The Mendenhall Board of Aldermen met for its regular monthly meeting, addressing a wide range of city business including insurance coverage, public works updates, personnel changes, and multiple property cleanup issues.
Mayor Todd Booth presided over the meeting with all aldermen present.
The Board approved an interlocal agreement with Simpson County for the collection of city ad valorem taxes, including a 3 percent fee assessed for the service. The motion passed unanimously after being introduced by Alderman Arthur Walker.
A discussion regarding a proposed land purchase by Jason Pittman was held with no action taken.
A request from Gloria Johnson to use the Mendenhall Armory at no cost for the Mendenhall Band Booster Awards Banquet in May 2026 died due to lack of a motion.
Aldermen unanimously approved advertising for asphalt bids for the 2025–2026 fiscal year after brief discussion.
Representatives from Scott Insurance Agency and Palmer Insurance Agency provided documents for the city’s building and property insurance review. To avoid a lapse in coverage, the Board voted to issue a 25 percent initial payment to Palmer Insurance Agency.
The Board approved the minutes from the Oct. 7 meeting, the October 2025 financial report, and the September revenue and expense statements. Claims dockets for both paid and unpaid claims were also approved, including:
• Paid Claims: $543,916.02
• Unpaid Claims: $108,354.23
• Meter Refunds: $520.00
The Board additionally authorized issuing a check for $157,993.23 to McKee Construction Inc. for Pay Application #3 related to the ongoing water and sewer project on Frontage Road.
Property Cleanup Director Susan McDonald provided her monthly report, followed by review of several properties:
• 415 N. Main Street (House of Randall Funeral Home): Discussion only; follow-up with Inspector David Miller.
• 202 West Bell Street: No action taken; demolition options to be reviewed with the inspector.
• 216 North Congress: The City Superintendent will assess drainage issues and report back next month.
• 501 North Main Street: No action taken as the property owner was not present.
The Board recessed briefly to conduct a public hearing on two properties with outstanding cleanup issues. After discussion, both properties were assessed $500 fines:
• 619 Pittman Drive – James Westmoreland
• 229 Revere Circle
The hearing opened and closed within minutes, after which the regular meeting resumed.
In regular session, the Board approved several personnel moves:
• Hiring of Nora Jones as a part-time dispatcher at $12 per hour.
• Accepting the resignation of William McCullum of the public works grass crew.
• Ratifying the mayor’s hiring of Richard Moore as full-time water operator at $16 per hour.
• Ratifying the hiring of Alexander Womack as part-time grass crew at $9.50 per hour.
The Board approved advertising for sealed bids for a surplus 1997 rescue boat to be opened at the Dec. 2 meeting.
A motion also passed to demolish the old police department building located behind the fire department.
Additionally, the Board approved purchasing a 60-foot culvert and band for Dear Drive from Dial Incorporated.
A court report for October citations was submitted by Court Clerk Stephanie Berry for review.
No action was taken on an EPA resolution and contract with David Grossman & Associates PLLC.
The Board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. No actions were announced afterward. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
