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Florence board approves vendor payments, hires officer and OKs CMPDD contract for new comprehensive plan
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting the Florence mayor and board approved three vendor payments to Maintenance Systems, Inc., authorized a $40,000 contract with CMPDD for a new comprehensive plan (city cost not to exceed $12,000), set a Sept. 16 public hearing for a Mid‑South Meter variance, authorized MDOT reimbursements and contractor release letters, and hired a full‑time police officer in executive session.
Mayor Trey Gunn and the Florence Board of Alderpersons moved through a packed Aug. 19 agenda, approving several vendor payments, authorizing a contract to update the city’s comprehensive plan, and hiring a new police officer.
The board unanimously approved three invoices payable to Maintenance Systems, Inc.: $13,618.95 for exploratory digging and a 4‑inch insertion valve (invoice M25017‑G‑1F); $8,281.27 for time‑and‑materials backflow preventer modifications (invoice M25017‑H‑1F); and $7,467.16 for excavation and assistance with 6‑inch and 12‑inch insertion valves (invoice M25017‑I‑1F). Each motion was made and seconded by aldermen and carried on unanimous votes.
Community Development Director Joel Sims recommended scheduling a public hearing for a variance request from Mid‑South Meter & Regulator, owner Terry Goude. The board set the hearing for Sept. 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in city hall.
On a motion by Alderman Brian Grantham, seconded by Alderman Mason Herrin, the board authorized a contract with the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) to develop a new comprehensive plan at a total cost of $40,000. CMPDD grant funds will cover $28,000, leaving the city’s portion not to exceed $12,000.
City Engineer Tim Parker asked the board to authorize two actions related to Mississippi Department of Transportation work: a letter requesting MDOT authority to release contractor AJ Construction, Inc., from maintenance, and authority for Mayor Gunn to sign current and future MDOT reimbursement forms. Both measures passed unanimously.
The board approved routine business items including the mid‑month claims docket and the minutes of the Aug. 5 meeting. Aldermen also authorized travel: Joel Sims to the Building Officials Association of Mississippi winter conference, Dec. 3–5, 2025 (the city will pay the $250 registration fee and allowable costs), and Mayor Trey Gunn and Alderman Brian Grantham to attend the Municipal League Board of Directors meeting in Tupelo on Sept. 19, 2025.
The board briefly convened in executive session at 6:45 p.m. to discuss a police‑department personnel matter. In executive session, on Chief Burns’ recommendation, the board voted unanimously to hire Dewan Stapleton as a full‑time police officer at $21.06 per hour effective Aug. 20, 2025, pending a successful background check and drug and alcohol testing. The board returned to open session at 6:50 p.m.
In separate business recognizing the retirement of Officer John Denton, the board approved, under Section 45‑9‑191 of the Mississippi Code, assigning a value of $1.00 to a service weapon (Glock 17, serial no. BHBU266) formerly issued by the city and authorizing Denton to purchase it for that amount.
Mayor Trey Gunn adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approve payment M25017‑G‑1F to Maintenance Systems, Inc., $13,618.95 — motion by Alderman John Banks; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve payment M25017‑H‑1F to Maintenance Systems, Inc., $8,281.27 — motion by Alderman Brian Grantham; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve payment M25017‑I‑1F to Maintenance Systems, Inc., $7,467.16 — motion by Alderman Mason Herrin; outcome: approved unanimously. - Set public hearing for Mid‑South Meter variance (Mid‑South Meter & Regulator, owner Terry Goude) — set for Sept. 16, 2025; outcome: approved unanimously. - Authorize CMPDD contract for comprehensive plan, total $40,000 (city share not to exceed $12,000) — motion by Alderman Brian Grantham; outcome: approved unanimously. - Authorize MDOT release letter for AJ Construction, Inc., and mayoral signature on MDOT reimbursement forms — outcomes: approved unanimously. - Hire Dewan Stapleton as full‑time police officer at $21.06/hr (effective Aug. 20, 2025), pending checks — outcome: approved unanimously (executive session). - Approve sale of Glock 17 (serial BHBU266) to retiring Officer John Denton for $1.00 under MS Code §45‑9‑191 — outcome: approved unanimously.
Authorities and legal references noted in the meeting included Section 45‑9‑191 of the Mississippi Code concerning disposition of city‑issued firearms. Contracting and reimbursement authority involved interactions with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and a CMPDD contract for planning services.
