The Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen gathered for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at City Hall to address a range of city matters—from property maintenance issues and public safety staffing to financial approvals and upcoming community events.
With Mayor Todd Booth presiding and all aldermen in attendance, the board worked through a full agenda in a meeting that included both a public hearing and an executive session.
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, with amendments including the tabling of a land purchase discussion on South Main Street near the Mendenhall Sportsplex. Mayor
Booth explained that 12 acres of land being sold by the Thames will become available. The land is connected to the baseball fields and could be used for extra parking or an additional walking trail. After some deiscussion the item was tabled until the July 1 meeting.
A drainage issue at 728 Pittman Drive was discussed. Property owners Christina and Doyle Smith explained that a ditch near their yard has been flooding and causing erosion on their property. The Smiths believed the ditch to belong to the city but no records indicated this. The board agreed to table the issue to allow time for City Superintendent Red Lewis to run a camera through nearby sewer lines and identify if the city water or sewer lines is the cause of the ditch washing out. The issue was tabled until the July 1 meeting.
The board also voted to purchase a 19-foot trailer for the Public Works Department from Lee Tractor for $19,000.
Minutes from the May 13 special called meeting and the April 15 CDBG meeting were approved, as were the May 2025 financial reports. These included paid claims totaling $314,516.51, unpaid claims of $96,364.27, and meter refunds of $710.
The board recessed its regular meeting to hold a public hearing. During the hearing, the property at 901 Mangum Avenue owned by Clint Rotenberry was declared a safety hazard and public nuisance. A $500 fine was levied, but the board agreed to waive it if the property was cleaned within two weeks.
The board resumed its regular meeting and accepted the immediate resignation of part-time dispatcher Nora Letchworth. They then ratified the mayor’s hiring of Christopher Mize and Edward Price for positions in the Public Works Department, with hourly rates of $10 and $13 respectively.
A written report of May citations was provided by Court Clerk Lorie King, and the board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters and possible litigation. Following the session, action was taken on several matters.
The board voted not to rent the Armory to the Simpson County Summer Music Bash, citing previous breaches of contract and public safety concerns. The applicant will be refunded the $400 rental fee and a $200 deposit.
Pay increases were also approved—full-time certified patrol officers will now earn $22 per hour, and part-time certified officers will earn $18 per hour.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel.
