City Board 2 April 2019: City code, Certified Local Government

City Board 2 April 2019-

Work to shape the future of New Albany was a major part of the agenda at the April 2, 2019, meeting of the New Albany Board of Aldermen.

Bob Barber of Orion Planning and Design in Hernando spoke to the board. During the coming few years, his group will help update the city code and assist in planning for the future of New Albany.

At their December 4, 2018, meeting, Aldermen voted unanimously to approve Community Development Director Billye Jean Stroud’s recommendation to contract with Barber’s firm for a comprehensive update of the city code. Work on zoning is a major part of the work to be done, but other parts of the code may be considered in the update. Under the contract, the city will pay Orion Planning and Design no more than $120-thousand over a four-year period.

At the April 2 meeting Barber described how he would proceed with the project. He will work with city officials, New Albany institutions, and citizens.

New Albany to seek “Certified Local Government” designation

The board gave Stroud approval to move forward with work to pursue “Certified Local Government” certification for the city. Certified Local Government (CLG) is a federal government program under the U.S. Department of the Interior that seeks to set standards for local government operations.

The CLG program is used to funnel federal money into local work that meets the approval of the federal government. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History handles much of the work of the CLG program in Mississippi. Although local interest in CLG appears generally favorable, some New Albany residents are apprehensive about regulations that may accompany the federal money.

Miscellaneous actions taken at City Board 2 April 2019 meeting

The board took the following action:

Regarding the extension of New Albany Lights, Gas, and Water (NALGW) natural gas service: NALGW plans to extend service west of the city limits into portions of Marshall County. The Board approved paying $372,457 to Eubanks Construction for work it has completed on the project. The board also approved payment of $34,070 to Cook-Coggins Engineers for work on the gas line. Much of the money for the natural gas expansion comes from Community Development Blocks Grants (CDBG) from the federal government.
Unanimously approved Police Chief Chris Robertson’s request to purchase a new Ford F-150 pickup truck for the police department. The money comes from drug task force funds.
Discussed needed repairs to the 1930s era post office building. The old post office now houses the Union County Development Association and the Community Development office.
Approved the request of Jose Aguirre to rezone the property at 1104 West Bankhead Street. The property will change from C2 (commercial) to R2 (residential).

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be April 7, 2019.

More on city planning decision: http://newalbanyunionco.com/city-planner-holds-public-meeting/