The Newton Board of Aldermen recognized 21 Newton High School students with resolutions for their outstanding academic performances and ACT scores during the May 20 regularly called board meeting.
The students, including five that where were present at the meeting, were recognized for their remarkable ACT scores of 20 and above, and 25 and above.
Students recognized for their 20 and above ACT scores included De’Traun Brown, Ayana Fortenberry, Dynastee Ickom, Lonnie Jones, Davion Johnson, Terri Lyles, Jamari McDonald, Montana Matthews, Z’naiyah McCluney, Chanaysha Moore, Keilanzae Nichols, Aaliya Pruitt, Jaylon Robinson, Vaterrilyn Rollins, Zamiya Stinner, Chelci Turner, Aliyva Walker, and Erin Ware.
Students recognized for their 25 and above ACT scores were Z’mya Arrington, Rayla Mitchell, and Angela Pham.
Special Called Meeting set for June 30
Under the recommendation of city attorney Brian Mayo, the board approved to hold a special called meeting on Monday, June 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Newton Depot. The purpose of the meeting would be for the current board could approved the minutes for June, to amend the budget if it is needed, and swear in new Mayor Jay Powell and new board members.
In other news from meeting:
-Heard from auditor Angela Herzog, who explained to the board the reasoning for the delay for the city getting its 2022 audit report. As for the report, Herzog said the city showed many improvements, with the biggest and most important improvement being a positive balance of $259,000 in the general fund for the year. The board approved accepting the report and approved using Herzog’s service for the city’s 2023-24 audit.
-Approved allowing the Newton County Extension Office to use the grass lot located between Third Street and Fourth Street in Downtown Newton to hold the Newton County Farmer’s Market this year.
-Approved leak adjustments for two separate accounts for the amount of $22.30 and $7.50
-Approved payment to Dixie Wholesale Waterworks for water system supplies in the amount of $4,994.74.
-In a discussion on the leaky fountain in front of City Hall, Manager Jay Powell said they had received one quote to remove and rebuild the fountain and hoped to get a second quote before the next board meeting.
-Approved payment of $1,283.28 to Central Pipe Supply, Inc.
-Approved payment of $4,347 to Allied Universal Corporation for chemicals.
-Approved hiring a student from the University of Mississippi as part time help for a 6-week summer program at $10 an hour. The student has an interest in learning about city government and how it works.
-Approved allowing the public free use of the parking lot located at the former Pioneer Hospital on highway 15 to sell items during the Highway 15 Yard Sale on June 5-8. Anyone who want to set up at the old hospital will need to come by City Hall and sign a waiver before the event.
-Held a brief discussion about what roads within the city limits of Newton should be prioritized for paving. Mayor Antonio Hoye asked each alderman to make a list of roads in their wards that need paving the board would then determine how to move forward.
-Approved the Memorial Day holiday as a city holiday on May 26.
-Approve the use of Ray Payne Park for St. John Church on June 6.
-Approved a school board candidates presentation during the board meeting on June 3.
-Approved registration and travel for city attorney Brian Mayo to attend the Summer MMA Conference in Gulfport from July 20-22.
-Held a scheduled public hearing on properties owned by Robert Boyd and McCune Detailing. Neither of the property owners were present for the hearing. The board determined that McCune Detailing had removed the limbs and did what was necessary to improve their property. However, it was discussed that photos showed that Boyd had not done anything to remove vehicles, trailer, materials, or cut the grass on his property after being sent a notice. Alderman Eric McCalphia made a motion for the city to remove and store the vehicles and trailer, as well as cut the grass and have the city charge Boyd for the expense in doing it. Alderwoman Temeka Drummond seconded the motion, and the board approved.
-Approved registration and travel for Chief McKenzie Patrick to attend the Mississippi Public Safety Summit in Flowood May 28-30.
-Approved Chief Patrick to apply for the COPS Hiring Program Grant, which would help fund a new officer by 75%, while the city would be responsible for 25% of the funding for the officer.
-Mayo informed to the board that the property owner of 309 W. Church Street was interested into donating his property to the city. He added that there were no outstanding deeds, trusts, or other liens other than unpaid taxes that amount close to $5,000. The board approved proceeding with acquiring the property
-Approved going into executive session to discuss Economic Development.
-After exiting executive session, announced that no action was taken.
-Chief Patrick informed the board of that there were some vehicles that broken into at the ‘Coca Cola Apartments’, located on W. Church Street. Patrick told the board that they received no calls from the victims to dispatch when the incidents happened, however the owner of the complex called a day later and asked for extra patrols at the complex due to the break ins. Patrick said the police department has added extra patrols in the area, but he’s seeing a lot of social media posts accusing the police department of ‘not doing their job’ when, again, no one called the police after the vehicles were broken into.
-Discussed the need to call the owners of the La-Z-Boy building and ask them to clean the property grounds.
