Gillespie Drive resident Hezzie Murry, flanked by a few of his neighbors, voiced his frustration to the city board over the city’s lack of effort to alleviate a drainage problem affecting his home and other properties in the area.
“This is the second time water has gotten into my house because somebody else ain't doing their job,” said Murry at the most recent meeting of the board of aldermen.
At that, Mayor Steve Rosenthal called upon City Engineer Ron Cassada to explain what is happening in that area and that prompted a discussion on past efforts and the drawbacks and hindrances of trying to maintain effective drainage in that area.
First, Cassada told them that he had confirmed that the section of ditch along MS 448 that was previously mentioned as the problem is on a Mississippi Department of Transportation right-of-way.
Cassada said, “And I spoke to the district engineer and he said he wasn’t sure if they (MDOT) were supposed to maintain it or if the city was supposed to maintain it. It’s definitely not the county, because it’s in the city.”
According to Cassada, the MDOT engineer reiterated that they would assist the city, but don’t have the necessary equipment at this time.
Alderman Sam Brock raised some questions to Robert Spurlock, field operations supervisor, Public Works, and wanted to know what has been the problem with the upkeep of the drainage ditch.
Then he asked about the duties and responsibilities of one of the public work’s employees, whose duties reportedly involve street and drainage maintenance and offered a suggestion in addressing the issue with that worker. “Either y’all need to buff him up or give him a comic book and a bus ticket,” Brock said, “I hope you understand that language,” he added.
Brock asserted that there was no reason for the drainage ditch to overflow such as it did. He alluded to it having been cleaned out before and inquired as to why it has not been continuously maintained. He stressed that the city streets should be constantly observed and surveyed.
Rosenthal stated that the city received a $40,000 solid waste grant, five or six years ago, and hired a contractor to clean the ditch to the best of their ability. However, he said the process is difficult plus there are other hindrances involving the property owners. “The problem is those fences are way into the easement.”
Rosenthal said some of the homeowners’ fences prevent the heavy equipment from accessing the ditch. “And we do our best not to take down people’s fences,” he said. Rosenthal added that the record rainfall amounts have also added to the issue. “When the river is 10-foot over flood, the water has nowhere to go, no matter what’s in the ditch,” he said.
Rosenthal said the city would again apply for the grant and stated that if they received it, they would use it to hire a contractor. Brock asked about ordinances regarding the fences and easements and Cassada said the easements are different all over the city depending on the subdivisions.
Alderman Darrell Simpson then asked about a poor drainage and high water issue near Clover Drive and MacArthur Circle, which is in the same area. “And those need to be cleaned up,” said Cassada.
He explained that the city typically experiences a couple of different flooding situations, one where you have a lot of water and the ditches fill up and the other where the pipes are restricted.
Notwithstanding, Cassada said, “This year though we had some odd floods and I think this one was both.” He said the Sunflower River and the ditches were up so the water had nowhere to go. Plus there were some obstructions, but that is a maintenance issue, he said.
Murry then added, “We’ve got grass this tall back of our house and it’s in the ditch, how the water gone run? If that were your house Mr. Mayor what would you do? Rosenthal responded, “I would get back there and mow it.”
Apparently not pleased with Rosenthal's response, Murry said, “I ain't gone get in the ditch that’s y’all job, y’all need to get off y’all butt and do something about it because the next time my house flood out, I’m going to sue somebody because they ain't doing their job, that’s all I got to say.” No action was taken.
In other matters,
The Aldermen voted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Yalobusha Transportation services to transport children for the city's summer programs.
The city leaders approved a suggestion to ask county officials to repair Faisonia /Ford Road. Rosenthal said Alderman Gary Fratesi requested that the item be placed on the agenda. Fratesi was absent due to a personal issue.
The city lawmakers also approved a request by citizen Angela Simpson to host a Cancer Awareness car show and parade.
A decision to table a request to install speed breakers on Morningside and Sunset drives was made and the Aldermen asked Chief Edrick Hall to evaluate the situation and make a report at the June 20 meeting.
After emerging from executive session,
The Aldermen announced the promotions of several police officers and the hiring of five new public works employees.
