Ward 4 Alderman Charles Harris served as Mayor Pro-Tem during the Tuesday, Feb. 18, City of Winona Board of Aldermen meeting in Mayor Aaron Dees' absence. The meeting began with routine business, including unanimous approval of the Feb. 4 regular meeting minutes, payment of regular bills, water and sewer adjustments, and rental deposit reimbursements for the Community House and Center.
The Board then moved to approve authorization for the Mayor and Vice Mayor to sign a letter and contract for Professional Services with North Central Planning and Development District.
"It's for the ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission). It just gives the scope of services that they will do, and then the percentage that they get of the grant project," City Clerk Tracy Holcomb explained.
Ward 2 Alderman Travis Johnson made the motion to approve the signing, seconded by Ward 1 Alderman Mickey Austin. The motion passed unanimously.
Next, the Board discussed bids for a new City website design. They received two proposals: one from Pixelhop.net for $11,575 and another from Chris Alford for $10,000.
Clerk Holcomb answered questions from the Board about the bids. Ward 1 Mickey Austin then asked for Clerk Holcomb’s opinion on the two, since the City had previously worked with Alford on projects such as the new signage for City Hall, the Police Department, and the signage on Highway 82.
“I work well with Chris Alford. He’s a local guy. I can shoot him a text, and he’s easy to work with. He’s going to design us a website that’s going to be user friendly, but also very attractive. Each department will have their own page,” Clerk Holcomb explained. “I don’t know Pixelhop. I’m sure they’re capable of doing the same job, but I just enjoy the relationship I have with Chris Alford.”
Alderman Austin then made a motion to accept Alford's $10,000 bid, seconded by Alderman Johnson. The motion passed with Ward 5 Alderman Linda Purnell casting the one opposing vote.
The Board then considered the purchase of a lift station for the new dog pound, priced at $3,565.66. Alderman Austin moved to approve the purchase, with Alderwoman Purnell seconding the motion. The purchase was unanimously approved.
