Urgent equipment for detention center By Genelle B. Williams Published on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 9:42am | News Jasper County Council began its Monday meeting by approving funds for purchasing urgent security equipment for the Jasper County Detention Center. The expenditures could cost up to $24,000, which is already in the countys budget. County Administrator Andrew Fulghum said the equipment being purchased is classified, but was discussed during an executive session between council members on Monday. We used a provision in the Freedom of Information Act in executive session and this is just the most secure way to ensure the safety of both those who are detained and who work at the Detention Center, Fulghum said. Rezoning Properties Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to rezone a property located on Bush Clark Drive near the Toomerville Loop to the residential zoning area. The property is about 1.5 acres. Council approved a second reading for a request to transfer property in the Cypress Ridge Business Industrial Park to the industrial zoning area. The 11.26 acre parcel of land is located at 85 Cypress Ridge Drive N and would be used for getting the site certified. County Planning and Building Services Director LeNolon Edge said hes had two meetings with CRBIP committee. At both meetings, they decided to table (the rezoning request). The review committee felt that it wasnt necessary to rezone the property at this time with the other factors that are limiting it from being able to be certified, Edge said. But in the same claim, they werent against it. Edge said the committee is leaning towards going forward with the request. They just want to do a bit more background to insure that it meets their desires, Edge said. Councilman Henry Etheridge said he hopes the committee reaches a decision soon. I dont want anything to stand in the way of getting that park certified and maybe we can get some industry to come to Jasper County, Etheridge said. Councilman Theo Drayton said the committee decided to table the request due to lawyer recommendations. The lawyers have to look at the covenants and make sure theres nothing preventing us from contracts, Drayton said. Airport Height and Land Use Limitations have been an important factor in plans for Ridgeland Airport. Council approved a second reading for a safety ordinance concerning the Airport Compatibility Overlay District. The ordinance seeks to move runway flight plans away from the Ridgeland school campus. Fire Tankers Finance Director Ronnie Malphrus presented council with a first reading on an ordinance to enter a lease purchase agreement for fire tankers. Fire tankers are used to shuttle water during fire emergencies and would help bring the countys ISO rating down. Malphrus said it would cost around $1.1 million to buy five new tankers, but purchasing used tankers is also an option and would save the county money. Health Department The finance department requested councils approval of a landscaping contract for the new Health Department at the Mary Gordon Ellis Building. The county received two bids, but decided on a $1,250 bid from Alan Jackson Landscape Architect. Funds would come from a $500,000 Community Block Development Grant.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:26:19 +0000
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