Southaven City Council swears in Seth Kern as new police chief

The Southaven Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the city, including public safety, economic development, and urban planning.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in of Seth Kern as the new police chief. Mayor Darren Musselwhite emphasized the importance of maintaining safety in Southaven, which serves not only its 60,000 residents but also accommodates over 200,000 visitors daily. The mayor praised the Southaven police for their effective work in ensuring the city remains safe and maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

The board also approved a resolution for a Freeport warehouse tax exemption for Shark Ninja Operating LLC, which is expected to bolster local economic growth. This resolution had already received recommendations from the DeSoto Council and was pending approval from the DeSoto County Supervisors.

In addition, the board authorized a professional service agreement with Robert Gaines for utility SCADA equipment analysis at a rate of $135 per hour. This agreement aims to enhance the efficiency of the city's utility services.

The meeting included discussions on surplus property, specifically authorizing the police department to surplus outdated Motorola equipment. The board also awarded a bid for the Goodman Road utility relocation project to Argo Construction for $5,448,845, contingent upon concurrence from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Another important decision was the approval of a bid for annual pavement striping and marking, awarded to Riverside Traffic Systems Inc. for $393,635. This contract aims to improve road safety and visibility throughout the city.

Lastly, the board addressed a request to amend the existing Snowden Farms Planned Unit Development (PUD). The amendment seeks to simplify zoning regulations for a 119.2-acre area, allowing for more flexible development options in response to changing market trends.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting economic initiatives, and adapting urban planning strategies to meet the evolving needs of Southaven's community.