Mayor Adams updates Olive Branch on Community Leaders initiative and Mardi Gras parade plans

The City of Olive Branch Board of Aldermen convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including updates from the mayor and consent agenda items.

The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, which passed unanimously after a motion and a second. Mayor Adams then provided an update on several initiatives. He announced his selection to the steering committee for the Community Leaders of America, an organization focused on stimulating job growth, ensuring public safety, enhancing quality of life, and protecting taxpayer resources. The mayor emphasized the potential benefits of national exposure for Olive Branch through this association.

He also reminded attendees about the upcoming Mardi Gras parade scheduled for March 1 at 1 PM, where the Board of Aldermen will participate with a float. The mayor highlighted a recent successful groundbreaking for the new animal shelter and mentioned forthcoming groundbreaking events for Fire Station 6, pickleball courts, and soccer field expansions.

Additionally, the mayor noted that the mayor's youth council would attend a leadership summit in Hattiesburg from February 28 to March 1, where they will also engage in a service project for Homes of Hope for Children.

In a significant discussion regarding the consent agenda, Alderman Earhart raised concerns about item number 8, which pertains to an agreement with Mississippi Main Street. He questioned the value and costs associated with the program, noting that participation has been inconsistent over the past 12 years. The mayor responded by explaining that the Main Street Association is crucial for accessing certain grants and that the city would benefit from upcoming art projects linked to the association. The board decided to table this item for further clarification on costs and benefits before revisiting it in the next meeting.

The meeting concluded with no further questions, and the board will reconvene to address the outstanding issues in future sessions.