Aldermen approve purchases of new equipment for NAPD and address other city business (12-2-2025) -

Seated left to right:

Parks Smith – Ward 1
Drew Horn – Ward 2
Keith Conlee – Alderman at Large
Kevin Dale White – Ward 3
Will Tucker – Ward 4
Jeff Olson – Mayor (absent from this meeting).
Megan Kirk – City Clerk
Regan Russell – City Attorney

You can view a copy of the agenda and a 30-minute video of the meeting below, courtesy of our videographer Kim Davis.

New Albany Police Department

(Timestamp 1:53) NAPD Chief Chris Robertson appeared first since he had to leave early. The chief presented quotes for the purchase of 4 new rifles. The first quote was from Southern Connection Police Supply for $7,438.88, and the second was from Central Gunshot Residue (GSR) for $6,843.72. These rifles come with lights, sighting devices and slings. GSR’s quote was not only lower but offered a local service option. The board approved the lower bid.

The board also approved Chief Robertson’s request to purchase two low-mileage vehicles from Asia Motors. The original price was $48,790, but after negotiation they agreed to $46,000. The board approved the purchase. Chief Robertson also asked that some of the department’s older vehicles be taken out of service: a 2007 Crown Victoria with 200,000 miles; a 2006 Crown Victoria with 192,000 miles; a 2013 Dodge Charger with 197,000 miles; a 2016 Dodge Charger with 163,000 miles; and a 2019 Charger with a blown engine. Robertson asked to sell those at the fairgrounds under the equipment sale with Mid-South Auctioneers, sometime after January 1, 2026. With the new purchase, that would leave the department with 7 working vehicles, with 2 others undergoing work for electrical issues. The board approved the sale of the 5 vehicles to be taken out of rotation.

New Albany Lights Gas & Water

(Timestamp 10:02) NALGW director Bill Mattox told the board that he was looking to use leftover grant funds to expand gas service. The lowest of six bids received was $803,148 from A&B Construction in Pontotoc, which Mattox said he had worked with before. The board approved awarding the contract to A&B.

Mattox then sought to approve a professional services contract to help the city obtain grants. The board approved Mattox’s request to approve the bid from Cook Coggin engineering. The board also approved Mattox’s request to pay $68,800 to Electra Era Technologies for warranty services on the EV charging station. The money will be reimbursed by TVA and other partners. The board also approved ACE Fiber contracts for eight city facilities. Mattox said moving the contracts will save almost $400 per month, and most of the facilities would have three times the internet speed they have now. However, this is contingent on terminating their current MaxxSouth contracts.

Fire Department and Zoning

(Timestamp 14:28). Mayor Olson presented the Fire Department business. The board called NAFD Mark Whiteside for clarification on the first item regarding premiums and deductibles for the truck and equipment insurance policy. Once they received the clarification, the board approved the payment. The board also approved a purchase of a radio repeater for emergency dispatch for $7,969.19.

(Timestamp 23:24). For Building Inspector, there were no comments opposed to rezoning 302 Moss Hill Drive from SN8 (suburban residential) to INST (institutional), so the board approved the zoning change. The board also approved adoption of the 2024 building codes.

Consent agenda items were approved. Jim Taylor’s appearance was postponed and consideration of the Delta Health Alliance lease was tabled until the next meeting. The municipal storm shelter was not discussed despite appearing on the action agenda.

The board adjourned until January 6, 2025, at 5:30 pm.