The Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen held their regularly scheduled meeting on July 5.
Mayor Todd Booth updated the board on the status of the walking trail project being done at the Mendenhall Sportsplex. After attending the annual MML Conference Booth explained that he had a chance to speak with someone concerning the project.
The city has run into the problem of the rising cost of material that threatens to put the project over budget. Alderwoman Janna Miller was able to secure a $50,000 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile in March that will be used to install a quarter mile walking trail and exercise equipment. Estimates received to complete the project have come in over $50,000.
Booth said after speaking with people at MML an idea was to reduce the size of the walking trail from a quarter mile to an eighth to save on cost. Questions were raised on whether the city could do this after applying for a quarter mile in the Hometown Grant. Miller said she would investigate the matter and report back at next board meeting.
City Inspector David Miller and Mayor Booth brought the fact that mobile homes are allowed in all R2 zoned districts. During discussion Booth stated that he previously believed mobile homes were allowed in certain areas around the city. Alderman Robert Mangum said that the majority of the newer model mobile homes are considered to be modular homes and meet the zoning requirements. Miller said the definition between modular homes and mobile homes is different and that he believed the zoning should be revisited.
Booth said it came down to how the board wanted to structure the city, and whether they wanted mobile homes on every other corner. Alderman Arthur Walker advised against that, citing the effect it would have on property values for homeowners.
Booth said a mobile home deteriorates faster than a structured home and agreed with Walker on their effect on property value. The issue was tabled until next month.
The board also agreed to adopt Ordinance Number 268 concerning grease traps.
Board minutes and financial statements for June were approved.
Booth gave an update on the paving project and said it was progressing well. A list of streets to be paved included: East Street, East Laurel, North West and Simpson Intersection, West Street, East Court Steet, South Main Street, Pine Lane, Green Avenue, Mamie Drive, Sunny Lane, Mary and Mose, Dixie, West Bell, Smith Drive, Martin Circle, First Street, Pittman and Dear Intersection, City Park, and City Hall Parking Lot.
A budget workshop was scheduled for July 25 at 6 p.m. The board approved the 2022 Sales Tax Holiday for July 29 through July 30.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel.
