[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6361854,"mediaKeyId","2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306","parentId",2169333,"title","Votes at a glance: key council approvals Jan. 28, 2025","audioSeconds",133,"startMs",3766000,"endMs",3899000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306&start=3766&end=3899","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306/thumbnail_3766000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361854/Jackson-City/Hinds-County/Mississippi/Votes-at-a-glance-key-council-approvals-Jan-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361854-63daf4ecc0a2cd5eedd0814766dde94c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773279738&Signature=Uc-L~xe1t-JT70Vi69qpnh~BuegOKf-MoiqV-~1Ut16FY0XJsFDVdSJOw~Bf4HDMV7OqNX3mHE-fKjfE2pxGFlUFXZ4F8mMRkjc3k-4ifxm33aoa~rFfIpivXBwUCcRsxYWdaZX0IE0HfjYJc8GSevjTWf9fpkL6bWrDOPuBdYXwOKRUZtcIUv1qxtXfzUYHOUic3h1uqC6ac6~s1zUu-MeND0ut3QjzzpdgUownJZEt4WHf3r7HwQcJKsW~LJR89rve~6quibq0BC8otsDB7RGvAZXXZ0eyHXDqtSF7YOLrbTUt2HHF7FTGLZUWeAuvF1u6vOUN2G7Lt3A~I55SIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Jackson","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Jackson City Council recorded final actions on a wide range of agenda items on Jan. 28. This roundup lists each item acted on during the meeting, with the motion summary and the vote outcome as recorded on the meeting record.

Summary of recorded actions (item number, short description, recorded outcome):

- Item 2: Ordinance amending decennial redistricting — change polling place for precinct 98 (Tougaloo College → Tougaloo Community Center). Outcome: approved (recorded as unanimous on the floor).

- Item 3: Ordinance establishing polling places to align with new ward lines (removal of split precincts, several merges/renumberings). Outcome: approved (recorded on the floor; vote stated as 6–1 after amendments).

- Item 4: Ordinance adding job classification of educational program coordinator. Outcome: approved (record read as vote 7–0).

- Item 5: Ordinance amending compensation for municipal election commissioners, poll managers, resolution board and box helpers. Outcome: approved (vote recorded 7–0).

- Item 6: Order approving claims appearing on municipal docket for $1,654,653.40. Outcome: approved (vote recorded as 4–3 in the transcript).

- Item 7: Order approving payroll and related claims. Outcome: approved (vote recorded 7–0).

- Item 8: Order authorizing payment of professional association dues and travel as reasonable for council, mayor and city employees. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Item 9: Fiscal-year 2025 revision for Municipal Court budget. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Item 10: Agreement with Staffers Inc. for temporary staffing services. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Item 11: Pay range amendments for code enforcement and inspection staff tied to FY2024–25 budget increases (total positions and vacancies discussed). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 12: Pay-range adjustments for assistant police chief and park ranger. Outcome: approved (record: one recusal by Councilman Bridal; vote recorded 6 in favor).

- Item 13: Pay-range changes for multiple fire classifications (reindexing ranges to reflect current pay plan). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 14: Pay-range changes for multiple public-works supervisor and heavy-equipment positions. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 15: Referred to finance committee for additional study (no final action at this meeting).

- Item 16: Professional services agreement with Election Systems & Software for 2025 municipal elections. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 17: Agreement with Hinds County circuit clerk for election equipment rental. Outcome: approved (unanimous); clerk clarified this agreement carried no charge for this item.

- Item 18: MOU with Hinds County entities (JPS, sheriff) for security at designated athletic/social events. Outcome: approved (7–0).

- Item 19: Facility management agreement with Ace to Deuce Community Tennis Association for Dorothy Best Tanner Tennis Center. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 20: Agreement with All About Animals Inc. for veterinary care at Jackson Zoo ($2,700/month Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 21: Agreement with Big Mokey Train Inc. for the 24\" gauge train at the Jackson Zoo. Outcome: approved (unanimous); staff said train could operate as soon as weekend with operator availability.

- Item 22: Bid acceptance (Sunrise Produce) for fresh produce for Jackson Zoo (12 months). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Item 23: MOU with Joyce Spreaders Inc. for revitalization of High Street Park. Outcome: approved (unanimous); private philanthropist John Miller referenced as lead donor.

- Item 25: Amendment/change order with Hempfield Construction for bus stop sign replacement (J-Train). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Items 26–29: Small procurement and settlement approvals for various vendors (Jeffco Fence Company, Taylor Power Systems, 5th International Group for chipping/grinding, settlement to Benita Johnson for property damage $25,089.75). Outcomes: each approved (unanimous for procurements; settlement approved unanimously after attorney explanation).

- Item 30: Continued review of state of emergency declared Aug. 29, 2022 (rainfall/water issues). Outcome: council continued the review (unanimous).

- Item 31: Continued review of a separate state-of-emergency item (drainage-related). Outcome: continued (unanimous).

Several items were introduced earlier and finalized on the same day via expedited process; where the meeting record did not read a full roll-call tally, the clerk recorded the outcome on the floor. If a specific recorded tally was stated in the transcript, that tally is noted above; where the transcript did not provide a named roll-call for every vote, the item is described with the outcome recorded on the meeting record.

Ending: Council members thanked staff for moving several time‑sensitive items and asked follow‑up actions for implementation (e.g., clerk to mail voter notices, departments to provide timelines).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting Jan 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of formal actions and recorded votes from the Jackson City Council meeting on Jan. 28, including ordinances, budget amendments, contracts and claims approvals.","taxTitle","Jackson City, Hinds County, Mississippi","taxId",3823,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361857,"Residents say repeated fires and releases of an alleged arson suspect left neighbors without trust in response; council urges coordination",360,1381000,1741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306&start=1381&end=1741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306/thumbnail_1381000.jpg","/articles/6361857/Jackson-City/Hinds-County/Mississippi/Residents-say-repeated-fires-and-releases-of-an-alleged-arson-suspect-left-neighbors-without-trust-in-response-council-urges-coordination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361857-4b2354502674068cd1c8929189a0002f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773279738&Signature=K5WbIz2Ov7ZVW-X8ByfLkIauRWVWqDz3CItpj3Tw~rdHCRny1v4pMIDfkF1r7Pgx~MsXH27ErL99ESpyeGUGV8SrHAxT3rX-ndwI9EqgxjLQVg20ildy35N7U5QOM62u3aVLdRB88YyvECy-jic1LbJkAc2TUkdW7bEiOZQs-xxeWB75SEi6vuZ2R3oKzknwW1b5xy0yw9gyrkLTSnfEaU6vE072ZtMvR32TMwF~b8fRCO6EVXLCZuggeqYU8QUIyb6-EyGp3k8xV7rc9vn8gQFOzEI0GLj0HMjaNtgQmhvwav3znvfHMQH04Pdy9cgtUUbHbaybqLVnr0fF~Pn8dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two residents told the council that a man who had been arrested in a prior arson and assault case remained on the street and subsequently burned down a nearby house, causing significant property loss and fear in the neighborhood.

Johnny Kevin (identified in the record as Johnny Cab/Johnny Kevin) said his house at or near 3212 Avenue was burned and that he had repeatedly contacted the police and fire departments about a neighbor who had set previous fires. He said officers and firefighters responded but that the suspect was released without an arson charge and returned to the neighborhood as a squatter. Anthony Davis, who said he painted and worked on the property, said the suspect assaulted officers during an earlier arrest and that police did not file or pursue an arson charge.

Council members and staff acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and apologized to the homeowners for their loss. Councilman Stokes recounted observing the fire response and urged that the matter demonstrated a public-safety risk in neighborhoods where repeated property destruction occurs. Councilman Hartley told the meeting a state lawmaker indicated a House bill (HB 1200) would be introduced to increase penalties for entering and burning another’s property; Hartley asked the council and staff to monitor the legislation and consider local follow-up.

Police and fire commanders were not recorded taking an immediate operational action at the meeting but council members directed staff to follow up with appropriate departments and with the municipal clerk’s office to connect the residents with victim services and permitting assistance for recovery.

Ending: The council asked city staff to coordinate follow‑up with police, fire, and victim‑assistance resources; Councilman Hartley asked colleagues to monitor HB 1200 in the state legislature.","Multiple residents testified about repeated fires at a property and what they described as insufficient action by police and prosecutors; council members and staff pledged to follow up and monitor proposed state legislation increasing penalties for arson.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361860,"Residents complain website, permit delays and illegal political signs; IT offers temporary links",905,1163000,2068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306&start=1163&end=2068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306/thumbnail_1163000.jpg","/articles/6361860/Jackson-City/Hinds-County/Mississippi/Residents-complain-website-permit-delays-and-illegal-political-signs-IT-offers-temporary-links","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361860-38968f58ceff443be55609c288072322/orig.mp4?Expires=1773279738&Signature=GxOmB7~wkEEJrzPgH~GHQ61Zvipd2PyZUbrMzW7qg~gY29vgJWO-WJdfcpXgu4PPW07b7Gs-TEV0ovuNYPFFbDXukcV9V6u-tNwu0FRYIT1wZHUE8HtzmGeA1lHKo36l5GrrpA7HSQimhnqGoU5-RKj1PNCkCMMuaILJUpLFiGdcQLFlw5QskAJqoAUwdKH22F7rq86j5eN4WjxcCqd0Nj7aJ1iDHO0Uf7i~ulfrqctoA7ibIL6fFvAObCWOXv3U2hW9XL5GENj2FNlWTn-A-DkZfZb9MPvGalC12ogTYmwmOrW1Lu-cY6YkYG3NB94UmMlKFYNRqs2fYQzcxsG28w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told the Jackson City Council on Jan. 28 that the city website lacks current agendas, meeting minutes and the 2025 council schedule, and that the gaps impede public participation.

Zach Seravis, speaking during public comment, said a business on East County Line, Samboo’s African Kitchen, lacks usable restrooms while waiting for a permit for an excavation to repair plumbing. He asked the city to expedite permit processing so the business’s customers have access to restrooms.

Seravis also said the council’s online calendar and the council meeting agenda and minutes pages were not updated; he urged the administration to post schedules and agendas on social media until the website is fixed. He cited enforcement language in the city code related to political signage and urged enforcement of prohibitions on posting signs on trees, utility poles and rights-of-way; he read portions of Chapter 6 and Chapter 102 of the city code describing penalties and exemptions.

Miriam Reed, director of the Department of Information Technology, told the council the city migrated from a vendor that had hosted the data for eight or nine years. The vendor did not return data in a readily usable format; the city has recovered the data but is using temporary links while staff remap the content. Reed gave the temporary link www.jacksonms.gov/councildashagendasandminutes and said staff can e‑mail agendas and materials to residents on request while the website mapping is completed.

Council members asked for a timeline. Reed said she was working to have a visible link or a corrected interface by the end of the week and that staff are exploring outsourcing coding help if needed.

On the political signage issue, commenter Zach Seravis quoted the city code’s ban on placing posters on trees or utility poles and noted candidate signage must be at least 10 feet from the public right-of-way and may not exceed 12 square feet; the code requires removal of signs within 15 days after an election and permits a 72‑hour notice for removal when signs are located in the right-of-way.

Ending: City staff said temporary links and emailed copies of agendas will remain available while the website is remapped; the municipal clerk and IT staff said they will provide a timeline and deliver links to council offices for constituent outreach.","Public commenters told the council the city website lacks current council schedules, agendas and minutes and cited a restaurant blocked from completing restrooms while waiting for permits. City IT said data migration from an old vendor caused delays and provided temporary links.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361862,"Council adopts new polling places, removes split precincts ahead of February absentee voting",1387,2372000,3759000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306&start=2372&end=3759","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2169333-d9a49077d9242903493e7722791ea306/thumbnail_2372000.jpg","/articles/6361862/Jackson-City/Hinds-County/Mississippi/Council-adopts-new-polling-places-removes-split-precincts-ahead-of-February-absentee-voting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361862-971a41ae55daffe67b5ad5542355a8e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773279738&Signature=YP4JOxFw6KLd-8gqqBaKZSAI8Enis60eTCQ4-BqosiatzqRQ80Q3VU7TP0c3YTje7qxockR7~Hhr~hCS1NP-ZRgOLSIB72N5Vt16HnF9bZX6Hyu9TpbuBjvwI~jDxSXiTh9yEDZMCcUmSLA6mCmyrUewelMFsvQBv1rN-olIt2VrkczzwsUheRVu-GhkO3Ear2BmlvLUV~GU90zP3iGjMigSbmzFHoYoqcFpfxVkUsav4n65m3m6kQDavA3i-erpRZv~hLYh-g-z~bQas4tBebVTfkJUYM9Ar4hccGpmJmmcf129e3XSAT98~gcnlNgkbykM3GvObbJMxGo8VDMUXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jackson City Council on Jan. 28 adopted ordinances to change several polling places and to remove split precincts so precinct boundaries align with the ward lines approved in the city's recent redistricting.

Council members said the changes are time-sensitive because absentee voting begins Feb. 18 and voters must be notified of new polling locations. Councilman Stokes said some prospective candidates and voters still do not know which precincts and wards apply to them, and urged rapid implementation so people can “prepare.”

The council voted to move voters from a low‑turnout precinct at Tougaloo College (precinct 98) into precinct 80 at the Tougaloo Community Center; to consolidate split precincts (for example, renaming 94a/94b as 94 and moving 94b voters into precinct 100 where appropriate); and to eliminate some small split precincts so voters now vote at single locations, such as merging voters who used to vote at a TruVine Church location into Galloway School. City staff said the changes remove split voting locations that resulted from the ward-line changes council adopted last year.

Council members and staff said the municipal clerk and election commissioners will work with the county circuit clerk to update the voter registration system (Sims), generate labels, and mail notices to affected voters. Council members asked that GIS maps and precinct lists be distributed to council offices and made available to the public; planning and GIS staff said they will provide updated maps and that some materials will be available through the clerk and GIS office.

City attorney Drew Martin and municipal clerk Shaniquia Jordan provided procedural advice during the expedited consideration; council used an accelerated process the meeting to ensure mailings and system updates could occur before absentee balloting begins.

The council approved amendments to the ordinances on the floor to correct language and to merge or rename specific split precincts before taking final votes.

Council members stressed outreach: council members asked the clerk’s office to supply printed maps and for staff to provide precinct‑by‑precinct population information so council members can answer constituent questions.

The council recorded votes on the ordinances on the floor; the clerk and city attorney confirmed required notifications to the election offices would be completed immediately.

The council set a special meeting for Feb. 5 to consider additional election‑related items but proceeded to adopt the ward-alignment polling-place ordinance at the Jan. 28 session to meet statutory timelines.

The changes are administrative (location and precinct consolidation) and do not change the ward boundaries the council adopted previously.

Ending: City staff said letters notifying affected voters and precinct maps will be produced as soon as the clerk completes the Sims updates; absentee voting remains scheduled to begin Feb. 18.","Jackson City Council voted to adopt ordinances that change polling places and consolidate split precincts to align with new ward lines ahead of the municipal election absentee period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key council approvals Jan. 28, 2025

Residents say repeated fires and releases of an alleged arson suspect left neighbors without trust in response; council urges coordination

Residents complain website, permit delays and illegal political signs; IT offers temporary links

Council adopts new polling places, removes split precincts ahead of February absentee voting