The Starkville Board of Alderman will hold its biweekly meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m., discussing topics including South Lafayette side-walk renovations, the MSU S.M.A.R.T transit system bus stop at the Sportsplex and trick-or-treating hours.
As always, the public is encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity for comment early in the meeting. The following provides topic backgrounds and brief explanations regarding agenda highlights:
Board Business:
DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOUTH LAFAYETTE STREETSCAPE.
Picking up from last week, the board will continue discussion on South Lafayette sidewalk renovations, which would install additional steps, railing and a wheelchair ramp. Aesthetics would also be improved via planters. The goal is to become fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by leveling slopes near buildings, including a 3-foot drop at the Lafayette/Lampkin intersection. The project will provide a new ADA access point – by installing guard rails and a ramp similar to those on Main Street – allowing for an entry at both ends of the street.
As proposed, the renovations will be funded in phases, totaling $75,000, to lessen the immediate cost impact. Phase one will remedy slope issues and encompass about 30 percent of the cost.
DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING SET HOURS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING OF 5:30 PM TO 8:00 PM ON OCTOBER 31, 2014.
Not uncommon for cities, the board will discuss suggesting a time guideline (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) for trick-or-treaters this coming Halloween. With Halloween occurring the day before a MSU home football against the University of Arkansas, some aldermen are concerned about the influx of traffic and visitors. The ordinance, proposed by Ward 3 Alderman David Little, would not call for police enforcement, nor establish an official ordinance. The purpose is to spread awareness to increase public safety.
Engineering Department:
REPORT FROM CITY ENGINEER EDWARD KEMP AND JEREMIAH DUMAS ON THE MSU SMART TRANSIT SYSTEM AND ALTERNATIVE STOP LOCATIONS FOR THE SPORTSPLEX.
As requested by the board, City Engineer Edward Kemp and MSU Parking and Transit Director Jeremiah Dumas will present report findings addressing an alternative S.M.A.R.T bus stop location at the Sportsplex. The current location, although monitored and maintained by city crews, has suffered minor asphalt failures where sharp turns are required by buses.
Electric Department:
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR STARKVILLE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT TO EXECUTE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS WITH LOUISVILLE UTILITIES, CITY OF TUPELO W&L AND CITY OF OKOLONA ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT FOR WORK PERFORMED AFTER THE STORM ON OCTOBER 13, 2014.
The board will discuss compensation for the aid provided by regional electric departments following the Oct. 13, 2014, severe thunderstorm.
For more information, please visit the Agendas & Minutes section of the Starkville city website: http://cityofstarkville.org/index.aspx?nid=242