A citizen approached the Columbia Board of Aldermen Tuesday about being billed for sewer service when he says he wasn't actually connected to the line.
The board delayed action until June 16 on the request by Delandoe Watts for a refund or credit pending being able to meet with the water department supervisor, who wasn't at Tuesday's meeting.
Watts said he previously lived on Pinehill Drive, which is off Mississippi 44/Sumrall Road near the Marion County BusinessPlex (former Columbia Training School). The address is just outside the city limits, but his sewer system was connected with the city. He said he has had issues with his sewer system for two and half years.
Watts said his sewer was backing up, and shortly after that began his neighbor’s yard caved in. He said they saw the sewer pipe exposed and called the city. The line was jetted out, and once a plumbing contractor examined the issue, it was determined the pipe was never actually connected to the city sewer.
Watts said the entire he time lived at the address he paid a sewer bill to the city each month, not realizing he was never hooked up. He requested the board to either refund his money or give him credit that could be applied to where he now lives.
Board Attorney Lawrence Hahn said there was a statute of limitations of one year, so if the board chose to do a credit it could only go back a year.
Michael McDaniel with the water department was not able to be at the meeting to discuss the issue with the board. Upon the recommendation of Alderwoman Anna Evans, the matter was tabled until the June 16 meeting when McDaniel can be there.
Tornado resolution
The board approved a resolution to request a 30-day extension to file for federal assistance in connection with the April 19 tornado and flash flood that will be submitted to Gov. Tate Reeves. The county did not turn in the information in time to be considered for the federal declaration. Forest and Lamar counties are also submitting resolutions to the governor.
Flood repairs
Mayor Justin McKenzie said he met the previous week with Marion County Emergency Management Director Aaron Greer and members of FEMA and MEMA to discuss the Pearl River flooding in February. McKenzie said they toured areas that were damaged, including Old Foxworth Road, Horseshoe Road and Jones Lane.
FEMA and MEMA are not going to fix the entire roadway of Old Foxworth Road. However, they are willing to fix where there was significant damage from where the water was covering the road, busting water and gas lines, etc., McKenzie said. He said the threshold that was needed to receive the assistance in the amount of $104,000 has been met.
Alderman-at-large Edward Hough asked about the cutting of the road and how much that will cost to be repaired.
McKenzie said FEMA and MEMA will not repair that portion of the road. Jeff Dungan, county engineer, assisted in determining the cost of repairs, estimating it to be $3,500 to $3,800, McKenzie said.
Police chief report
Police Chief Michael Kelly received approval for some personnel changes, including making Tyler Pittman, a part-time dispatcher, to also be a non-certified reserve patrol officer and the resignations of Oved Dunaway as a patrol officer and Andrea Tiffany Pittman as an animal control volunteer.
Kelly announced commendations for officers regarding the Black Lives Matter protests that began Sunday in Columbia. The officers did not interfere with the peaceful protest but were willing to support and protect the protesters, he said.
“Columbia has been an example; there have been no issues,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the surveillance camera has been a great deterrent at City Park and that he was approached by Mississippi Power about adding more cameras. The cameras would be installed on the light poles, and the cost would be added to the power bill. Through internet access the police department would be able to access the cameras. Kelly said he is hoping to partner with businesses downtown to sponsor other cameras that would be located in public areas only.
Duckworth cancelled
Hough commended Larry Jenkins and the leaders of the Duckworth League for canceling the baseball season for the year due to the coronavirus. He said he appreciated them taking in consideration the health risks.
Sumrall Road work
McKenzie reminded the board that paving will begin Monday on Sumrall Road.
