Canton Board of Aldermen holds talks infrastructure

By Courtney Warren

The City of Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen gathered for a meeting at City Hall to discuss various community concerns, hear departmental reports, and review upcoming City initiatives.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor William Truly, Jr., M.D., followed by an invocation. A roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of City officials before moving forward with the agenda.

Several presenters addressed the board, including Theresa Kelly-Reed from Our Daily Bread, Eric Gilkey, Bertha McGruder, and John Greer. Their presentations provided insights into community programs and initiatives affecting Canton residents.

City department heads gave updates on their respective areas of responsibility. Jacqueline Amos, Chief Administrative Officer, reported on City operations. Police Chief Otha Brown provided updates on law enforcement activities, while Public Works Director Tony Coffer discussed ongoing infrastructure and maintenance efforts. Alvin Davis, Parks and Recreation Director, shared developments in the City’s parks and recreational programs. Additional reports were presented by Melon Garrett from the landfill department, Fire Chief Kenna Pierce, Building and Zoning representative Mack Pigg, and City Clerk Dr. Chuconna Anderson.

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing critical infrastructure issues. The board discussed updates on erosion problems along Johnson Street and the condition of culverts on North Canal Street. To support City maintenance, they authorized the purchase of a Dirt Pan from Deere & Company for $201,777.36. Additionally, the board approved a payment of $21,895.80 to Ingram Equipment Company for cameras to be installed on four automated side loaders. A monthly subscription of $378 was also approved for the addition of third-eye camera systems to the automated side loaders.

During the consent agenda portion of the meeting, the board authorized a payment of $20,612.26 to the Canton Convention & Visitors’ Bureau for advertisements promoting the October 2024 Flea Market. They also approved an in-kind donation allowing Our Daily Bread to use the Multipurpose Complex for their Annual Drawdown Fundraiser in June. Other approvals included the ratification of a $50,000 purchase of a pothole machine and the transfer of $941,835.12 from General Funds to Sinking Funds. The board also authorized a $230,054.76 payment for the Mississippi Municipal Liability Plan and allocated $2,000 for deductible repairs to Chief Brown’s unit.

Ongoing City maintenance and infrastructure concerns were also discussed. The board addressed plans for cleaning ditches and removing debris, as well as updates on the Crisco Ditch cleanup. Flooding concerns throughout the city were examined, including the situation on Lillie Drive and Adeline, along with a proposed action plan for mitigation. Street repairs were reviewed, with specific attention given to Northwest Street in front of Joe Prichard Homes. Updates were provided on the condition of several city buildings, including the Old Rings hardware building, Old Gowdy’s building, and the Shackleford House. The removal of a sidewalk leading up to Nichols Middle School was also discussed.

The meeting concluded with an executive session, during which personnel matters related to Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and the Police Department were reviewed. The board also discussed prospective litigation, as well as the sale and lease of certain City properties.

The board remains committed to addressing the needs of Canton residents through infrastructure improvements, public safety measures, and ongoing community engagement. Further updates on these matters will be provided in future meetings.