Magee and Mendenhall have both begun the process of becoming Keep America Beautiful affiliates.
The City of Magee Board of Aldermen voted to establish a program named Keep Magee Beautiful during their November meeting. This came after attending the initial workshop that presented tasks that needed to be done. Keep Simpson County Beautiful President Evelyn Copeland explained that the Board of Aldermen voted on a proclamation to begin the affiliation process with Keep America Beautiful.
There are currently 38 affiliates of Keep America Beautiful in Mississippi. Copeland explained that two additional municipalities are attempting to become affiliates along with Mendenhall and Magee. She admitted that this would not be an easy process. Following the successful voting of the proclamation by the Aldermen a committee of citizens interested in the organization was formed.
In November discussion was had by the Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen about establishing a new organization called Keep Mendenhall Beautiful. The benefits of the program mirror that of the already established Keep Simpson County Beautiful. During the discussion Alderman Tim Gray had questions as to how the organization would be set up.
Gray said, “When you start putting citizens money into accounts we need to make sure it is handled properly. It’s a good thing, but we have to make sure that if its structured under this board its structured right.” Gray motioned to table the line item until the recent meeting held in December. The motion passed with a majority vote. Aldermen Donnie Thomas was opposed.
The board unanimously approved for the city to proceed with the process of establishing Keep Mendenhall Beautiful during the December meeting. Keep Simpson County Beautiful president Evelyn Copeland has been hands on with establishing both Keep Mendenhall Beautiful and Keep Magee Beautiful.
Copeland explained that representatives from Keep America Beautiful previously traveled to Simpson County to explain the required steps to become an affiliate. One of the many steps to becoming an affiliate states that each city must designate at least five areas to show improved litter control. These areas will act as a control group and will be used to measure improvement. Copeland explained that there are several other benchmarks to be met by the committee before becoming an affiliate.
There is also an initial fee of $1,500 followed by an annual $100 membership fee. Copeland explained that the $1,500 fee would be paid for the upstart organizations by the larger Keep Mississippi Beautiful. Copeland said that the application process takes months and she expects the next steps to be taken in late February.
The representatives of Keep America Beautiful will return and check the completion of all tasks to determine if the municipalities will became certified affiliates. Once affiliation is achieved the Board of Aldermen would then have to put a board of directors in place, which would begin planning projects. Copeland revealed that once the programs are established Keep Simpson County Beautiful will be giving them “seed money” to purchase supplies and get started.
Copeland explained that the idea behind establishing the two smaller organizations coincides with participation. She said, “With it being a smaller group of people there are people who have more of a commitment to that area.” Copeland praised the committees established in both cities. She said that Martha Stubbs is heading up the committee in Mendenhall and LauraLyn Barr for Magee. Keep Simpson County Beautiful will continue to be operational and serve the Braxton, Harrisville, and Pinola communities.
“I think it’s going to be exciting,” said Copeland. She said, “We’ve been very fortunate to get good grants and we’ve done some great projects. We are hoping to continue the work, sustainability is the key.”
