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Florence board approves CMPDD comprehensive plan contract, hires officer and OKs repair invoices
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting the Florence Mayor and Board authorized a $40,000 contract with CMPDD to develop a new comprehensive plan (city share not to exceed $12,000), approved three Maintenance Systems, Inc. invoices totaling $29,367.38, set a Sept. 16 public hearing on a Mid-South Meter variance and hired a full-time police officer in executive session.
The Mayor and Board of the City of Florence met Aug. 19, 2025, at city hall. Mayor Trey Gunn called the meeting to order, a quorum was announced, and Alderman John Banks gave the invocation.
The board unanimously authorized a contract with the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) to develop a new comprehensive plan for the city at a total cost of $40,000. According to the motion, CMPDD grant funds of $28,000 will cover most of the cost, leaving the city's share not to exceed $12,000. The motion was made by Alderman Brian Grantham and seconded by Alderman Mason Herrin.
The board approved three separate payments to Maintenance Systems, Inc. for repair and installation work performed under the company's existing contract: invoice M25017-G-1F for $13,618.95 (installation of exploratory digging and a 4" insertion valve), invoice M25017-H-1F for $8,281.27 (backflow-preventer modifications), and invoice M25017 I 1F for $7,467.16 (excavation and assistance with 6" and 12" insertion valves). Each invoice was approved by a unanimous vote.
On recommendation of Community Development Director Joel Sims, the board set a public hearing for a variance request by Mid-South Meter & Regulator (owner: Terry Goude) for Sept. 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The board also authorized Director Sims to attend the Building Officials Association of Mississippi 2025 Winter Conference (Dec. 3-5) with the city to pay the $250 registration fee and allowable related costs.
City Engineer Tim Parker advised the board on two items involving the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). The board authorized Mayor Gunn to sign a letter requesting that MDOT fully release contractor AJ Construction, Inc. from maintenance obligations, and separately authorized the mayor to sign current and future reimbursement forms to MDOT. Both motions carried unanimously.
The board considered a personnel matter in the police department in executive session. In executive session, on the recommendation of Chief Brad Burns, Alderman Brian Grantham moved, seconded by Alderman Mason Herrin, to hire Dewan Stapleton as a full-time police officer at $21.06 per hour effective Aug. 20, 2025, pending successful background and drug and alcohol testing. The motion passed with Aldermen John Banks, Brian Grantham, Mason Herrin, Kyle Martin and Brent Sistrunk voting Aye. The board returned to regular session shortly afterward.
In a recognition motion, the board moved to establish a value of $1.00 for a Glock 17 (serial # BHBU266) formerly issued by the city and to offer it to retiring Officer John Denton for purchase at that price, in accordance with Section 45-9-191 of the Mississippi Code; that motion was carried unanimously. Mayor Gunn adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - CMPDD comprehensive plan contract ($40,000, city share not to exceed $12,000): approved unanimously (motion: Alderman Grantham; second: Alderman Herrin). - Maintenance Systems, Inc. invoices (M25017-G-1F $13,618.95; M25017-H-1F $8,281.27; M25017 I 1F $7,467.16): each approved unanimously (movers and seconders recorded in minutes). - Public hearing set for Mid-South Meter & Regulator variance (Sept. 16, 2025): approved unanimously (mover: Alderman Banks). - MDOT release letter and reimbursement forms (authorization for mayor to sign): approved unanimously. - Hire Dewan Stapleton as full-time police officer ($21.06/hr, contingent on checks): approved in executive session; recorded roll-call Ayes: John Banks, Brian Grantham, Mason Herrin, Kyle Martin, Brent Sistrunk. - Sale of service weapon to retiring officer John Denton (Glock 17, serial # BHBU266) at $1.00 per Section 45-9-191: approved unanimously.
Clarifying details: the CMPDD contract total is $40,000 with $28,000 in CMPDD grant funds and a maximum city share of $12,000; the Winter Conference registration fee is $250; the new officer's pay is $21.06 per hour and start date is listed as Aug. 20, 2025 pending background and drug/alcohol testing; the public hearing for the Mid-South Meter variance is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Next steps: the public hearing on the variance will be held Sept. 16; the CMPDD contract will move forward under the terms approved; reimbursement forms and the MDOT letter will be transmitted by the mayor as authorized.
