The City of Winona Board of Aldermen held a public hearing Tuesday evening prior to their regular scheduled meeting. During the hearing, board members discussed moving forward with the condemnation process for three properties within the city limits.
During the hearing, board members reviewed three properties under consideration for condemnation. The first was Victory Apostolic Faith Church at 230 N. Vine Street. With no property owner present at the meeting, Ward 4 Alderman Charles Harris moved to proceed with condemnation, seconded by Ward 1 Alderman Mickey Austin. The motion passed unanimously.
The second property, located at 411 Campell Street and owned by Charles Kendle and Kimberly Purnell, received a 90-day extension. Code Enforcer and Animal Control Officer Ricky Johnson spoke on behalf of the owners, explaining they were awaiting an estimate for demolition. Ward 3 Alderman Archie Flowers motioned for the extension, seconded by Alderman Harris, with unanimous approval from the board.
The final property discussed was 704 Dennis Street, owned by Earl and Gracie Glover. Earl Glover attended the meeting and requested additional time to clean up the property. The board granted a 90-day extension following a motion by Ward 5 Alderwoman Linda Purnell, seconded by Alderman Austin, which passed unanimously.
Following the public hearing, the Board of Aldermen began their regular scheduled meeting. The Board unanimously approved the minutes from both the December 17 regular meeting and the December 18 special called meeting. They also gave unanimous approval for the payment of regular bills, water and sewer adjustments, and rental deposit reimbursements for both the Community Center and House.
The Board moved efficiently through the agenda until reaching item number 9: "Give Mayor authority to sign order for municipal court." After Mayor Aaron Dees read this item, Municipal Judge Keith S. Roberts requested the Board enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
After entering executive session at Judge Roberts' request, the Board deliberated for over an hour. Upon returning to open session, they announced that no action had been taken. Mayor Dees indicated that item number 9, regarding municipal court orders, would not be addressed at this time.
The Board then turned their attention to discussing the draft agreed order from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), an item that had been reviewed at several previous meetings and was now ready for approval.
City Attorney Adam Kirk explained the situation: "This is in regards to when they tested the water. We had some contamination issues, and they issued a fine. They came back after we had a telephone conference, and came back and agreed to a civil penalty of $7,500 and holding $12,500 in escrow, until the issue is completely rectified, then they'll return that money to us, so it'll just be a $7,500 fine."
Alderman Harris moved to authorize Mayor Dees to sign the agreement, with Alderman Austin seconding the motion. The Board approved unanimously.
