Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

Everyone, I have a thumbs up. So that means we are Facebook live. So um at this point in time, I'll call this meeting to order. This is our regular meeting, our first meeting of April, April 7th. And we will first stand for the pledge of allegiance. We'll follow that with uh invocation by And in a moment of silence, if you would stand to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty andice for all.

God of creation, the giver of life, father Jesus Christ. Father God, service all day long. Father God, praying God, Father God, that we make good, wise, and decision, but most of all, we thank you so much. We ask you that you thank you so much for controlling our destiny. us now. Father, we ask that you bless us now in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank you everyone. We appreciate you being here this evening. Um and we will move forward with um the approval of the official agenda with consented items. We do have um a couple of things, well at least one thing. Um there is an item under HR that will be withdrawn and that is item number six. So that will be removed from the agenda and then uh just for purposes of notification. The folks who are um requesting the variance for the automatic fire sprinkler system have said they will not pursue that. But since we have um put it in for public hearing, we will go ahead and have that public hearing in case they decide to bring it back. We will have met that requirement. So we will have that public hearing but um that will not be under board consideration for this evening. So with with having said that um do I have any um changes to the agenda? Alman Morland,

no ma'am. Alvin Cro, no ma'am. Alvin Skinner, no ma'am. Alvin Brooks, no ma'am. Thank you. Alvin Poker, no ma'am. Thank you. Vice Mayor, mayor, just one brief inquiry. Um it's always good to help our sister um town or city. So I mean this is just something we won't be on a pattern of going to miss Pales. Yes, sir. Absolutely not. This is a request from uh Mayor Bean. They were unable to get some assistance from a couple of different entities. Yes, ma'am. And so um they asked us, we have helped them in the past when we had the Sturgeist bike rally, for example. So Mayor Bean reached out and I thought that since we are allowed to do that, this would be an appropriate thing to help them with. I concur for this time. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, sir. Appreciate the notification on that. Alderman V. Thank you, Mayor.

All right. With that being said, I need a motion to approve the agenda with the consented items. Move approval. I have a motion from Alderman Pope. Do I have a second? Second. Second from Alman Skinner. All those in favor, please signify by saying I.

Opposed. All right. Motion carries and I will read those consented agenda items. First, we have consideration of the minutes of the March 13, 2026 work session of the mayor and board of alderman of the city of Starkville. Then we have consideration of the minutes of the March 17th, 2026 recess meeting of the mayor and board of alderman of the city of Starkville. Moving to mayor's business, we have number A is consideration of approving assisting the town of Sturgeis with a project to remove damaged tower poles from a public park using the city of Startwell utilities truck assets as authorized by Mississippi code section 17-5-15 2024. Under board business, we have consideration of applying for a national fitness campaign fitness project at George and Brian Field. Number two is request uh to advertise for bids regarding the FAA 2026 AIP runway and taxiway extension project phase 2 on George M. Brian Field. Under community development and planning, we have one. It's discussion and consideration of a special event request by Alvin Thornhill to hold the 2026 Startville Derby. I will say Dachon Derby on April 25th, 2026 and have city participation with inind services under I'm sorry. Number two is consideration of authorizing the acceptance of the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance grant of $20,000 with a required one to one local match. Under engineering, we have consideration of approving task order number five for Neil Schaefer, Inc. for the final design of the old West Point Road bridge replacement in an hourly not to exceed amount of $65,000. Two is consideration of accepting the public infrastructure of Magnolia's at Bentbrook subdivision. Under finance administration, we have Request authorization for the city clerk's office to award the startable commercial dispatch for publication of legal notices. Three is approval of fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments. Four is consideration and approval of two resolutions of mayor and board of alderman authorizing and approving execution of two equipment lease

purchase agreements with Cadence Equipment Finance, a division of the Huntington National Bank to finance two front load refuge trucks. Under the fire department, we have request authorization to declare the repairs to engine 4 as an emergency under Mississippi State statute section 31-7-13 and approve the additional repair costs associated with the replacement of brake shoes and drums at TAG Truck Center as necessary to restore the apparatus to safe and operational condition at a cost of $5,54.81. Two is request permission to apply for a 2026 Firehouse Subs public safety foundation grant. The amount of this grant will be approximately $35,778.73. The turnouts will be purchased upfront and SFB will be reimbursed 100%. Under human resources, we have number one, request authorization to promote Alex Bishop to commercial driver one in the sanitation and environmental services department. Two is request authorization to hire Daniel Triplet as foreman one in the sanitation and environmental services department. Three is request authorization to hire Edward Cole Bush as a reserve police officer in the Starkville Police Department. Number five is request authorization to hire Jerick Jenkins and Ryan Miner as street maintenance worker one in the street department. Seven is request authorization to hire Javian Crane as a sanitation worker one in the sanitation and environmental services department. under it. We have request approval of the purchase of abnormal AI abnormal AI email security software for the lowest quote of $8,400 yearly. Under parks, we have one consideration of approving the change order number two for the JL King Culbert replacement project for an increase of $65,5138. Two is request authorization to purchase and install vent hood and kitchen equipment from Jackson Restaurant Supply with equip cost of 21 29,65520

an installation cost of $12,500 for a total of $42,15520 including a down payment of $15,749.3 for cornerstone concession stand three is requesting consideration to approve the sole source service agreement with Perry for two full service weather systems at a prrated cost of $1,13644 the time of May 1 through June June 29, 2026. This amount plus shipping cost of $800 will total $1,93644 beginning June 1, 2026. The total for two additional units will be $6,800 annually. Number four is consideration to approve the lowest quote $69,495 from Wade Incorporated for five commercial grade mowers consisting of four 72 in and one 60in mower. Under police, we have consideration to approve a list of city of Starkville unmarked cars for fiscal year 2026 under section 25187. Under the sanitation department, we have request approval of a pilot agreement with Third Eye Environmental Solutions Group for a camera for the sweeper truck with cost to be reimbursed by Ingram Equipment Company. Under the utilities department, we have consideration of the acceptance of the audited financial statements of the Startwell Utilities Electric Division for the 12-month period ended September 30th, 2025 and the year ended September 30th, 2024 as presented by Watkins Ward and Stafford CPA's PLLC. Two is consideration of the acceptance of the mechanical service agreement and maintenance contract with Brian, Inc. for Starkville Utilities Operations Center HBA services from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Three is request authorization to advertise for bids for Curry Street generator materials only. Four is request authorization to accept the emergency purchase in accordance with Mississippi State Statute 31-7-13 from Barry Electric LLC in the amount of

$8,200 for electrical repairs and a transfer switch at Academy Well. Five is request authorization to execute the Mississippi Development Authority Energy and Natural Resources Division Mississippi 40101 subd grid resilience grant program subawward grant agreement six request authorization to accept the low quote from Bill Young in the amount of $21,820 for maintenance of altitude valves at four locations Curry Street Scale Street Lockley and Aelia Street sevens request authorization to accept the low quote from Barry Electric LLC in the amount of $32,500 for installation of manual transfer switches at the Parkdale and Henderson Wells. Last but not least, number eight, request authorization to accept the low quote from Meyer Spence Sales LLC in the amount of $12,500 for perimeter fence at Lockxley Tank. And that does conclude the consent agenda items.

Thank you, mayor.

I am happy to do that. All right, we next move to announcements and comments. And so the mayor mayor's comments, I'm going to do a little public service announcement here for a couple of things. First and foremost, and this only happens once a year unless they change it and add one to it. This is the waste collection day out at um the Golden Triangle Regional Landfill. It is this Saturday from 7:30 to 1. And this is for them to take in residential materials which include I'm going to go ahead and read them out just for public service announcement purposes. pesticides, paints and stains, rodent poison, electronic waste, lighter fluids, batteries, aerosols, household cleaners, automobile fluids, oil filters, chlorine, and herbicides. Materials that are not allowed, so don't bring your bombs. This is no explosives, no infectious waste, no munitions, no radioactive waste, no gas canisters, butane, propane, freon, etc. And no freon appliances, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. And no items for business or industry. This is strictly for residential materials only. It's all over social media, but I did want to be able to say that to you guys so y'all can pass it along, please, because invariably somebody will come up next week and go, "When is the hazardous waste collection day?" So hopefully that will the word will get out. Um that and then we get to announce the um craw king cotton crawfish boil. And we have a we have a judge in the audience. Mr. Smiley is going to be judging crawfish. So y'all can go enjoy. This is this Saturday as well. It's going to be in front of the hub and it's going to be from All right. From when to when?

1 to three.

One to three. Thank you. I believe we needed that on here, but it's from one to three. So, go enjoy crawfish and uh and being outside with with friends and neighbors, and y'all can give Mr. Smiley a hard time or or your recommendations for for the taste testing. I also want to say that we are going to have an incredibly busy weekend in Startwell this weekend. We've got 75 teams for tournaments out at Cornerstone. We've got a three-game series for baseball, a three-game series for softball, and we've got the international f uh fiesta festival out on campus. So, it's going to be a really busy weekend. I hope everyone gets out and takes advantage of it and enjoys all those things that are going on in town this weekend. And I believe that brings me to the end of my announcement. So, anyone else? Alderman Morland, anything?

No, ma'am. Alman S. No, mayor. Thank you, Skinner. Uh, no, mayor. All right, Brooks. A couple. A couple. I'll let you go. I wanted to just for the vice mayor information, just a little bit more information on the deal for Sturgis. I I obviously can't speak, but I am on the rally board. I do want you to know this that the uh it's the old baseball field. Yes, sir.

And if you're my age, and there's probably some of you that might play ball that long ago, that's All that stuff's been up there and the mayor had recognized that it was a safety hazard because that's where we have a lot of rally there on that baseball bas that's why they again I can't speak for him but I from the board I do want to thank all members of the board for going along with that and the mayor and Mr. for for taking agreeing to take those down because it it was simply a safety machine. Second, I want to congratulate Mr. Thornhill on what he's been able to do in that derby. I I noticed you guys had a little mini version when some tourist tourist attraction was in tourist board or tourist group was in town and been hit. I I just because of my work I wasn't able to attend first couple but I was I was there last year and I was impressed just blown away with the with the just the attendance and how many people were there and what a big time it was and you know we love seeing that for so I'll say that and on the crawfish tickets are on sale now I believe that's right $30 in advance 40

40th gate so you don't want to miss that you're very welcome Folks, anything? No. All right. Vice Mayor

Lley. Mayor, mayor, let me just take the a very brief moment to um publicly recognize you and Mr. Chris Smiley, the director of our sanitation environmental services for your um very great decision of having citywide garbage collection on uh Thursday, April 2 of 206. uh in light of the fact that the city was closed for Good Friday uh this past uh Friday April 3, 2026 and have a lot of constituents uh in that uh area of T Friday garbage uh collection mayor and uh there was overwhelming support and um they asked me just to um acknowledge you and Mr. Smile how much they appreciate that and I also thank you as well. Thank you.

We're happy to do it. Glad glad to make the residents happy and and convenient for them as well as good for the sanitation department. So, thank you all. No, ma'am. Mayor, thank you.

All right. Thank you. With that, we will move to uh citizens comments. This is an opportunity that uh citizens have to speak to the board for three minutes. You can tell us concerns, we'll take compliments, too. Um whatever might be on your mind. And this is for things that are not under the public hearing this evening. So, we have several public hearings, but this is strictly for uh things that are not under the public hearing agenda items. Mr. Turner. All right. Good evening to the mayor and board. My name is Alan Turn to the Police Department uh to the fire department to uh sanitating department and to the uh NACP Dr. Jerry Jeff the uh citizen has just a couple of concerns and that is that we don't know uh with the elderly and handicap we we we getting headaches that are uh uh the liability everywhere but the mailbox and uh a lot of people on fixed income and uh they do not want to wind up in the dark because uh uh they don't know where the light bill at and um they don't have the funds to pay it because uh it didn't come on time. Um again uh also with 182 in the redevelopment uh people kind of concern on last know if we need to get to all mine how how we do it with the thing have changed like change

thank you Mr. term. We gonna get them to your house. We will we'll help.

Anyone else under citizens comments? Anyone else? All right. Seeing none, I will close it as citizens comments and we will move to public hearings. So, this will be our second public hearing and consideration to adopt an ordinance to control sale of synthetic cratom and cratom products within the city limits of Starkville. So, a little bit of history. Uh, in in the board's packet, there were three ordinances. At the request of, um, board members, there are three drafts. One is a total ban on all cradle and cradle products, both natural and synthetic. One of them is a ban on a ban on everything, but a decriminal decriminalization for possession and use. And the third one is um a ban only on the synthetic products and allowing the natural cratom to be a part or to be um not criminalized and not banned from the city. So um and that one was following essentially following state law. So, in order for an ordinance to be adopted, it must be reduced to writing, which is why the reason there are three of them, and the board gets to determine which one of those they wish to select from, if they do indeed wish to do so. Um over the past month or so we have certainly received numerous numerous emails, communications, um phone calls from multiple folks, some who are historical residents, some who are not u but those who are interested in both um the synthetic problem uh as being a problem and those who have um quite frequently I've had a lot of emails that reflect the desire to keep the natural cratom a natural leaf cratom available and that the synthetic with the synthetic band. So, um, anecdotally, there's a huge amount of stories that have come to us and I think most of the board members have received those emails that have come to us and stated that the

concern about banning all elements of of um as opposed to leaving the natural available to the to the public. So, I say that to say that we have gotten mostly anecdotes. Obviously, there is a lot of conflicting scientific information out there. I don't know that I've seen anybody settle on anything that there is just there's just numerous views about this particular product. So, it is it is not a it's not a simple decision. It's a complex decision and I think the board has worked hard to work their way through the that decision-making process. So, before I open it as a public hearing, anybody wish to speak to this matter at this point in time? Any board member wishing to speak? Okay, seeing none, what I will do is I'll open it as a public hearing. We have 15 minutes in favor of the ban and 15 minutes against the ban. And if you want to speak against the ban, I would suggest you do so based on use the natural part if you want to disting distinguish it that way because we're not going to do three 15 minute sessions. So um we will start with those who are in uh against the ban for the ordinance. Someone who wishes to come speak against the um the board adopting this ordinance. No one wishes to

against the bands in keeping it legal. Against the ban. Okay. Or Yes, ma'am. If you come forward, if you give me give me your name. We're going to be timing it for 15 minutes. So, how many Let's do this. How many wishing to speak against the ban? One, two, three. I mean, One, two, three, four. Okay. So, we I won't have to divide you up too badly because these folks over here, I have a feeling I'm gonna have to parse out the parse out the time. So, yes, ma'am. If you give us your name, please.

Excuse me. I'm Sherry Owings. Um I was here last one also. Um I you know, the natural cradle leaf. It did save my life. But I I actually bought some studies on uh they have found that the cratom they have found that it is killing cancer cells in your breast. About two studies and I submitted those and I'd like for y'all to keep those and to evidence. Anyway, what it did for me, I have had precancer cells. I've had since I was 17, I've been struggling with this and um every year I would go get my and I've had several removed over the years and I um would have to go get a mamogram and then they call me back every time I'd have to go back and get another because they'd find more lumps, more lumps, more lumps and they had to check them. So I've been dealing with that forever. Well, when I started taking cratom, my breasts were getting better. or they weren't as sore as they were. And so when I go I did my mamograms, all of my cysts were gone. They were gone and I couldn't figure it out. And then this study came out last year that it's killing the the cancer cells, the credence. Isn't that amazing? So I just wanted to share that. But I I I you know I did tell some of my story before and that you know they I was on pain medication pretty much all my life. I've had the pain. I've got scoliosis. I've got six bulging disc in my neck. And when the CDC cut my pain medication they cut by 85%. So I ended up I didn't know about street drugs. I never bought anything like that, but there was alcohol and my doctor did suggest that I should drink wine at night because it just settled me down. I was taking care of my father at

the time. He had a bad stroke and moved in with me. So, I did drink the wine at night and then it I started gaining more weight on the wine. So, I went to pretty quick and I did become a full-blown alcoholic over those years where I kept my daddy and my husband, he was here with me. He would stick on me too. He they diagnosed him with Parkinson. So I had them both. I couldn't check myself into rehab. I couldn't go and get myself help. But while I was doing all that, I spent every dime we had. I mean, we had nothing left. If we hadn't had our house paid for, we would have lost it. So, you know, I know I can't I don't like alcohol now, but I can't come in here and tell y'all get that out of your town because I couldn't handle it. I had to get myself straight. I can't I I still come up here and go to your football games. I have to watch people drink all around me, but I have my cratom leg that helps my pain and everything. and I can sit through a whole ball game and I can drive back home and I don't want the alcohol. It that actually took all my craving away from for alcohol, took my little draws away. So, I can't come in here and and in my town to tell y'all to take that alcohol out, take it out of Walmart. It's even in the Walgreens. It's everywhere you go. I had to take control over my life and myself, you know, over something else that was hurting me. somebody else can do it, then it's not hurting them. They can do it. You know, they're adults. They can handle it. So, I would never want to take anything away from somebody that's, you know, helping y'all relax at night or whatever, you know, whoever wants to have a drink. I don't condemn anybody for that. But

Kratom did save my life. And it took me I lost my business. I I've now got my business back because I could work it, but I lost everything. I lost my daughter. I still her back and you know I still working at that. So it all you lose a lot when you when you go down the wrong path but I'm getting it all back. I've been eight and a half years sober thanks to this leave. I don't take any medication anymore. Before I found Gradom, I was on 26 different medications trying to relieve my pain. And I was taking injections, u I'd have to go over six months and get a a steroid injection in my back. Now I go down here to Dr. Allen and my chiropractor. I just left that while I go and that's pretty much all I do. But I just want y'all let y'all know about that. That's just amazing. Um, but I I do understand about the the 7HO, but I also went down to Jackson and I fought for five years to get that stuff out of here. Well, the it came up about three years later, but I fought and we do have a the bill in Mississippi that regulated cradle and they did that for people like me. They understood it was all a bunch of us old people down there fighting for it to keep the cradle safe because it is gift God. I call it the tree of life because it brought my life back. I would absolutely be dead if my husband hadn't found that cra and g and brought it home for me to take. I would be dead. I was my skills were so bad. I I would stand up and I would walk backwards. That's how much it poison my brain. It It does so much to you. It did so much damage to my body. But I'm healing every day

still. And I just wish y'all would regulate it and uh you know the 7H that was hurting everybody and I it was absolutely hurting people. It was not great and it shouldn't have been so like that but even you know the FDA is going by what pretty much what we went by what Mississippi did. So I pride that and uh Florida did too. Right after we did that Florida did the same thing. They got the 7H out and they regulated craving for their people. And I thank y'all so much for having me here. And just y'all got any questions? No, ma'am. You just talk to us. Okay. All right.

And that's that's all. Thank you, ma'am. Anyone else?

Good evening. Good evening. My name is Brenda McB. I submitted emailed to you earlier. Um, I am a 63 year old with two sons and a grandmother, three beautiful grandsons. I'm a wife to a wonderful husband, David, for 40 years. Most importantly, I'm a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ since a very young age. Growing up in a godly home, I have witnessed and seen seen and experienced the importance of God's creation plays a major role in our health. I as I grew so did the expansion of western medicine. Humanity is paying the ultimate price today for the love of money is the root of all evil. Since my cancer diagnosis in 2007, I have been and currently proactive in using natural remedies, herbal plants for medicinal purposes, and using homemade non-toxic items for hygiene and household cleansers. Since my health journey using this natural herbs and products, I am cancer-free today. I have no more abnormal cells. My health is better now than it's ever been in my younger days. No health problems that in the past restricted my my livelihood as I've lost weight and I have been able to sustain my weight using only natural herbs. I thoroughly believe God's word and his word is knowledge to the one who seeks and is clearly stated in Ezekiel 47:12. Their fruit will be the food and their leaves for healing. God's word is our instruction manual and is proof today

that we do have the natural right to freely have natural access to his purely plants. In Genesis 1:11, then God said, "Let the earth produce vegetation, sea bearing plants, and fruit trees on earth bearing fruit and seed in it according to their kinds." And it was good. In Genesis 1:29, God also said, "Look, I have given you every seedbearing plant on this surface of the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you. I have personally witnessed and experienced the health sharing effects of what addictive chemicals and toxins can do to a physical body in my life and in the life of my son. This addiction is not only affect the life of the user but everyone who this user is attached to siblings, parents, spouse, children, friends, etc. This addiction sucks the life out of them and whoever is close to them. It will destroy families and relationships. The value of life and living sustainably is most important and should not be taken away by removing natural resources that provide sustainability. By removing this natural resource provided by the one who created the natural resource will result in infringing upon the rights of naturalb born created by God. You clearly cannot argue that we are naturally born in the great count great country called America. The land of the free from which the natural pure leaf plant sprouted from. Pure leaf plant is a natural resource I

am referring to. Grown from earth is one of the wonderful miracle plants God created to help humanity. as I have first seen firsthand seen as a parent what prescribed and over-the-counter medications can do to people to families to friends alike. MC there's one other piece who person wants to speak and we're down to four minutes for you. Okay. I just um as I just urge you to please um um to please say the pure leaf plant called cradle God's creation humanity and I thank you so much for this time

yes ma'am thank you yes sir you wanted to you wanted to speak yes sir was I incorrect I thought I had seen your hand okay the remaining three and a half minutes are yours

madame mayor and members of the board of aldermen My name is Steven Dentali. I hold a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences and have spent over 30 years advising government, non-governmental and industry organizations on the safety and chemistry of botanical ingredients. This includes over two decades of expert committee member service for the US farm where quality standards are set for medicines, foods and dietary supplements worldwide. I'm here as an adviser to the botanicals for better health and wellness trade organization. A formal scientist statement from theratom science symposium organizing committee signed by Dr. Paula Brown and included in your agenda packet states thatratom leaf is a traditionally consumed material not a synthetic drug that there is insufficient evidence to warrant banning it and there may be unintended public safety risks in doing so. In preparing for this hearing, I noted that a cratom talk will be presented by the chair of the department of environmental health sciences at the University of Arkansas just down the road at Old Miss in two weeks. A 2025 peer-review article of his published in pharmaceutical biology concludes that concentrated 70 products are pharmacologically and toxicologically distinct from natural cratom leaf and pose significant risks of morbidity and mortality under typical conditions of use. In short, it points out that 70 products have recently shifted from its origins as a botanical commodity into the domain of a potent opiate like health hazard. I have copies of this comprehensive review if you wish to see it. I commend the board for its desire to align policy with science and offer two final points. First, the public health concern driving this conversation is clear. Synthetic and highly concentrated 70 is a dangerous labmade drug that does not belong on storeshelves. A band that sweeps natural botanical cratom into the same category

as that synthetic chemical is not supported by the science. Second, Mississippi's own consumer protection act, House Bill 1077, signed into law last April, restricts sales to adults 21 and older and specifically bans products with high concentrations of 70. Focusing local efforts on banning 70 products specifically aligns stock with state law protects consumers. Provides a clear workable framework for local businesses. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor. All right, no minutes left. We have one minute left. Anyone else wishing to speak against your All right, close that part down. Now, how many how many are interested in speaking to the board to to in favor of the ordinance? Just one. Just one. Okay. Well, then that all right. I'm just trying to make sure that we leave enough time for whoever wants to say. So, I've got two right now that show that they wish to speak about this. Okay. Well, then come come right on up. And this is in favor of the ordinance. Yes, sir.

Bo Stribbling. Um, I'm sorry. Your your name? Bo Stribbling. Okay. Thank you.

I'm going tell y'all what has done to my life over the past few years. Um, I was addicted to it. Taking it every day for the last two or three years. Um, almost lost my family, my house, vehicles, almost lost everything. And I'm 36 days sober today. I went to a rehab center and I can only thank the Lord Jesus Christ for helping me get through these struggles. I was spending $1,000 a month over these past eight or nine months. It's been going on for years now. And I just don't want to see another family out there struggling with addiction because this stuff is highly addictive. the liquids, the powder, the synthetic 70, they're highly addictive. And you can still buy the 70's in store for Mississippi. They still sell it under the counter. Under the counter. They sell it every day. There's only one store in town that does it. And uh I think all of it needs to be banded. Every last bit of it. Um, I just hope y'all really y'all really

listen to what I said and y'all y'all go ahead and get rid of all of it because if Oxford, Mississippi can ban it, I know Starful can, too. That's all I've got.

Thank you, Mr. Street. Yes, ma'am. My name is Mike Sullivan. I was advised by my daughter to speak into the microphone this time and not bang the podium. Okay, so here we go. Um, so several years ago I was trying to get my loved one off of and I was advised by a quote expert to give my loved one the pure leafratom. So I ordered it online. I got it and I decided I would try it myself first before I gave it to them. The first day I took the recommended dosage, whatever it was, a teaspoon in the morning, a teaspoon at night. Second day, teaspoon got a little bit bigger because it made me feel good. It made me high. It felt just like I was taking either codian cough syrup or a pain pill. Third day, tablespoon. Fourth day, I wanted to come home at lunch and get some more. Fifth day, I flushed it down the toilet. Okay, so this stuff, I don't care if they call it pure leaf powder, whatever they call it, it gets you high. I've experienced it. And also here are some store owners in Starkville that are paying their employees. Now that and there's also store owners that are trading favors for cratom. Kind of sounds like a drug dealer, don't it? Something needs to be done about this stuff. It is killing people. It's destroying families and it needs to go. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. All right. Anyone else? Anyone else? Mr. Charles,

my name is Frank Charles and I'm in rope ward one. Alderman Morland is my representative here. I moved to Startwell in 1977 and it was an entirely different place. It's a better place now and I thank you for doing this and I come before you today as a friend of the mayor and the friend of the board of alderman. I think we're battling right now in different uh segments of our society with things we rationalize away. we think that this is something that uh that that will take care of this and this will take care of that. But if you're dealing with narcotics, you're dealing with drugs and things like that, you don't build you you you do build up a tolerance as I understand. And the next thing you want to do is you've got to go to a different type of drug. I think that this is where we're headed right now. I would I I I don't know who pinned or wrote this up for the uh second hearing on the thing, but I I I would strike out the the word synthetic and I would uh just leave that out. And there needs to be something in there dealing with the possession of of of that uh drug there. It's affecting our youth. I know the state of Mississippi has banned cratom purchase for people who are under 18, but these people are are getting this somewhere and they're getting it right on Highway 12 at at the quick shops and places like that.

Uh drug drug use stunts the growth psychologically of the individual and It's it it's it's something that it invades the family. It takes resources from the family that they don't really have and they're spent for something like that. You can't de you can't regulate everything, but I think you can regulate what is illegal and what is not illegal. I think there's a monetary price that every family pays for that. We have an enrollment at Mississippi State of approximately 23,000 students, undergraduate and graduate and things of this sort. I think that Stal is providing those types of things that make a community a community, a thriving community. And y'all have exhibited that when you did things for your for our roads, for 182 and for Main Street and for our parks and recreations. And I can't say, you know, more accolades to you for that. But I think that we we we hold a responsibility for our young people in this community that we don't make give them access to things like cratom. And we we certainly have an obligation to our youth. We have an obligation to educate them. We have oblig obligation to take care of the recreation to provide safe roads. But we have a we need to take care and have a safe environment that we're looking at here in Stville. And I would like to urge the board to ban cratom and the and the use of it here in in Stville, Mississippi. Y'all know more about this than I do, but I think I have a pretty good handle on it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. John. minutes. Anyone else wish to speak to this? Anyone else? I made this. Yes, ma'am.

Brandy Stribblin. I just want to say I am lucky to have my husband here. Honestly, um he made the choice, admitted the problem, went and got help. Unfortunately, everybody, you know, doesn't experience that. I am so thankful that he did. Um, every day is a challenge with him being out. Every day, you know, my anxiety, you know, is he going to go to the gas station? Is he going to do it again? Is he going to relapse? That is real life and that can happen. And unfortunately, I'm dealing with that still and I will for years. When you are told as a gas station owner, especially the 70 to remove it and you don't and I have reached out to the head of narcotics and start myself. I have given them the gas station. I have told them where it's at. These gas station owners do not care what they are doing to people's families. They want the money. Period. That's it. And it it needs to go. None of it's good. None of it. I mean, Mike, you heard Mike about the powder. I personally have never tried any of it and I will not. And I praise Mike for doing that. So, he can give you the real life story of that. This is this stuff is the devil. That's how I can explain it. It is no good. If we cannot go to a doctor and get pain pills, then there's got to be a there's an issue there. You got to look yourself in the mirror. Why is my doctor not prescri prescribing me my pain medicine? What am I doing? Am I abusing my pain medicine? So, I just wanted to come up here and say I think it all needs to go as well.

Thank you, Mr.

Thankone else. Anyone else? All right, I'm going to close the public hearing. Board will now go into del deliberations uh of of their own. Um I noted from the things that were said the the folks against appear to be against um banning or against the ordinance with the exception of the cradle of the natural leaf. So that was one of the things that kind of fits with those emails that we've received. Mr. Um I I'd like to um make a motion and explain explain the reason that I'm um making the motion that I am. I'd like to move that we approve the second draft ordinance, the one that models the language from the state house bill 1077. Um much of the information that we've received is and much of the information that's out there that we find on our own is anecdotal. There's um there's information about how things might impact pathways, that sort of thing, but but a lot of the stories that we hear are anecdotal. The um pureratom has very little of the 70. It's it's it's far less than 1% of 70. The things that are marketed as products, particularly in the service stations and quick marts, um they're they're marketed as products, but they are They are very very much um 70 products and I think everything that we read about 70 talks about how addictive it is, how problematic it is and and I do think that it is appropriate um that something be done about that. Um the draft ordinance number two models after the state language and defines what what would be unallowable as a cratom product. And so anything with the high

dosages of 70 um will will be unallowable. It um extends the ban. What this draft ordinance number two does it extends the ban that the state has placed on selling this to people who are under 21 to to selling it period. So, so it should not be um thoseratom products that meet that definition should not be allowed for sale. Um ordinance number two also aligns more with FDA and their recommendations about having this scheduled as a a control substance. They've asked DEA to um schedule things with 70 as a control substance, but they have not addressed the natural leaf cratom. And the third thing that this would do, this draft ordinance number two was it will take away the immediate and most pressing problem that we have here in Starkville, which is the sale of products that are that are high percentage 70. If when that is done we find that there continues to be problem with with natural cratom we we can come back and amend the ordinance to extend that further. But that's my motion. That's my explanation.

Okay. So you were moving for the ordinance which um bans everything except the natural. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. Do I have a second for that motion? Second. I have a second from Alman Morland. Further discussion. Further discussion. Mayor, let me be recognized, please.

Mayor, I think we need to have some discussion on this uh matter. I got a little volume on the mic up here, please. Uh we need to have some discussion on this is a very important matter. I would um like to see the board have some engagement on it so we can have some dialogue to um have a reasonable and a rational basis for this. I've also heard some very compelling testimony this evening by um a speaker who has petitioned the board to ban it all on his personal experiences. That was a very moving uh bit of testimony and as a finder of fact I am persuaded that we should ban all um if we're going to find as a fact that the synthetic should be banned and based on my reading there's some detriment uh to the natural leaf. I'm not an expert in this, but I want to make sure that we in my opinion take all of the um and the necessary reasonable action that we should on this particular subject matter. Um, we heard uh the petitioner um the the wife uh talking about uh that she hopes and pray that her husband does not relapse um on this particular um um substance here. I've also seen the um the other evidence that came in at our last public hearing. of the police um department in the city of Starkville had a packet of information that was provided to each member of this governing body uh and it talks about the

danger of um and it used the wordratom which was all inclusive and and we've heard a good bit of evidence um you know as a finder of fact personally um I I find no basis to exclude any form from being banned. Um I think if we really want to in my personal respectful and honorable opinion u to have safe streets, safe community is to ban it all. I mean what is the detriment to our municipality if we ban it all? We show no distinction. What that does is it shows toughness. It means in my personal opinion, of course, I respect all of my distinguished colleagues and that's what makes this body so great. We have different views and but at the end of the day, uh we make a decision um that we think is best. And um I heard uh from um the last um citizen who's a longtime citizens community asked us to to ban them. And not only just hearing this tonight, but um as the mayor, honorable mayor said, we received numerous um bits of correspondence, email, and other correspondence. We see people as we um traverse and move about this city who have various expressions and opinions and ideas and comments about the cratom. So, um, what I'd like to see, uh, in in all due respect to, uh, my distinguished colleague from W 2, certainly appreciate her her u very, um, uh, modest and intellectual efforts to um, uh, take some action on this subject matter. I'd like to really see um, and have an opportunity. And of course, her motion is pending. and and what the vice mayor is going to do is and of course I'm not against leaving I'm not in favor of

leaving here tonight with no ban. Uh personally uh as I just mentioned I'd like to see it all banned. I think that the streets would be safe anytime you going to ban something just like drugs. If you have a law say all drugs are banned we get them off the streets and then that leads to law enforcement in my opinion not to trying to differentiate goes to a local store. Well, this was this was a synthetic cratom, you know, then they are charged with the task of trying to differentiate, but they are experts. That's not my field. I'm just a lawyer in the vice mayor. So, um so I'm not going to vote for this motion at this time unless um well, there's a majority. It prevails. But I do want the the media and the public and all those that tune in, all those that are listening as a finder of fact. And I I think um attorney uh we certainly need to have a record and and that's what we're doing now to have um a basis. What is our finding a fact of why we want this ordinance? We're finding as a fact that under our police powers that we are of the opinion that we need to take action to promote the health, safety, and welfare of our city. And that's what we're trying to do here tonight. And uh I'm going to vote against this motion because is is my um desire and opinion to go on record to indicate to the public and to all who's um who's involved with this to know that the vice mayor is against all of the cratom. I want a total ban. But now this motion passes uh for this ordinance by majority vote. I want to still be clear that I'm in favor of some ban. My first preference is a toll ban. Then if we cannot get a toll ban, then I do not want us to leave here tonight with no ban. We we need to do something. We got to take some action. We got to start

somewhere. But the I think in conclusion here, let's just go ahead and my respectful opinion. So whatever passes, that's what passes. And we just have to keep working together as a city. We're a great team here. Okay? We're a great team. But I'm in favor of the toll ban because we do that. We heard the testimony and the testimony has certainly been substantial evidence and just a matter of how we weigh in in our findings of fact. So, um I'm just wanted to make those comments and that is the only reason I'm going to vote against that the pending motion now because I would like to have an opportunity to vote on the toll ban. and the toll ban may not pass. And then the toll ban fails, then I'll support the uh the the second um opportunity I may get to have the to ban the synthetic. So, mayor, with that being said, I'm going to yield. Thank you.

Okay. All right. We have a motion pending. Brooks.

Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I'm more inclined to be along the same lines as vice mayor. through this and a matter of fact I went to see my pharmacist today to ask about it and looked at me kind of funny and went to the computer and started looking it up on the internet you know and basically he said well you're not going to get that here and I remember in the in our first public hearing we had a medical professional here who who basically said that you know that you're not going to find this you know the Walgreens pharmacy CVS pharmacy or something like that you And I I know that sounds like the 708 version that sold under the county at the gas station. I'm not sure about the pure leaf. I've not really been able to find out where that is. Uh, you know, what I read is that, you know, pure leaf just double up on the dose or something. It's, you know, it acts like an opioid at the end of the day. So, I'm along the same lines as the vice mayor. I don't want to leave here with no But at this point, I I would vote against this motion to seek a total ban. And if that doesn't work, then come back and try something different. I I I'm somewhat afraid that if we only deal with banning the 708, we'll be back deal with this, you know, sooner rather than later. was

um this is difficult for us because we're not chemists. We're not chemists and so much of this deals on on the chemistry of these drugs and how they how they impact your your body. Um the the natural leafratum the the active component the primary active component in it is something called mitrogenia. It does have some 70 in it, but it's significantly less than 1% of the total alkaloids in that in that particular com in that particular um product. I sound like I might know what I talk about, but but but we are not chemists. We we don't know. I think it's we've heard some very compelling stories on both halves of of the the pro or the the con to banning the the natural leaf piece of it. And they're that they're opinions. They're opinions. I think that our safest legal position is to align ourselves with what the state has done. they have far more resources in in putting together something that is defensible. What the state has done and what the Food and Drug Administration has has recommended. Um there's no question that the 70 impacts people in in a very very harmful way and that that does need to be to be banned. I don't know. Um, Alderman Brooks, I don't know that you can buy leafratom anywhere here in the city of Starkville. You can buy the 70 just at lots of QuickMarts here in town, but most of the 70 that that I've hear about or have read about comes from online sources. So, our banning of the sale here in Startwell really doesn't um is is not going to change that. But but I I

I would like for us to at a minimum as we're making our decision distinguish betweenratom and these things that are being marketed as cratrum products in in a a simple analogy that I've I've used um I have a little Diet Coke problem. Um, that's one thing. Diet Coke, if I put bourbon in it, that's a completely different can of worms. And what's being sold in the the quick marts and the service stations is 70. It It may have someratom component, but that's not the primary thing that's being sold. What's being sold and what's causing the problem is is the 70.

All right. Anyone else wishing to speak to this before we go to a vote for we have a motion and a second? Yes. I'm sorry. Okay. I'm sorry. I thought you were about to. All right. Um, if you would please answer yay or nay as a city. Call us your name. Alman. Yay. Yay. Alman. Nay. Alman Brooks. Alman. Nay. Vice Mayor. Nay. Nay. All right. So, that motion fails. Do I have another motion? I have a motion. Okay.

And and I'll I'll I'll make it transparent. The the third optional uh ordinance on here that is that calls for a ban of both synthetic and natural, but not for the not for uh criminalizing use or possession is based on people who have found this is helpful to their health. I have both friends and family who travel overseas to get treatment that they cannot get here. And if you found that this is something that is good for your health, I don't want you to have to go to jail for or be fined for. But at the end of the day, uh it has proven to be it's not anything you can get uh prescribed to you. There's no FDA uh use that's that's allowed for it at the end of the day. So, um, I would move that we adopt the ordinance that bans both natural and synthetic, but does not criminalize use or possession.

Okay. So, I have that motion. Do I have a second to that motion? I have a second to that motion. It is to ban it all but decriminalize the use or the possession. Second. All right. Fails for lack of a second. All right. Do I have another motion, Vice Mayor? Yes, ma'am. Mayor, I want to al like to offer a motion. Uh that's the remaining one you have tonight that I was going to be the only one have to consider uh uh the ban at all. Mayor, uh it has a penalty in the sentence there. Okay. Thank you. All right. So, I have a motion for the original ban on the entire product, both synthetic and do I have a second?

May I say something? Well, you can have a second. Um I believe all I heard you. All right. All right. Alderman Mor.

Yes, ma'am. So, I know this this has been something we've been talking about for a while and I actually I've talked to several people, a good many of them on the opposition of it, but I've also talked for the press and I've talked to both sides and I just I think we need to look at that because we have heard a lot of people in favor of the band and I agree with that. But the ones that the ones that it benefits, who am I to tell them that, you know, that they can get it? And that's where I'm at because I've dealt with health issues with my mom recently. And I'm going to tell you, I would have done anything if I thought it was me from not cause problems for her. So, um, I'm just don't know that we're in a position to deny that for the ones that it's helped. So,

okay. All I wanted to say. Okay. Anyone else? Any other discussion? Any other discussion? Seeing none, if you would answer yay or nay. As a city clerk, calls your name. Alman. Nay. Alman. Nay. Alman Skinner. Yay. Alman Brook. Yay. Yay. Vice Mayor. Yay. Yay.

All right. Vote of 5 to two. Motion carries. So that is a complete ban on all cratom products in CD start. It will take effect uh 30 days hence. So all right. Thank you everyone. We appreciate you participating and giving us guidance and your experience associated with this. So we will move next to a public hearing on the property located well. I'll give y'all a chance to clear the room if you wish to do so. You're welcome. All right. Our next item for for discussion is a public hearing and consideration under Mississippi code annotated 211911 to determine whether the property located near Reed Road and People Street Start with Mississippi 39759 with parcel number 118 K-00-037.00 00 is in such a state of cleanliness as to be amended to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community is such that cleanup of the property should occur. Thank you. Good evening, mayor, board of alderman uh and vice vice mayor and board alderman. Um I'm here to present a 211911 on uh Reed Road and People's Street. Uh parcel number uh parcel number 18K-00 dash uh 037.0 and the owner of the property shows uh according to the tax record Barnes Jeffrey Forest.

The first inspection was done on February 19th, 2026, approximately uh 1423 hours um which show from the roadway by myself which shows um you've got different siding missing there, some missing windows, uh collapsed roof. Um there you also so we sent out a letter of violation to on February 2nd uh 2026

February the 20th

February 20th 2026. Yes ma'am. and we posted a public hearing on March 23rd, 2026 on the city hall on the property and mailed it to the owner. Uh the administrative warrant was signed by uh Judge Kelly on March 20th, 2026 and was executed by myself and uh building official McMullen on March 23rd, 2026 where you can see um the same siding missing along with collapsed roofs um here on the uh north side of the building. There's also some missing windows and doors. Um, inside of the front of the building, we have the collapsed roof, some overgrown vegetation with a damaged floor. Um, some more collapsed uh roof there with overgrown vegetation on the back room. And, um, continuing on that wall on the outside, more missing windows and no roof. Uh the back of the building, you'll see the missing windows and no roof and some debris. Um same side for the southside with the missing windows and no roof as well and overgrown vegetation. A reinspection of the property was done April 6, 2026 by myself from the city roadway where you could see that it was demoed but there is just left with rubble um a lot of debris left over. Is there any other questions for me from the border?

Well, that picture takes care of my question because I wanted to make sure that nobody was living there. I assumed not but you know you know what you do when you assume. So, okay. So, they have demoed to that point. Is that accurate? Yes, ma'am. Okay. All right. Any questions of officer Harvey while we before we open as a public hearing? Vice Mayor.

Mayor, I'm just excited to see uh you and your your staff bring this. I see this every day. It's very unsightly. It clearly qualifies for the maximum relief under this statute. Great leadership, Mr. Police Chief and Mayor to bring this. It's just an eyes source of danger. It been existing. I see it every day. I mean travel this right there at the on the west side of Reed Road the intersection on Peoples and u uh and Reed Road. So it's um great great identification. Thank you may for getting us on the agenda.

Certainly. Thank you Vice Mayor. Um is the property owner with us tonight? Is property owner here? All right. Seeing seeing that he is not here, I will take this time and open it as a public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to this matter now would be the opportunity. any motion to speak either for or against the the declaration of this piece of property being declared as a unsafe and health hazard to the community such that cleanup should occur. Anyone? Seeing none, I'll close it as a public hearing. I need a motion um to make this declaration. So move, mayor. Thank you, Vice Mayor. I have I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Alman Skinner. That were you? Yeah.

Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. All right. Motion carries. And then we have this is this is the one that I'm mentioned at the beginning of the meeting that we would hold a public hearing on, but the request has been removed. Mr. Havlin, would you like to come up and make a quick presentation on this, please, sir?

Yes. Um, this is a the hotel that was recently refurbished. the address 106 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive West and what happened the applicant started doing renovations on the structure without a building permit. Once that was discovered and the fire marshall and the building official had a chance to inspect it the amount of work that they had done had triggered compliance to the current codes which would have because of the occupy would have required fire sprinklers. So they applied for a variance to not install the fire sprinklers sprinkler system and then the board of adjustment appeals voted unanimously recommend denial of that and then it was earlier today or yesterday they had called and asked to have the item removed. Okay.

All right. Um that being said any questions Mr. Havlin before I open it as a public hearing? Seeing none. Okay. I will open this item as a public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to it and we are doing this despite the fact that the applicant has withdrawn the request because we did advertise it as a public hearing. So, anyone wishing you to speak to it now would be the opportunity. Anyone wish to speak? Seeing none, I'll close it as a public hearing and um we will move along. You have the next item. Yes, sir. Okay.

Next item is VA26-02. This is a variance request by Frank Jones for a variance for lot 217 which is located at 262 Turnberry Berry Lane in Country Club Estates. The applicant is requesting to reduce the required front setbacks from 25 ft to 15 feet in order to move the proposed house closer to the street citing improved drainage as the justification. The slope impacting a lot was identified on the original subdivision plat and the supporting documents for the infrastructure plan. The applicant who is also the developer of the subdivision was involved in design construction of the infrastructure and therefore was aware of these conditions uh prior to trying to develop it. This is the uh plan that he submitted along with the application. It doesn't show any grade in the back. This is a map of what's going on in the whole area. All other adjacent homes on the east side of the street meet the required 25 ft front setbacks. Approval of this request result in one home being located significantly closer to the street than the others in immediate area. The blue houses that are shown on here are houses that are currently under construction. The orange ones are ones that are complete that do meet the setbacks. The red dashed one is the one in the middle that's part of this request. And then the two green areas were where previously approved front setback adjustments happened uh for the entire block, not just for one lot. There are six criteria for variance review and approval. U this is the staff's analysis of those criteria. Special condition. Staff finds that the slope in a property does not constitute a special condition unique to this lot as a similar topographic conditions were identified and addressed during the subdivision's design process. Literal interpretation staff finds that enforcing a 25- ft front setback does

not deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties. Other homes on the east side of the street have met the setback requirements. Hardship staff finds that the hardship is self-imposed. The applicant developed the subdivision and was aware of the lot condition, including the slope at the time the infrastructure plans were designed. Special privilege granting the variance would allow the applicant to construct a home closer to the street than any other home on the east side, which would constitute a special privilege not granted to the other properties. Minimum variance. Staff finds the request reduction of 10 feet is not minimum necessary as the lock can still be reasonably developed in compliance with the required setback without the variance in consistency with the comprehensive plan. Staff finds the request would uh disrupt the established development pattern on the east side of the street and is not consistent with maintaining a uniform street streetscape. The request was notified in accordance with UDC. 13 property owners of record were notified directly by mail. The legal ad was published on February 21st, 2026 and a sign posted on the property. As of this date, the planning office has received no response to the notification. On March 25th, the board of adjustment appeals meeting. On the third motion, the board voted 3 to one to recommend an approval of the request with the following condition of approval. Any front-facing garage door shall be set back a minimum of 20 ft from the rideway. Um at that meeting it did go through three separate motions. The first motion was to approve and it died because it was a tie 2 two. The second motion was to deny and it died for a lack of a second and then the third motion was approved 3 to one. The approval recommended by the board adjustment appeal was not clearly based on any of the criteria for review and approval as shown in section 3.71. However, staff recommends denial of this

request based on the criteria of approval in section 3.7.1. Okay. So, there questions of Mr. Havs. The slope you're talking about I mean is it pretty significant at the back of the lot or I mean there's a hill in the back of the lot but if as you go further down the street there are hills you know all on the back of these lots. But again, you know, when the subdivision was developed, that was a concern to make buildable lots that should have been addressed at the structure stage of the plan. Anything else?

Anyone else? Anyone else? All right. The applicant is in the audience. Would you like to come share your thoughts on this particular project, Mr. states. Get to the mic. Sorry. Okay. And and introduce yourself please for

I'm Frank Jones developer country club states. Um we have a big slope on the back of this. So it started with our engineer basically saying if this can be moved forward it's going to help us get the drainage around around this house better. Um and so that started the the thing but um if you look at these things we have like we developed Sherwood Forest too we have 7 and 1/2 ft behind the curb before the lot starts but out there in Coach Club Estates we have 15 feet behind the curb and then you go you know the additional 25 you're 40 feet off off the road and so because we have that bigger setback between the curve and the lot line. We've done various variances out there to to fix some of that. But, uh, we still are going to have to the it's the garage that's coming forward out there. We have golf course access, so everybody wants that third garage, which is an extra 10 ft, which is what this is. Um, and um, the front of the house is is 8t further back. So, it's going to be 38 feet to that, but the garage sticks forward the extra 10 feet. But we still have 30 feet to that, 38 feet to the front porch. I own the lots on both sides of that. And then, you know, but even a house that's set 25 ft set back, they're not all the same. So, um, the board felt like that my request was reasonable and they voted for it. So, anyway, that's that's my theory there. I met the neighbor that backs it backs up to Greenbryer subdivision. I met him and he's going to have trouble with a big trees guy and I'm going to help him out too when we clear that. But I don't think it's going to be very noticeable at all. We can, you know, with landscaping put that in front of the

garage and I I think it's going to be barely noticeable if at all. So there was no opposition to it with the notifications put out. And then more importantly, it's my subdivision. I would never do anything that I think would hurt that. So, I just this house is going to sit better that way. I can get the drainage around the house better if we just move it forward. We're still 30 ft from the back of the curb. A lot of houses are have that 25 setback from the back of the curb in in Country Club Estates. So, um that's my my take on this and I think it'll sit good. I don't think it's going to be an eyesore. It's going to stick out at all. And um you know, I just appreciate y'all's consideration of that. And uh that's really all I got.

Do you own the remainder of those lots? And do you anticipate bringing the others forward for much the same reason? No, I just on this one with this house that I had, I just I like this house. I think it's going to do well in there. But you're talking about a house that's right under $900,000. It's, you know, it's a high dollar house. Uh

mine in the mine in the corner, we brought that one in the very corner, 290. We brought that forward five feet to make that fit better. So, uh at the end of the street, but uh and then across the street, we moved all those forward because of the retention ditch. It's behind those and we felt like that would be a good move for all eight of those to move that forward to give give these folks a little more backyard and get them off of that retention ditch a little bit. So, any questions, Mr. J? One more. What is so interesting about this particular lot that the drainage on this one lot and not the one beside it would cause an issue? Well, the one beside us lower

or the two beside each one, this one's at the peak of the hill. So, you got probably a 10ft drop from the back of that lot to the front. And if you go back there 20 feet right next, you know, back there, you're going to have a pretty steep slope. And I'm just trying to work this water around. I think it sits better. If you look at it, you'll have 30 feet on a back set back because you move it forward, you're going to gain it in the back. I understand. Gives us more room.

And you're still again 30 feet. Some of those houses in there 25 ft from the back of the curb in country club stays. So, u but we have that before the lot even starts. We got 15 feet where it's normally 7 and 12 to 8t behind the curb. So we have more in the front before we even get to the lot. So moving it forward 10 feet, you still got 30 feet is my point there. So anyway, any other questions, Mr. Chair? All right. If you would please, I'm going to open it as a public hearing.

All right. Open this matter as a public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to either for or against the variance requesting to reduce the front yard setback from 25 to 15 feet for lot 217 in country club estates. Anyone? Seeing none, I'll close it as a public hearing. Do I have a motion? Do I have a motion? Hold on. Mr. Um, based on staff recommendations, I move that we deny this request for an a variance because it does not meet the criteria for a variance and particularly because some of the problems are self-imposed. Okay, I have a motion. Do I have a second?

Second. Have a second from all Perkins. Uh, Vice Mayor Perkins, sorry. Thank you. All right. Any other discussion? Any other discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. All right. Motion carries. The um request is denied. All right. Next item to move forward is the uh claims docket. Do I have a motion? Move approval. Motion. Call. Do I have a second? Second. Second. Alvin Skinner. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. Nay. Nay. Motion carries. And then we do have a request authorization to hire Michael B. Jones as an assistant general manager in the Startby Utilities Department.

Move approval. I have a motion from all sister. Do I have a second? Second. Second from all moral. Any discussion? Mayor, very briefly, um, vice mayor. Honorable city clerk, would you please state for the record what's that annual salary excluding benefits? Do you have the annual? I just want the public to hear that salary. It was 155. U miss me. Yes. Mr. Kemp, could you call up please? Sir, yeah. I just wanted to be articulated for the public that we're hiring this system manager for. That's our one question.

I don't have that uh cover sheet from HR. I could pull it up real quick on the agenda. Okay, you got it. Let me see. There we go. I will do that. All right. The um the pay is $155,396.80, which is 7471 per hour based on a 2080 hour and mayor. And that's that excludes the benefits, right, mayor? Um excludes benefits. Yes. Yes. Okay, that's all I need. Mayor, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Anything further? No, ma'am. Thank you, Mayor. All right. I have a motion to second. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Opposed?

Nay. All right, motion carries. Thank you. And with that, that takes us to the end of the agenda. So, allow me, if you would please, to call a work session. Uh, in accordance with the notice is required under Mississippi code annotated 254113. The board will have a work session on Friday the 17th of April, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. That meeting will be held at city hall in the second floor conference room located at 110 West Main Street. Notice shall be provided of this work session within one hour of this meeting. By posting such notice at city hall, the notice for the work session shall be made a part of the minutes of the board meeting. The work session will be an open public meeting of the city of Starland and the public and press are invited to attend. Could I get a motion to recess? Move. Alman Ball. Thank you. Do you have a second?

Second. Second from Alman Pa. Sorry. All those in favor signify by saying I opposed. All right, ladies and gentlemen, we are in recess. Thank