Columbia is ready to begin taking bids for Phase 1 of downtown storm sewer improvements, with a goal of relieving the risk of flash flooding.
The Mississippi Legislature has earmarked $500,000 to pay for the first phase.
Work will begin in the early summer and should be completed by Thanksgiving, Engineer Jeff Dungan advised the Board of Aldermen at its meeting Tuesday.
Phase one work includes a new 60-inch storm drain that will run from Broad Street to South Main Street for $500,000.
Mayor Justin McKenzie said the city is pursuing legislation and grants to continue the work in phases two through four. State Rep. Ken Morgan has a copy of the plan and Morgan and State Sen. Angela Hill both said they will see what they can do, the mayor said.
Also a bond issue regarding paving will be paid off within two years, which will free up more than $300,000 a year, McKenzie said.
Phase two, once funds are acquired, would consist of new curb inlets and storm drain from Citizens Bank to Church Street at an estimated cost of $250,000.
A new 60-inch storm drain from Second Street to Broad Street is the plan for Phase III. It is estimated to cost $500,000 for this phase.
Phase IV will consist of new curb inlets and drainage capacity improvements at Second and Main streets at a cost of $250,000.
The city has also received $43,168 in the Modernization Use Tax (internet sales tax), which is to be used for road repairs and maintenance. The board on Tuesday approved to hire the law firms Butler Snow, a large firm based in the metro Jackson area, and McNeese & Hahn, the Columbia-based firm of City Attorney Lawrence Hahn, to handle negations of a $500,000 loan to finance the paving project. The paving project will include Sumrall Road and Walter Payton Drive and possibly other roads. The city plans to repay the indebtedness with the use tax.
The board approved the purchase of a used truck to be used at the cemetery for $13,500. Also approved was the insurance claim from a 2018 accident in which as Columbia police car was rear ended and totaled. The amount of the claim was $26,742. The board authorized the purchase of a new patrol car with the insurance claim money for $21,500.
The board accepted the resignation of Roger Frelix, a part-time employee.
Building inspector Carrie Thornhill received resolutions to clean and mow at 921 Garden Ave. and 113 Wiggins Road.
Thornhill also received approval for a resolution for demolition for 919 Duane Ave. She requested approval for 804 Church St., but a real estate agent spoke up, saying a possible contract might be on the property.
Hahn advised the board to give the agent time to see if the deal will get finalized. Alderman-at-large Edward Hough objected, saying there was no reason to wait and if the property is sold and that the process would have to start all over with the new owners.
The board approved the additional time until the March 17 meeting by a vote 4-1. Aldermen Mike Smith, Jason Stringer, Anna Evans and Wendell Hammond voted for the extension, and Hough voted against it.
The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be March 3.
