The Indianola mayor and board of aldermen raced to close out a tumultuous year and term of office Dec. 22, approving a backlog of 2025 minutes, renewing the city’s insurance coverage and advancing several infrastructure projects during what Mayor Ken Featherstone called a “monumental meeting” at City Hall Annex.
New board inherits up-to-date record
All aldermen were present, with Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi participating by phone as the board methodically approved 10 sets of delayed minutes dating from June through August. The action brings the city’s records current so the incoming administration will only need to ratify Monday’s meeting, City Attorney Mack Arthur Turner II told the board. Several of the older meetings were special called or work sessions, and Alderman Ruben Woods consistently abstained, saying he did not have all of the minutes in hand.
Longtime parks director honored
Featherstone paused the agenda to recognize retiring Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn O’Neal, who has worked more than two decades for the city. The mayor credited O’Neal with helping pry open access to the Indianola Junior High gym for youth programming and with running a demanding summer program that serves upward of 70 children. O’Neal received a plaque honoring her “dedication and years of service” from the city, the mayor and the board of aldermen.
Emergency declaration, insurance and banking moves
The board voted to extend an existing emergency declaration tied to security upgrades at City Hall until a final secure door can be installed near the water clerks’ office. Aldermen then heard from Doug Russell of Indianola Insurance on the city’s 2026 property and liability renewal, which continues coverage with Travelers Insurance. The city’s total premium will rise from about $105,000 this year to roughly $118,000 for the policy year beginning Jan. 1, largely because of higher commercial property and wind‑and‑hail costs, and the board voted unanimously to continue with Travelers. In a separate action, aldermen authorized City Clerk Stephanie Washington to advertise for municipal depositories so local banks can bid on holding city funds and certificates of deposit.
Fire, streets and water projects advance
Assistant Fire Chief Bill Alford requested for a budget amendment shifting unused advertising funds and a portion of communications money to purchase seven new radio pagers compatible with recently acquired radios; the spending will return for specific purchase approval. Gardner Engineering’s Ron Cassada briefed aldermen on ongoing water and street projects, and the board approved several pay requests to Double S Inc. for American Rescue Plan–funded water line replacement on Gresham and nearby streets and for 2024 street improvements on Oak St. and Shannon Ferguson. Aldermen also certified a reimbursement request under the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure (MCWI) grant program and accepted Gardner’s December project status report, which notes that rebidding on the Adair Avenue water line job is expected to culminate with bid opening Jan. 12.
Alderman Sam Brock Jr. also revisited concerns about Garrard Avenue between Curtis and Birdsong streets, where a section of pavement is caving in on one side. Cassada said Gardner previously estimated repairs at $80,000 to $100,000 and that, by earlier board consensus, the project will be left to the incoming administration to consider as part of a broader capital‑improvement work plan rather than funded immediately.
Battle Street dispute headed for legal review
Late in the meeting, Brock pressed for action on damage to Battle Street he said was caused by recent school district construction, after earlier talks with district officials and insurers stalled. Turner advised that future city contracts should explicitly require contractors to repair any street damage and that the incoming board should consider updating codes to ensure large projects — whether public or private — obtain permits and bonding to protect city infrastructure. Aldermen signaled support for having the city attorney and engineering firm research what recourse may remain on Battle Street so a recommendation can be presented to the new board.
