The City of Winona Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night saw an impressive turnout, with the board room filled to capacity by local residents and Winona Firefighters. In the absence of Mayor Aaron Dees, Mayor Pro-Tem Charles Harris, who serves as Alderman for Ward 4, presided over the proceedings. The meeting began with a public hearing and guest presentations before transitioning to the main agenda items.
The Board swiftly approved the water and sewer adjustments, the payment of routine bills, as well as the rental deposit reimbursements for the Community Center and Community House. With those administrative matters expedited, they then transitioned into hearing updates from the department heads and Board members.
Jason Ables, representing the Water Department, presented two competitive quotes for a new pumping station. This installation will primarily serve the upcoming El Cabrito Mexican restaurant on Highway 82, while also extending service across Interstate 55. Tencarva Machinery Company submitted a bid of $71,419, while Delta Process Equipment proposed a slightly higher amount of $75,423.
After discussing the proposals with the Board, Ables agreed to consult with the Engineering Services team for a thorough review. He will then return to the Board with a more comprehensive analysis and recommendation, ensuring the most suitable option is selected to meet the City's requirements.
City Clerk Tracy Holcomb then presented a request for the Board's approval for Deputy Clerk Kimberly White to attend the Municipal Clerk Fall Program in Hattiesburg from October 2-4. The registration fee is $107, with additional costs for lodging and travel expenses to be covered. Ward 1 Alderman Mickey Austin motioned to accept the request, which was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Travis Johnson. Ward 3 Alderman Archie Flowers was also in favor. Ward 5 Alderwoman Linda Purnell then asked the Board how this was going to be paid for.
“Under every department and every head, you have travel expenses and education, usually around $4,000. It’s never spent in a year,” City Clerk Holcomb responded.
“Does this help her? I mean, I’m talking about in other places?” Alderwoman Purnell asked referring to Clerk White serving as an Alderwoman in the Town of Vaiden. “We are paying for her to go, when she’s an alderman. Are they going to do that in Vaiden too?”
“This is just clerk wise, not for alderman,” Alderman Harris responded.
“She’s a clerk?” Alderwoman Purnell asked.
“Yes, she’s a deputy clerk,” City Clerk Holcomb said.
The motion passed with all in favor except Alderwoman Purnell.
Alderwoman Purnell then said that she wanted to hear from the fire department. She prefaced her inquiry by mentioning that she had received a call from a citizen
“You’ve been having secret meetings,” Alderwoman Purnell began. “So, I want the public to know that there’ve been secret meetings going on, that certain people are knowing things and certain peoples are not. So, I’m the one of them that’s not.”
There has been no conclusive evidence to confirm that any secret meetings have taken place, so The Times is unable to verify this claim.
Alderwoman Purnell then redirected the discussion, stating she wished to hear from Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Huffman. She explained that a resident had informed her there may not be a need for a Fire Chief position. Alderwoman Purnell wanted to explore this perspective further with Assistant Chief Huffman.
“We do need a Fire Chief,” Assistant Chief Huffman said. “We wanted to move Battalion Chief Barrett Johnson from his battalion chief position to the full time Fire Chief position.”
Alderwoman Purnell turned to Battalion Chief Johnson and inquired, "So how many years you got on the force?”
“20,” Battalion Chief Barrett Johnson responded.
Alderwoman Purnell followed up by posing several questions to Johnson about his prospective work schedule. Johnson responded that he would commit to a minimum of 48 hours per week.
Alderman Austin then motioned to appoint Johnson as the full-time Fire Chief at the same pay rate as the previous Chief. Alderman Johnson seconded the motion. While Alderman Flowers and Alderwoman Purnell opposed, Alderman Harris, acting as Mayor Pro Tem, broke the tie in favor of the motion, resulting in its passage.
Finally, the Board approved the hiring of Anthony Cobbins as a firefighter, effective Sept. 4. Alderwoman Purnell made the motion, which was seconded by Alderman Flowers. All were in favor.
