The Winona Board of Aldermen held their final meeting of 2023 on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
First on the agenda were Librarians Wendy Rushing and Dina Kilburn, who presented the monthly report from the Winona Public Library. They also discussed the community events, which have been held at the library over the previous two months.
During the presentation, Alderwoman Linda Purnell questioned the librarians as to why the library was no longer open on the weekends.
“It hasn’t been open in years,” Rushing responded.
Rushing went on to explain that it is not the decision of local librarians to reopen libraries on Saturdays, but the decision of Josh Haidet, head of the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System.
The other two guests listed on the agenda were not present at the meeting.
In other business, the Board:
- Heard an update from Street Department Superintendent Kenneth Beavers, who stated that Bobby Wright had 14 days (as of the date of the meeting) to clean up the property across from Home Front Hardware on Highway 51.
- Was informed that new toilets had been installed in the Community Center.
- Heard from City Clerk Monica Turner, who presented seven properties before the Board and asked for them to vote in favor of beginning the process to condemn each property. The properties included, 804 Freeman St., 69 New Hope Rd., 710 S. Applegate St. (also known as Southside Market), 110 Smith Cir., 600 Beck St., 403 Campbell St., and 401 Montgomery St.
The Board voted to begin the condemnation process.
- Heard from City Attorney Adam Kirk regarding the city’s ability to donate towards a cancer non-profit. The State of Mississippi Attorney General’s Office stated that the city cannot donate to the cause, but they “can match profits.”
- Heard a proposal from Alderwoman Purnell regarding a possible presentation to longtime city employee Timothy Collins for his service to the city for more than 30 years.
- Approved a new insurance proposal for the City of Winona.
- Approved for Deputy City Clerk Kimberly White to attend spring certification training for municipal clerks in Oxford from Feb. 21-23.
- Approved for Turner to attend spring certification training in Ridgeland from April 24-26.
- Went into executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
- Each Board Member and Mayor Aaron Dees also wished the public a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” prior to concluding the meeting.
