reservations for the park and pavilion, all at NO COST to the city.
Representatives of the church asked for a follow-up meeting within the week with city staff, Precinct 2 and others who currently help with the site. One early priority is coordinating the well-intentioned but unmanaged drop-offs of food and clothes often left at the park.
“More Transparent” Security Standards for Vacant Buildings
An ordinance was introduced that would create a “Vacant Property Lexan Blight Reduction Program” requiring vacant buildings to be secured with transparent impact-resistant polycarbonate panels (Lexan) instead of plywood. The program would also set maintenance and inspection rules.
Council members described the change as a way to avoid visual blight, but also to let neighbors and police officers more easily see if anything is happening inside a property that is supposed to be vacant. The cost of the Lexan panels would be covered by the property owners, not the city.
It was noted that Detroit used a similar approach with some success. The measure returns for final action on November 3, but it can still be amended before the vote.
Proposed Banner Hall Leisure and Recreation District
An ordinance was introduced to establish a leisure and recreation district at 4465 I-55 North, the address of Banner Hall.
In Jackson, being in a leisure and recreation district means that patrons can legally purchase and carry open containers and consume alcohol anywhere within the district’s boundaries. Existing leisure and recreation districts in Jackson include Highland Village, Fondren, Belhaven Town Center, the District at Eastover and Downtown West.
The proposal for Banner Hall will return for a vote on November 3.
Departments Ordinance Introduced
An ordinance was introduced amending Chapter 2, Article IV of the City of Jackson Code of Ordinances which lists the city’s departments and defines their primary functions.
The amendment moves the Office of Housing and Community Development away from the Department of Planning and Development so it can be directly managed and supervised by the Office of the Mayor.
It also restates the principal functions of the city’s departments, including placing city park maintenance under Public Works and recreational programming, park reservations and community center rentals under Human and Cultural Services.
The ordinance returns for final consideration on November 3.
Fire Department Garage Settlement, Fee Schedule and Equipment
The council accepted an insurance settlement of $520,773.48 for property damage and $96,622.56 for contents and tools at the Jackson Fire Department maintenance garage on Oakdale Street. The original agenda erroneously listed the insurer as “Lords of London;” the order was corrected on the floor to “Lloyd’s of London” before the vote.
The council also approved a revised Fire Department fee schedule for inspections, permits and tests. The Fire Marshal’s office cited rising diesel and fuel costs (described as having doubled) and recommended basing certain inspection fees on square footage and occupancy classification.
Examples of the changes include:
Fire Truck On-Site: $300 to $500
Fire Report: $200 to $100
Fireworks Display: $150 to $300
A new structure for service inspections: $100 for occupancies of 5,000 square feet or less, plus $0.02 per additional square foot up to caps of $5,000 per building and $8,000 per property, with a $50 re-inspection fee for each return visit until violations are corrected.
The council also authorized the mayor to purchase (under state contract) five Rosenbauer Boss 1 pumper fire apparatus and two Rosenbauer King Cobra trucks for the Jackson Fire Department for an amount not to exceed $9,612,416.
Westbrook Road Bridge Replacement
The council authorized the mayor to execute Task Order No. 4 to the professional engineering services agreement with Integrated Management Services, Inc. for the Westbrook Road Bridge replacement project under the Infrastructure Modernization Program.
The task order covers design, bidding, construction engineering and inspection for Bridge No. SA2500000000284 on Westbrook Road at Purple Creek in Ward 1.
Compensation is not to exceed $120,000 ($58,800 lump sum for preliminary engineering, design and advertising/bidding; up to $58,800 for construction engineering and inspection; and up to $2,400 for reimbursables).
Project funds come from the Infrastructure Modernization Fund. Construction is estimated for late 2027 with a warranty inspection approximately 11 months after substantial completion.
Public Works Equipment and Contracts
The council accepted the bid of Stribling Equipment, LLC for a crawler dozer for use at the City of Jackson rubbish facility. It also authorized the Solid Waste Division to submit a grant application to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for funding the city’s waste tire recycling program, and approved seven commercial services agreements with Integrated Pest Control Maintenance, LLC for pest control at seven Public Works facilities for fiscal year 2027.
A previous discussion had involved drainage equipment and the fact that Public Works currently has only one vacuum truck for clearing storm drains and sewers, and it is only partially functional. Watch for more on this issue at future meetings.
Further Bridges Discussion
Council members discussed the poor bridge conditions and needs on Bailey Avenue, Fortification Street, Mayes Street and Reverend P.J. Williams. No formal action followed.
Adopt-A-Block Kickoff
Mayor John Horhn announced the Adopt-a-Block kickoff block party this Saturday at the Westside Community Center on Wiggins Road from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The program will offer small grants for neighborhood cleanup and beautification projects.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant
The council authorized an application for a $33,179 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant.
Tourism Tax Referendum
A tourism tax referendum appears on the November 3 ballot; the proposed increase would be the first since 1983 and would apply only to hotel rooms and restaurant meals.
If approved by 60% of voters:
The tax on restaurant/prepared-food will go from 1% to 1.5%
The tax on hotel/motel accommodations will go from 1% to 2%
Supporters said the additional revenue will fund Visit Jackson’s efforts to bring more visitors (and their spending money) into the city.
HOME Voluntary Grant Reduction
The council authorized the mayor to accept and execute a voluntary grant reduction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds in an amount not to exceed $2,065,754.92.
HUD had identified three activities (IDIS Nos. 2629, 2828, and 2765) that were involuntarily terminated for failing to meet the four-year project completion deadline. The reduction will be applied against the city’s HOME entitlement funds for program years 2024, 2025 and 2026 rather than the general fund.
HUD also requested corrective actions including written policies and procedures for monitoring the completion deadline, revised template contracts and participation in E-Building HOME training.
Additional Approvals
Other items approved or advanced included:
ratification of produce procurement for the animals at the Jackson Zoo;
a contract with Central Mississippi Planning and Development District for congregate meals, home-delivered meals, transportation and outreach;
a memorandum of understanding with the Negro in Mississippi Historical Society Unlimited for a partnership with the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center; and
acceptance of full and final settlements in the matters of City of Jackson v. Kia America, Inc., et al., and Faircloth Demolition, Inc.
Next Meeting
The next Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for November 3rd at 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch online.
Interested in Joining JAN?
Interested in strengthening your neighborhood? Join the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods and become part of a citywide network of residents, neighborhood associations, businesses and community partners working together to build stronger communities. JAN members receive access to leadership training, resources and toolkits, funding opportunities, networking, collaborative programs and other programs.