Board approves consent agenda: $10,000 fireworks, master plans and engineering contract among items passed

The City of Brandon board took up grouped agenda items and approved multiple consent and procurement items by voice vote.

The board approved a request to hire Pilahatchie's Pyro Fireworks for a 12–15 minute display at the Brandon Amphitheater on July 3 for $10,000, with city accounting authorized to make any necessary budget amendments to cover the cost. Officials said last year’s display cost $8,000 and that the city and private donations are being sought to offset the expense.

The board also considered interpretation and administrative application of section 16-11 of the city code to clarify requirements for commercial and industrial development and approved conceptual master plans for Orleans Way Extension Phase 2 and Brandon Heights, noting that plats and construction plans remain subject to separate review. The deed of dedication for Orleans Way Extension was considered contingent on receipt of a letter of credit and an executed warranty letter from the owner.

The board approved selection of Benchmark Engineering as the engineering firm recommended by the evaluation committee for FY 2025 economic-development projects, after committee review of proposals from Benchmark and Cornerstone Engineering.

Additional approved items included procurement and facilities items presented by staff (replacement of an ICE machine at the amphitheater, carpet replacement, a sponsorship agreement with Entergy Mississippi LLC for the 2025 concert season, and the docket of claims for June 16, 2025). All grouped items were approved after motions on the floor and voice votes recorded as 'aye' with no opposed voices noted on the record.

Motion to approve the minutes of the June 2 meeting was made by Sharon Womack and seconded by Luke Coker and passed by voice vote; subsequent grouped motions to approve items 1–8 were made and approved in like manner.