CD: Aldermen pick Tomlinson for school board

TIM PRATT

The Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday appointed a seasoned educator and volunteer to fill the vacant seat on the Starkville School District’s board of trustees, but not before city officials exchanged contentious words on the selection.

Aldermen voted 5-2 to appoint Susan Tomlinson to fill the board of trustees seat vacated by Dr. Walter Taylor, who retired earlier this month. Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins and Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn voted against Tomlinson’s appointment.

Prior to the vote, Perkins made a motion to appoint Dr. Walter Conley, former superintendent of the Oktibbeha County School District, to fill Taylor’s seat, but the motion failed when aldermen Ben Carver, Eric Parker, Richard Corey and Jeremiah Dumas voted against Conley’s appointment. Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk abstained from the vote on Conley.

When Sistrunk nominated Tomlinson shortly thereafter, only Perkins and Vaughn voted against the appointment. Perkins cited Conley’s 20 years of experience as superintendent of the Oktibbeha County School District, his two years as assistant principal at Starkville High School, and the fact that Conley taught in the Starkville, Oktibbeha County and West Point school districts, as his reasons for the nomination.

Neither Perkins nor Vaughn were pleased their fellow aldermen rejected Conley in favor of Tomlinson, who volunteered in the Starkville School District for 15 years, had two children pass through the SSD and another who is a current student, and has worked at Mississippi State University in the horticulture, floristry and agriculture fields.

“I wish that we as a board could set the leadership and start moving this city forward by doing what I think is the right thing, and we need to, in my opinion, start to make decisions that reflect the best qualified applicants,” Perkins said prior to the vote on Tomlinson. “We have a statement in our employment policy saying we want to have individuals who are the best, most qualified. If we can start doing that, we will see more progress, we can see more forward movement. If we start doing that, we will find a healthier situation, healthier relationships. I wish we could just start looking at the credentials to ensure that we make the right choices, the right decisions, about things that are going to be for the overall betterment (of the city) based on credentials.”

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Helmet ordinance hearing draws mixed reaction

TIM PRATT

The first of two public hearings on a proposed child safety helmet ordinance drew mixed reaction Tuesday night from Starkville citizens, aldermen and former city officials.

Several residents and aldermen said they were in favor of new rules which would require persons 16 and younger to wear a helmet while riding bicycles and other alternative forms of transportation, while others liked the concept but were concerned with how the measure was written.

As it stands, the ordinance doesn’t specify who would be allowed to issue citations to violators of the ordinance. It says “any authorized agent” of the city can issue citations.

The ordinance also states a parent or legal guardian of the violator must pay a $15 fine for a first offense, although it gives the parent or legal guardian the option to purchase a helmet in lieu of paying the fine.

Mayor Parker Wiseman said only city police officers and code enforcement officers can issue citations. He also said the ordinance “isn’t meant to punitive” because its goal is to get people to purchase and wear helmets while riding bicycles and other alternative forms of transportation.

“I think, in most cases, what this ordinance is aimed at and what it will do is require a helmet to be worn,” Wiseman said.

Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas doesn’t like the idea of a police officer or code enforcement officer stopping a child without a helmet and issuing a citation.

“So if my 10-year-old is out on her bike and she gets a ticket, are they going to ask for her driver’s license?” Dumas said to a round of laughter.

Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver had a similar concern.

“Everybody laughs about this … but if my son comes in at 6 years old with a ticket, I’m going to have a major issue with that,” Carver said. “There’s going to be all kinds of profiling issues and identification of children and things like that.”

“Half of them don’t know their street address,” Carver added.

Carver also suggested the ordinance be revised to specify that only police and code enforcement officers can issue citations. He also suggested looking into ways to enforce the ordinance without a monetary fine.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Suspect wanted in Starkville shooting captured in New Orleans

TIM PRATT

STARKVILLE — The second suspect wanted for an October shooting on North Montgomery Street was captured today in Louisiana.

Roderick D. Franklin, aka “Bam Bam,” of 203 Middle Court, Starkville, was apprehended shortly after 12 p.m. by U.S. Marshals and the New Orleans Police Department at a home in New Orleans, Starkville Police Department Sgt. Chadd Garnett said. Garnett believes Franklin, 30, was tracked down through cell phone records, but was still awaiting more information as of Tuesday afternoon.

Franklin is now awaiting extradition back to Starkville to face a charge of aggravated assault. The other suspect in the shooting, Kenyon Cannon, aka “Smoke,” of 141 Pilkington Park, was arrested in New Orleans March 8 by U.S. Marshals and the New Orleans Police Department. Cannon still is awaiting extradition back to Mississippi, Garnett said.

“I’m just glad they’re both off the street,” Garnett said.

Franklin and Cannon, who are half-brothers, were wanted for a shooting the night of Oct. 30 in the 800 block of North Montgomery. The victim, whom police have not identified, was shot several times in the head, neck and shoulder area. Bloody and reeling, the man attempted to flag down passing motorists on North Montgomery Street and knocked on several nearby doors for help before someone called 911.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Public hearing today on helmet rules

The first public hearing on a proposed child safety helmet ordinance is set to take place this evening in City Hall.

The ordinance would require children under the age of 16 to wear helmets when riding bicycles and other alternative forms of transportation on public roads, public bicycle paths, public areas and other public rights-of-way in the city. Along with bicycles, the ordinance would apply to those 16 and younger riding skateboards, motorcycles, ATVs, in-line skates, roller skates, Segways and unicycles.

The hearing is to be held during the Board of Aldermen’s regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. Proponents and opponents of the measure each will have 15 minutes to speak. Individual speakers will be limited to three minutes.

A second public hearing is scheduled for the Board of Aldermen’s April 6 meeting. The board could then vote on the measure.

Lois Connington, Safe Routes to School coordinator for Starkville In Motion, is in favor of the ordinance.

“In my mind, wearing a helmet is parallel to wearing a seat belt,” Connington said. “It’s the same level of safety. When I’m driving, my car does not move unless everybody is wearing a seatbelt. I feel the same way about riding a bike. You don’t ride a bike without wearing a helmet. I think it’s very important to wear a helmet wherever you ride.”

The ordinance also states passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds, or are under 40 inches in height, are to be seated in separate child passenger seats; no person who is unable to maintain an erect, seated position, or is less than one year of age, shall be a passenger on a restraining seat; and all other passengers shall be seated on saddle seats.

The ordinance would not be enforced until six months after it is approved by aldermen. The six-month window would give residents a chance to purchase helmets and read up on the ordinance, said Dr. Ron Cossman, a member of the city’s Healthy Hometown and Starkville In Motion, who has pushed for its approval. According to Cossman, Starkville would be the first municipality in the state to pass a helmet ordinance.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Soldiers refocus on family

JASON BROWNE

After nine months in the desert, you can’t blame a soldier for wanting to spend some time in the house.

For members of the Starkville-based Army National Guard Alpha Battery 2-114 Strike Battalion, who began returning to North Mississippi from Mosul, Iraq, last week, spending time with family was first on everyone’s to-do list. Relaxation was a close second.

“I’m looking forward to being at the house, to relax and have no worries and enjoy the comforts of home,” said Sgt. 1st Class Fountain Saylors, 42, of Tupelo, who remained at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg on Monday.

Sgt. 1st Class Danny Browning Jr., 36, of Columbus, planned to “relax, catch up on stuff I missed and get back into a good rhythm.”

“I was looking forward to doing a lot of stuff, like going out and getting barbecue,” recalls 1st Lt. Dustin Guadagno, 26, of Caledonia. “But now I just want to casually go to everyone’s house for 10-20 minutes and come back and be with my family.”

Of course, family was the clear winner. Whether visiting parents and siblings or reconnecting with children, the soldiers from the 114th kept it moving.

Upon returning home, Saylors will watch two of his three sons play ball for Shannon High School. Browning, who also remains at Camp Shelby, will return to his wife and two daughters. Guadagno reconnected with his 1-year-old son Sunday night.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

BOA Agenda, Tuesday March 16, 2010

OFFICIAL AGENDA
THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
RECESS MEETING OF TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
5:30 P.M., CITY HALL COURTROOM
101 LAMPKIN STREET

I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE

III. APPROVAL OF THE OFFICIAL AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

IV. INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR THE VACANT SCHOOL BOARD POSITION.

V. APPROVAL OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN MINUTES
A. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE RECESS MEETING OF THE CITY OF STARKVILLE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF DECEMBER 15, 2009.

VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS
A. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: 2
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES:
UYLESS GRAY – MAINTENANCE WORKER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT
DONNA DOLLARHIDE – RADIO OPERATOR/RECORDS CLERK IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
STEPHANNE DRUMMOND – RADIO OPERATOR/RECORDS CLERK IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
B. BOARD COMMENTS:
C. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS:

VII. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
A. PUBLIC APPEARANCE BY NISREEN CAIN TO DISCUSS THE CITY’S RECOGNITION OF EARTH HOUR.
B. PUBLIC APPEARANCE BY FENLY AKERS REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP BY THE CITY FOR THE MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY PROGRAM AD.
C. PUBLIC APPEARANCE BY CHRIS HUGHES PRESENTING A HOUSING PROJECT PLAN AND REQUESTING CITY SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT.

VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CHILD SAFETY PROTECTIVE HELMET ORDINANCE.

IX. MAYOR’S BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE LETTER TO BE SENT TO THE DEVELOPER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI HOME CORPORATION
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
B. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL TO AUSTIN, TEXAS, FOR THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO ATTEND A FACILITIES
PLANNING CLASS AT A COST OF $550.00 FOR TUITION ONLY.
C. DISCUSSION OF ADOPTING A PROCESS AND BUDGETARY POLICY ON BOARD CONSIDERATION OF OUTSIDE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PROGRAM ADS AUTHORIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972 §17-3-1.

X. BOARD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE STARKVILLE SCHOOL BOARD FOR THE TERM BEGINNING MARCH 6, 2010.
B. CONSIDERATION OF ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR THE MOWING CONTRACT FOR THE CITY’S ODDFELLOWS CEMETERIES FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS 2010 AND 2011.
C. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUING A PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF STARKVILLE TO DECLARE THE HOUR FROM 8:30 TO 9:30 PM ON MARCH 27, 2010 AS EARTH
HOUR IN THE CITY OF STARKVILLE.
D. CONSIDERATION OF CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND THE SIGN ORDINANCE 2008-10 AND THE CITY OF STARKVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES, APPENDIX A TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES OF EXEMPTIONS FOR SIGNAGE LOCATED IN CITY RIGHTS OF WAY.
E. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A PROGRAM AD FOR THE MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY PAGEANT PROGRAM BOOK IN ACCORDANCE WITH MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, § 17-3-1.
F. CONSIDERATION OF HOSTING AN AREA WORKSHOP THROUGH THE MISSISSIPPI URBAN FOREST COUNCIL.
G. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING AN INTERNAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE RESULTING FROM BOARD RETREAT PROCESS.

XI. DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
A. AIRPORT
THERE ARE NO ITEMS FOR THIS AGENDA
B. BUILDING, CODES AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE P&Z ITEM #FP 09-06: A REQUEST BY RMR INVESTMENTS, LLC, FOR A FINAL PLAT APPROVAL OF “WESTERN CROSSING DEVELOPMENT—PHASE II” IN A C-2 (GENERAL BUSINESS) AND R-5 (MULTI-FAMILY, HIGH-DENSITY) ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED NORTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF NEW LIGHT ROAD AND THE MS HIGHWAY 25 BYPASS IN WARD 1.
2. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE P&Z ITEM #FP 10-01: A REQUEST BY RMR INVESTMENTS, LLC, A FINAL CONDO PLAT APPROVAL OF “UNIVERSITY CROSSING CONDO PLAT REVISION #1” IN A C-2 (GENERAL BUSINESS) ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT THE 600 BLOCK OF MS HIGHWAY 12 EAST IN WARD 4.
C. OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
1. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE CLAIMS DOCKET AS OF MARCH 11, 2010, FOR THE CITY OF STARKVILLE DEPARTMENTS EXCEPT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH REYNOLDS INSURANCE, THE LOWEST AND BEST BID FOR THE CITY OF STARKVILLE PROPERTY INSURANCE SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2010/2011.
D. COURTS
THERE ARE NO ITEMS FOR THIS AGENDA
E. ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT (ALL ITEMS ON CONSENT)
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT SUBSTATION VACUUM CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM WESCO/DIVERSIFIED SUPPLY COMPANY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS FOR THE LOW BID OF $20,500.00.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CHANGE ORDER FOR THE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF THE RETAINER WALL THAT IS
LOCATED ON THE EAST BOUNDARY OF THE SED PROPERTY AND WESTERN BOUNDARY OF PROPERTY OWNED BY MR. LARRY TABOR AT A COST OF $28,087.00.
F. ENGINEERING AND STREETS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR SC-1 ASPHALT SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2010.
2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE LOWEST AND BEST BID FOR THE HOSPITAL ROAD PEDESTRIAN PROJECT TO INCLUDE AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTURAL AGREEMENT WITH SAID PROVIDER.
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE 2010 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR THE LYNN LANE MULTI-USE PATH PROJECT.
5. REQUEST CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF CITY ENGINEER, ENGINEERING ASSISTANT AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO ASSESS THE RFQ FOR THE LYNN LANE MULTI-USE PATH PROJECT.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PAT STATION ROADWAY ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND TESTING.
G. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. REQUEST PERMISSION TO PAY NORTH GREENVILLE FITNESS $12,796.35 FOR ANNUAL FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING AS BUDGETED.
H. PERSONNEL
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER TAMMY CARLISLE FOR THE POSITION OF STAFF SUPPORT TECHNICIAN LEVEL 2 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I. POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. REPORT BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CITY OF STARKVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES, SECTION 106-40. ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR LIEUTENANT MALVIN DAILEY TO TAKE SIX (6) CREDIT HOURS AT KAPLAN UNIVERSITY AS ALLOWED BY CITY
POLICY FOR REIMBURSABLE EDUCATIONAL COURSES.
J. PUBLIC SERVICES
THERE ARE NO ITEMS FOR THIS AGENDA
K. SANITATION DEPARTMENT
THERE ARE NO ITEMS FOR THIS AGENDA

XII. CLOSED DETERMINATION SESSION

XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. PENDING LITIGATION
B. PERSONNEL

XIV. ADJOURN UNTIL APRIL 6, 2010 @ 5:30 AT 101 LAMPKIN STREET IN THE CITY HALL COURTROOM.

CD: More than 100 join lawsuit over school uniform policy

TIM PRATT

STARKVILLE — A steady stream of parents and community members filed into the Starkville Sportsplex multi-purpose building Thursday night to join an appeal against the Starkville School District’s recent decision to implement a dress code policy beginning this fall.

The group, led by Booneville-based attorneys Daniel Tucker and Allison Worley, is seeking a temporary restraining order, a permanent injunction and other relief from the Starkville School District’s board of trustees and Superintendent Judy Couey. Along with Couey, board members Eddie Myles, Walter Taylor, Bill Weeks, Pickett Wilson and Keith Coble are named as defendants.

More than 100 people signed affidavits to join the appeal, which Tucker plans to file today in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.

The appeal says that, following the Feb. 2 board of trustees meeting, the board determined requiring uniforms would be considered a fee, which would require the school district to issue hardship waivers, and that more than 60 percent of students in the SSD qualify for the free lunch program and would therefore qualify for a hardship waiver relating to the required uniforms. It also states the school board determined the district could not afford to clothe more than 60 percent of its student population and therefore could not impose a uniform requirement, so the SSD altered the uniform policy by changing the word “uniform” to “dress code.”

The appeal also alleges the board of trustees changed the wording from uniform to dress code to avoid financial obligation to those SSD students who would have qualified for a hardship waiver.

“The dress code, as adopted, is effectively a uniform policy requiring the purchase of a specific type of clothing …,” the appeal reads.

The board of trustees has stated safety concerns as one of its main reasons for adopting the dress code, but the appeal alleges the board’s decision came without “substantive evidence to show how a uniform dress code will improve safety and security in the Starkville School District.”

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: A day of Black and Gold: Starkville honors state champs

TIM PRATT

STARKVILLE — The sun was shining, temperatures were soaring and spirits were high on the streets of Starkville Thursday afternoon as the Starkville High School boys basketball team paraded through town in celebration of its recent state championship.

Hundreds of people lined the sidewalks as the parade made its way downtown and headed into the tree-covered Greensboro Street Historic District. The envoy then headed south on Louisville Street, crossed Highway 12 and came to an end at Starkville High School, for a rally.

Melissa Luckett stood along Main Street with her sons, Chris, 8, and Roman, 3, to show her support for the Yellowjackets, who defeated Meridian High School 57-51 Saturday to earn the Mississippi High School Activities Association 6A state title.

“I’m very, very proud of them,” Luckett said. “I hadn’t really followed the basketball team all year long, but I started following them recently and it’s really exciting.”

“I think it’s great for our town and great for those kids,” she added.

Starkville High School student Whitney Tice, 18, stood along Main Street with her mom, Charonda Summerville, to cheer on the team.

“I just came out here to support them because I can’t believe they won,” Tice said. “They are 6A state champions. I’m just proud of them.”

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Trio arrested after car chase through Crawford

DISPATCH STAFF REPORT

What started as a vehicle chase for Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies last Friday netted arrests of two Starkville residents and a Columbus resident on two different charges, according to Detective Eli Perrigin of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.

Perrigin identified those arrested as Kenyon Tequile Tuggle, 24, of 202 19th St. N. in Columbus, who was arrested on a charge of accessory after the fact; Shanerica Rline Tuggle, 21, of 1553 Chapel Hill Road in Starkville, was also arrested on a charge of accessory after the fact.

Valene Maggie Brooks, 34, of 1553 Chapel Hill Road in Starkville, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with weapon or other means.

Perrigin said deputies were called out at 4:30 a.m. on what he described as a “vehicle chase” through Crawford.

“We received a complaint from Sherita Rogers, who said her car had been rammed, and the arrests resulted from the complaint,” Perrigin said.

The case remains under investigation, Perrigin said.

All three have had an initial appearance in court and were released on bond, he added.

According to Pat Tuggle, administrative assistant with the Lowndes County jail, Brooks was released on a $15,000 bond, while Shanerica and Kenyon Tuggle were each released on a $3,500 bond.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

CD: Jobless: Outlook bleak for Golden Triangle

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

New jobless numbers released by the state provided little good news for the Golden Triangle, with new evidence that unemployment continues to tighten its grip on the area.

Unemployment rates rose across the Golden Triangle in January, according to the state report that showed Clay County had the third-highest unemployment rate in the state. In Columbus, nearly one in five workers was unemployed, while Oktibbeha County joined the majority of Mississippi counties reporting double-digit unemployment.

Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties all experienced jumps in county unemployment rates for the month.

In Lowndes, the January rate was 13.4 percent, compared to 11.6 percent in December 2009 and 10.1 percent in January 2009.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.

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