Franita Farr sworn in as Ward 3 Alderwoman (Board of Aldermen 4-7-2026) -

Seated left to right:

Franita Farr – Ward 3
Parks Smith – Ward 1
Drew Horn – Ward 2
Keith Conlee – Alderman at Large
Will Tucker – Ward 4
Jeff Olson – Mayor
Megan Kirk – City Clerk
Regan Russell – City Attorney

You can view the agenda here (page 1 and page 2) and a 32-minute video of the meeting below, courtesy of our videographer Kim Davis.

Farr sworn in as Ward 3 Alderwoman

(Timestamp 1:40) At the beginning of the meeting, Franita Farr was sworn in as Alderwoman for Ward 3, replacing Kevin Dale White who retired in January.

(Timestamp 3:05) Keith Conlee offered a few words of appreciation for the charity organization Samaritan’s Purse. Members of the group from all over the country have been based at the Methodist Church for over 2 months helping out all over the area following the ice storm. Conlee also recognized the work of Eight Days of Hope who helped feeding the linemen as they worked to restore power.

(Timestamp 5:10) Jill Kent came to offer a proclamation on behalf of the Mid-South Transplant Foundation recognizing April as Donate Life Month, which honors the importance of organ and tissue donation. Kent told the story of her daughter Ella who received a life-saving donation from JC Baker. Donate Life Month honors the selflessness of donors and their families who choose to give the gift of life amidst their grief. It is also a time to raise awareness and to encourage individuals and families to discuss their wishes and consider offering a legacy of life for others.

Public hearing on water main works on North Side

(Timestamp 8:10) Bill Mattox from New Albany Lights Gas & Water came to introduce the public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant for the planned water improvement project on the North Side. The aim of the project is to improve the water quality on the North Side, which has the oldest water mains in town, by replacing cast iron and galvanized pipes. The sediment and buildup which has accumulated over time affects water quality and causes discoloration.

Only about 20-30% of those pipes have been changed out in the last 100 years. Mattox hopes to change out about 9500 feet of water main, which would still leave about 9000 feet that needs to be changed out in a second phase.

Mattox plans to apply for a $750,000 block grant and also apply for a loan of about $1 million through the state revolving loan fund. The fund offers very low interest rates (about 1.95%) over 20 years. Ultimately Mattox wants to change out some of the old mains on the South Side as well and will apply for further block grants for this project and the second phase of the North Side.

Q&A

(13:30) Mayor Olson opened up the floor for questions and comments from community members. No one expressed any opposition to the project but several people had questions. In reply to questions from residents, Mattox explained that the work should improve water quality and pressure across the system, even in areas were pipes will not be replaced yet. He also explained that many of the older homes still had galvanized pipes leading from the main and this work will not address that. This work will improve the water quality up to the point it arrives at their water meter.

The first phase of the project will take about 6-8 months once all contracts are awarded. Mattox said there shouldn’t be interruption in water service while the work was underway.

Shelly Adams from Three Rivers explained that NALGW can apply for new grants as soon as the work is completed. Finishing the work quickly makes you more competitive when applying for future block grants.

Ms. Adams also encouraged residents in the project area to submit letters of support. Residents can submit letters and photos describing problems they’ve had with water discoloration or pressure to help in the application process. Mattox said NALGW would organize themselves to gather those testimonies.

As part of the application process, a survey will be conducted of different residents in the project area. NALGW will be seeking help from people in the area to conduct the surveys house-to-house.

Other NALGW agenda items were swiftly approved after the public hearing portion concluded.

Board approves new contracts for debris removal and monitoring services

(Timestamp 23:30) Mayor Olson explained that after the ice storm, the city undertook emergency contracts with Looks Great (for debris removal) and Debris Tech (for monitoring debris removal as required by FEMA for later reimbursement). Emergency contracts can only remain in force for a limited amount of time once the emergency has passed and then the city must seek bids for continuing work. The city recently advertised for bids. Looks Great submitted the only bid for debris removal services. Another company submitted a bid for the monitoring service but Bill Mattox said Debris Tech was higher rated and recommended the contract be awarded to Debris Tech. The board approved creating new contracts with Looks Great and Debris Tech.

Public hearing on rezoning

(29:00) Building Inspector Eric Thomas asked for two public hearings to be set for the next Aldermen meeting (May 5, 2026) for two rezoning requests: