Laurel public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider several actions, including a $273,000 purchase of six 2024 Dodge Durango vehicles for the Police Department. They will also hear a presentation on tourism’s economic impact and consider public hearings on multiple dilapidated properties. Additional items include a service‑software agreement for fleet maintenance, changes to sewer rate schedules, and approval of various travel and lot‑cleaning expenses.

• Adopt an order for the Police Department to buy six 2024 Dodge Durango vehicles for $273,000
• Adopt an order for a fleet‑maintenance software agreement with AllData, LLC
• First reading of an ordinance amending sewer rate schedule (Ordinance No. 1757‑2024)
• Public hearing resolutions on dilapidated properties at 804 S. 19th Ave., 1130 N. 14th Ave., 1432 Old Amy Rd., 2020 Lindsey Ave., 818 N. 1st Ave., and 1138 Anderson St.
• Approve lot‑cleaning expenses for multiple properties totaling several hundred dollars

The Laurel City Council approved resolutions to conduct public hearings on six dilapidated properties, including one with a 60-day extension, and authorized the purchase of six 2024 Dodge Durangos for the police department for $273,000. The council also approved several administrative items, including a fleet maintenance software agreement, a change in bond paying agent, first reading of a sewer rate ordinance amendment, surplus property declaration, CDBG-related actions, travel reimbursements, lot cleanings, and rejection/rebidding of garbage truck bids. The minutes from December 3, 2024, were not approved as the motion failed.

• Adopted resolution for 804 S. 19th Ave. with 60-day extension (7-0)
• Adopted resolutions for 1130 N. 14th Ave., 1432 Old Amy Rd., 2020 Lindsey Ave., 818 N. 1st Ave., 1138 Anderson St. (7-0, except 1432 Old Amy Rd. 4-3)
• Approved $273,000 purchase of 6 Dodge Durangos for police (7-0)
• Approved AllData fleet maintenance software agreement (7-0)
• Approved Cadence Bank resignation and Bank OZK appointment as paying agent (7-0)
• Approved first reading of sewer rate ordinance amendment (7-0)
• Declared surplus property and approved bid publication (7-0)
• Rejected garbage truck bids and approved rebid advertisement (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet for a special call to discuss a short-term contract extension. The primary item is a proposal to extend services with Waste Pro of Mississippi, Inc.

• Short-term contract extension with Waste Pro of Mississippi, Inc. for solid waste services

The Laurel City Council held a special call meeting on December 11, 2024, and approved a short-term contract extension with Waste Pro of Mississippi, Inc. for solid waste services. The motion passed unanimously with 6 yeas and 1 absence (Andrea Ellis). No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved short-term contract extension with Waste Pro of Mississippi, Inc. for solid waste services (6-0, 1 absent)

City Council

The Laurel City Council will consider the second reading of an ordinance to enlarge and extend the city's corporate limits, specifying improvements and services for the annexed territory. Other major items include authorizing a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant agreement, extending the solid waste contract with Waste Pro of Mississippi, and setting public hearings on dilapidated properties at 3240 Ellisville Blvd, 1236 Dr. Martin Luther King Ave, and 1909 N. 5th Ave.

• Second reading of amended ordinance to enlarge and define city corporate limits (annexation)
• Order authorizing agreement with USDOT for FY2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant
• Order authorizing short-term contract extension with Waste Pro of Mississippi for solid waste services
• Orders setting public hearing for January 7, 2025 on three dilapidated properties
• Order declaring Cotton Mill Park property surplus and authorizing advertising for bids

City Council

At this special call meeting, the City Council will consider adopting an order to approve advertisement for sealed bids for two used garbage trucks, with bids to be opened on December 16, 2024. The agenda also includes procedural items such as public hearings and citizen forum, but no other substantive policy decisions are listed.

• Consider order to advertise bids for two used garbage trucks (ID 24-7500)

City Council

The City Council will consider a first reading of an ordinance to enlarge and extend the corporate limits of Laurel, specifying improvements and services for the annexed territory. They also hold public hearings on multiple dilapidated structures, consider a JAG grant application, and decide on a solid waste services RFP. Routine items include re-appointments and approval of the claims docket.

• First reading of an ordinance to annex territory into the City of Laurel
• Public hearing on FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant application
• Public hearings and orders on dilapidated structures at 804 S. 19th Ave., 1130 N. 14th Ave., 1432 Old Amy Rd., 1526 N. 1st Ave., 2020 Lindsey Ave., 818 N. 1st Ave., 703 S. 6th Ave., 1138 Anderson St., 717 E. 16th St., 855 E. 18th St., 218 W. 1st St., 907 N. 13th Ave., and 1803 Chinaberry St.
• Resolution to award construction of the 2024 FEMA Massey Access Road Culvert Project
• Order authorizing advertisement for proposals for residential solid waste services

City Council

The City Council will consider a contract for waste disposal, audit reports, and a public hearing regarding a dilapidated property. The agenda also includes approving a docket of claims and numerous orders for property cleanings.

• Contract with Pine Belt Solid Waste Management Authority
• Public hearing on property at 204 N. 17th Ave.
• Claims docket for November 5, 2024
• Orders for property cleanings and assessments
• Donations for the B.E. Murph Center for Seniors

City Council

The council will vote on an order to schedule a November 19 public hearing on six dilapidated structures across wards 4, 5, 6, and 7. It will also consider a development agreement with Cannery Row LLC, a grant agreement with MDOT and USDOT for the downtown RAISE project, termination of a tax exemption for Spacebox Storage, and several ordinance and budget amendments.

• Order to set a Nov 19, 2024 public hearing for dilapidated properties at 717 E. 16th St., 855 E. 18th St., 218 W. 1st St., 412 E. 3rd St., 907 N. 13th Ave., and 1803 Chinaberry St.
• Resolution approving an amended and restated development and reimbursement agreement with Cannery Row LLC.
• Resolution authorizing the first amended and restated grant agreement with MDOT and USDOT for the 2023 RAISE Grant Project to complete Downtown Laurel.
• Order terminating the Central Business District exemption for Spacebox Storage at 23 Mason Street, effective immediately.
• Order approving $1,032 for travel, registration, and hotel expenses for Superintendent Sandra Hadley to attend the 2024 Building Officials Association of Mississippi Winter Conference.

City Council

The City Council will consider several demolition cost assessments for properties across seven wards. The body is also reviewing zoning variances for a warehouse and a short-term rental, along with various grant applications and infrastructure project close-outs.

• Demolition assessments for 7 properties, including 318 E. 18th St. ($9,975.00) and 746 E. Elmo St. ($6,076.00)
• Zoning variance for a warehouse at the rear of 503 S Magnolia St.
• Special Exception for a short-term rental at 727 N. 5th Ave.
• Grant application for the 2024 Office Against Interpersonal Violence (OAIV) Grant for $63,172.80
• First reading of an ordinance to close an alley between S. Magnolia St and Ellisville Blvd.

City Council

The City Council will determine if a property at 1117 Hayes St. is a menace to public health and safety. The body is also considering several professional service contracts, budget amendments, and lot cleaning assessments.

• Public hearing for property at 1117 Hayes St. regarding dilapidated state
• Professional services contract for West Drive Roadway and Bridge Project
• Purchase of used 2008 Pierce Saber and 2008 Pierce Quantum Pumper fire trucks
• Lot cleaning assessments for 19 properties ranging from $101.92 to $182.16
• Police training travel costs: $1,887.98 for MLEOTA and $1,674.05 for NRA course

The City Council approved a resolution giving the administration authority to approve a professional services contract for the West Drive Roadway and Bridge Project. They also adopted resolutions and orders for various items including a public hearing on a dilapidated property, updating credit card authorized users, a software agreement, a tourism consulting contract, travel approvals, donations, fire truck purchases, and budget amendments. All votes were 6-0 with Councilperson Grace Amos absent.

• Approved resolution for West Drive Roadway and Bridge Project contract authority (6-0)
• Adopted resolution for public hearing on 1117 Hayes St. dilapidated property (6-0)
• Approved resolution updating Bancorp South MasterCard authorized users (6-0)
• Adopted order for ALLDATA fleet maintenance software agreement (6-0, mayor vetoed)
• Approved tourism consulting agreement with Amanda Roll (6-0)
• Approved travel for Parks & Recreation Director to Deep South Turf Expo (6-0)
• Accepted $500 anonymous donation and $1,500 Howard Industries donation for B.E. Murph Center (6-0)
• Approved purchase of two used fire trucks to replace Engine 6 (6-0)

City Council

The council will vote on an order to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget. It will also consider resolutions to hold public hearings on several dilapidated properties in Wards 6 and 7. Additional items include approvals for consulting engineering services, a police K‑9 donation, a taser and camera purchase, and demolition assessments for properties in Ward 4.

• Adopt FY 2025 budget (Order ID 24-7370F)
• Public‑hearing resolutions for dilapidated properties at 903 Johnson St., 820 S. Magnolia St., 825 S. Magnolia St., 1212 Simmons St., and 1805 Pearson Ave. (IDs 24-7378A‑24-7383E)
• Approve professional services contract for the 2025 City Wide Paving Project (Resolution ID 24-7372B)
• Approve purchase of 42 tasers and 42 cameras from Axon Enterprises (Order ID 24-7369M)
• Approve demolition assessments for four Ward 4 properties totaling $5,066‑$5,076 each (Order ID 24-7387R)

The Laurel City Council unanimously approved the FY2025 budget and authorized public hearings on five properties deemed potentially dilapidated, including one with a 60-day extension. The council also approved contracts for engineering services, paving, and pedestrian improvements, along with police equipment purchases and travel approvals.

• Adopted FY2025 budget (7-0)
• Adopted resolutions to hold public hearings on dilapidated properties at 903 Johnson St., 820 S. Magnolia St., 825 S. Magnolia St., 1212 Simmons St., and 1805 Pearson St. (all 7-0)
• Approved general consulting engineering services agreement (7-0)
• Approved professional services contract for 2025 City Wide Paving Project (7-0)
• Authorized MDOT TA Program application for Magnolia Street Pedestrian Improvements (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 42 Tasers and 42 cameras from Axon Enterprises (7-0)
• Approved lot cleaning assessments totaling $17,268 for four properties (7-0)
• Approved claims docket (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss the tax milage for Fiscal Year 2025. The body will also consider the acceptance of the 2025 tax assessment rolls.

• Order levying tax milage for Fiscal Year 2025 ending September 30, 2025
• Order to accept tax assessment rolls for 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider setting a public hearing for six dilapidated properties and authorizing repairs to a high service pump at Water Production Plant #2. The body will also review health insurance proposals for FY 2024-25 and various grant-related marketing and policy resolutions.

• Public hearing for dilapidated structures at 903 Johnson St, 820 S. Magnolia St, 825 S. Magnolia St, 1212 Simmons St, 1805 Pearson Ave, and 1117 Hayes St
• Authorization for repair of the High Service Pump at Water Production Plant #2
• Health insurance coverage proposal for FY 2024-25 via Clayton E. Johnson Insurance Service, Inc.
• Lot cleaning assessments for 1048 N. 10th Ave ($105), 2103 Center Ave ($105), and 2104 Palmer Ave ($110)
• Appointment of John Thaxton to the Board of Directors of the Laurel Airport Authority

City Council

The City Council will discuss transitioning financial and document systems to Tyler SaaS platforms and a mobile app. The body is also setting public hearings for dilapidated structures and voting on several ad valorem tax exemptions.

• Public hearing date of August 20, 2024, for dilapidated structures at 1405 Airport Dr., 204 N. 17th Ave., and 324 Jefferson St.
• Zoning change for 1601 N. 5th Ave. from R-1 Low Density to R-2 Medium Density Residential
• One-year special exception for an in-home daycare at 1922 Pearl St.
• Demolition assessment of $5,126.00 for property at 509 Sandy T. Gavin Ave.
• Repairs and maintenance proposal for the 12th Street Water Tank

City Council

The City Council will consider a public hearing for the Grandview Drive project TIF plan and a zoning change for 1601 N. 5th Ave. The meeting also includes discussions on equipment bids, city employee travel, and various demolition and lot cleaning assessments.

• Public hearing for amended Grandview Drive TIF Plan
• Zoning change from R-1 to R-2 at 1601 N. 5th Ave.
• Bid for a used knuckleboom for the Sanitation Department
• Sale of city-owned surplus property at 830 N. 9th Avenue
• Demolition assessments for multiple properties totaling over $50,000

City Council

The City Council is considering several financial and infrastructure actions, including a $3,115,000 general obligation bond sale. Other items include road improvements, tax increment financing for Grandview Drive, and various property assessments.

• Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024, in the amount of $3,115,000
• Kroger Opioid Settlement finalization and award of damages
• Central Avenue Phase II - Roadway and Pedestrian Improvements Project amendment
• West Drive Roadway and Utilities Improvements Project memorandum of agreement
• Declaration of 830 North 9th Avenue as surplus property

City Council

The City Council is considering a resolution to issue up to $3,115,000 in general obligation bonds for roads, waterworks, and sewer systems. Other items include public hearings on property dilapidation, an annexation ordinance second reading, and various personnel and budget matters.

• $3,115,000 General Obligation Bond for roads, water, and sewer infrastructure
• Public hearing regarding property at 1637 N. Mississippi Ave.
• Public hearing regarding property at 1020 N. 12th Ave.
• Second reading of an ordinance to enlarge city corporate limits
• Lot cleaning assessments totaling $1,045 across various properties

City Council

The City Council will consider an ordinance to enlarge the city's corporate limits and boundaries. Other items include a public hearing regarding property dilapidation at 830 S. Magnolia St. and several ad valorem tax exemption applications.

• Public hearing for property at 830 S. Magnolia St. regarding potential public health and safety menace
• First reading of an ordinance to enlarge and define the corporate limits of the City of Laurel
• Resolution for West Drive Roadway and Utility Improvements Project activation request
• Resolution to name a new roadway from Brown Street to Don Curt Boulevard as Coach Willie C. Jones Avenue
• Ad valorem tax exemption applications for Amick Farms LLC (Hatchery & Mill and Processing Plant), Howard Industries, Inc., and Laurel Machine & Foundry Co.

City Council

The Laurel City Council will meet to consider several administrative appointments and infrastructure projects. The agenda includes public hearings regarding properties identified as potentially dilapidated or a menace to public health. The council will also review proposals for police department grants and tourism marketing services.

• Confirmation of Kristal Jones as City Clerk and Finance Director
• Public hearings regarding dilapidated structures at 1637 N. Mississippi Ave. and 1020 N. 12th Ave.
• Engineering services proposal for Massey Wastewater Treatment Plant access road
• $10,378.20 grant request for police bulletproof vests
• Agreement for tourism digital media services with Foster Relations

City Council

The City Council will consider an intent to issue up to $3,500,000 in general obligation bonds for roads, water, and sewer improvements. The agenda also includes a public hearing regarding a federal grant application for Mason Park and approval of the Jones Works Project agreement. Other items involve appointing a prosecutor pro tem and accepting bids for new generators.

• Intent to issue up to $3,500,000 in general obligation bonds for infrastructure repairs
• Approval of the Regional Economic Development Act agreement for the Jones Works Project
• Public hearing regarding a federal grant application for Mason Park
• Bid acceptance for two replacement generators for the Water/Sewer Department
• Appointment of Aaron W. Parker as City Prosecutor Pro Tem

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding several properties identified as potential public health menaces due to dilapidation. Additionally, the council is reviewing multiple grant applications, zoning variances, and special exception renewals.

• Public hearing for dilapidated structures at 1432 Old Amy Rd., 318 E. 18th St., 2219 N. 3rd Ave., 107 Ellisville Blvd., 910 S. 8th Ave., 830 S. Magnolia St., and 2007 Airport Dr.
• Public hearings for properties at 128 W. 23rd St., 1507 N. Meridian Ave., 112 Stainton St., 609 Masonite Dr., 1032 N. Dr. Deborrah Hyde Ave., 831 S. 6th Ave., 835 S. 6th Ave., and 2208 Center Ave.
• Zoning variance for LSKLP (Circle K) at 905 Chantilly regarding sign height and area
• Payment to Reliable Roofing and Construction, LLC for the Susan B. Vincent Sports Complex Natatorium Facility roof
• Purchase of K-9 SNAPS by the Laurel Police Department for $10,185.00

City Council

The City Council is reviewing ordinances to amend water and sewer rate schedules. The agenda also includes authorization for the Central Avenue Phase II improvements project and a downtown grant agreement. Additionally, the council will consider various department grants and infrastructure repair proposals.

• Ordinance amending water rates (Section 25-53)
• Ordinance amending sewer rate schedules (Section 20-11)
• Grant agreement for the USDOT RAISE Grant Project, Completing Downtown Laurel
• RFP for engineering services for Massey Wastewater Treatment Plant access road and culvert repairs
• Five-year copier lease agreement with Toshiba America Business Solutions

City Council

The City Council will discuss infrastructure financing, utility rate changes, and various city business. Items include a public hearing for dilapidated structures and several personnel training requests.

• Tax increment financing bonds up to $2,000,000 for the Hobbs Autoplex Project
• Public hearing set for April 2, 2024, regarding ten dilapidated properties
• First reading of ordinances to amend water and sewer rate schedules
• Permission to advertise for bids for two new water/sewer department generators
• Travel request for Melicia Cooper to attend a conference in San Diego for $2,870.80

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting a Tax Increment Financing Plan for Grandview Drive. The agenda includes public hearings regarding the Hobbs' Automotive Project TIF loan and a Justice Assistance Grant. Other items include a zoning change request for 2106 Sandy Lane and grant applications for AmeriCorps and FEMA.

• Zoning change for 2106 Sandy Lane from R-1 to C-3
• Tax Increment Financing Plan for Grandview Drive
• Payment for turn lane construction at 705 16th Avenue
• Public hearing for Hobbs' Automotive Project TIF loan
• Application for 2024 AmeriCorps grant

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several major development items including tax increment financing for Grandview Drive and the Hobbs Autoplex Project. The agenda also includes various ARPA-funded utility and roadway improvements, as well as multiple special exception renewals and zoning requests.

• Tax increment financing intent and public hearing for Grandview Drive
• Tax increment financing for the Hobbs Autoplex Project
• ARPA utility and roadway improvements for 15th Avenue and Joe Wheeler Avenue
• Zoning change request for 2106 Sandy Lane from R-1 to C-3
• Emergency elevator repair funds for Laurel/Jones County Library

City Council

The City Council will consider several resolutions regarding the Cannery Row Project, including a development agreement and a Regional Economic Development Act agreement. Other items include a grant for a police victim's advocate, infrastructure replacements, and lot cleaning assessments.

• Cannery Row Project REDA Agreement and development/reimbursement agreement
• Massey and Smyly WWTP Grating and Handrail Replacement Project construction award
• Mississippi Department of Health grant for a Laurel Police Department Victim’s Advocate
• Ordinance to close the alley between Short 7th Ave and North 6th Ave off Sawmill Rd
• Lot cleaning assessments totaling $860.00 across five properties

City Council

The City Council will consider several grant re-applications for the Laurel Police Department. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding the TIF Loan Cannery Row project and potential fiscal year 2024 budget amendments.

• Public hearing for the TIF Loan Cannery Row project
• CAP Program payment to the Laurel Housing Authority
• Impaired Driving Grant re-application of $72,315.00
• Police Traffic Services Grant re-application of $72,315.00
• Fiscal Year 2024 budget amendments