The Tuesday, Nov. 12, Duck Hill Board of Alderman meeting, which was moved from Monday in observance of Veteran’s Day, was quick and concise. Few topics were discussed in depth at this meeting.
As the first manner of business, Montgomery County Economic Development Board member Vicki Roberts-Ratliff appeared before the Board to appeal for the inclusion of the 1977 (or ‘78) Duck Hill girls’ basketball team, which won the state championship, on the marker as you are leaving Duck Hill. She encouraged that this important town history needed to be memorialized in some way, so as not to be forgotten. In addition, she noted that development grants and funding may become available to the town as a result of this inclusion. Mayor Al White questioned about funding that may be available to install a project like this. Roberts-Ratliff expressed that she was willing to help the town and the Mayor in any way that she could to receive funding for this project, stating that if she found funding opportunities she would share the information.
Later in the meeting, the next heavily discussed topic was involving an update on two properties to be condemned, the structure by the caboose and the service station on State Street. Board Attorney Adam Kirk explained that he had attempted to contact the attorney for the railroad several times to no avail.
“I think, probably, the way to get something done sooner or later is for you guys to approve to begin the condemnation process. Let me draw the stuff up and I’ll email the lawyer the condemnation information and say, ‘Hey this is happening. Either we’re gonna tear it down and we’ll put it on your tax bill or you come do it yourself.’ And we’ll see what happens,” Board Attorney Kirk stated.
The Board agreed to proceed with the condemnation process for the structure by the caboose on a motion by Alderwoman Morgan Eskridge and seconded by Alderman Chris Caldwell with all in favor. At this time, Attorney Kirk explained that the situation with the service station was at a similar stand still. Though progress had been made early in the process, with some of the effects having been cleaned up, there had been no recent efforts that were known of. The Board agreed to proceed with the condemnation process for the service station as well on a motion made by Alderwoman Eskridge and seconded by Alderwoman Shernell Everett-Brown.
“We have to do a notice of hearing, and I’ll notice the hearing for next board meeting. I guess that’ll be in December. And you’ll have a public hearing before we start the regular meeting - that’ll be their opportunity to come in,” Board Attorney Kirk explained.
He further clarified that the notice of hearing would have to be posted on both the city hall and the property to be condemned, as well as mailing the notice to the property owner.
The next matter to be discussed was brought before the Board by Alderwoman Everett-Brown regarding a pipe that is caving on the intersection of Pecan Grove and Eskridge Avenue. She explained that a sinking or bent pipe at that intersection has progressively worsened road conditions. She further stated that she had witnessed a bus attempting to avoid the area, with the bus taking a wider turn and causing it to tilt.
“This is the same area - a few months ago when the fire was at the apartments - and the fire department literally had to come off the road, go all the way up MLK, come down Eskridge to get to the apartments cause you can’t turn in there,” Resident Kim Cooley added to the conversation from the audience, Alderwoman Everett-Brown was in agreement.
“We’ll have to get the county to look at it - I mean cause we don’t have the tools here to do it,” Mayor White replied. “We’ll address it.”
In other news the Board
• Approved the use of the gym for a movie night Saturday, November 16 starting at 6 p.m.
• Accepted the docket of claims.
• Approved the minutes for September 2024.
• Accepted the police report from Police Chief Tim Gholston.
• Approved the use of the gym for Saturday, November 30 Cowboy Roundup BBQ Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Agreed to the placement of two mobile homes which meet ordinance criteria within city limits.
• Accepted the Public Works report from Town Engineer Joe Sutherland.
• Held an executive meeting regarding a personnel matter, in which no action was taken. No other information was made available.
• Received an invitation from Duck Hill Head Start to a conference in Jackson on Dec. 17-19, 2024.
• Approved a gas flat rate increase for 0-1,000 cubic feet from $8.99 to $12.34.
• Agreed to hire John Pearson as a temporary gas operator for the town.
