By John Howell Sr.

Aldermen at last Tuesday’s meeting gave Capturion Network a variance to allow a moving message LED billboard at Covenant Crossing. Approval came following a public hearing during which Capturion representative Brent Gray was asked about the sign’s compliance with “dark sky” lighting requirements that limit the amount of light shining up into the darkness.

“It’s going to be projected forward,” Gray said of the billboard’s light, with brightness curtailed during hours of darkness. The sign will comply with the restrictions of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), he said.

“I don’t think that’s addressed in the site and building design standards,” Batesville Code Administrator said. She said that lights for parking lot lights and other outside lights have to be downcast, the “dark-sky type of lights” that restrict visual pollution by light projected into the night sky.

After a few minutes discussion, aldermen approved the variance by unanimous vote.

In other business, city officials:

• Discussed ownership of McBride Street, a one-way street extending north from the Eureka Road by the South Panola bus shop. The city placed a chain barrier blocking access to the north end of the street when it became a dumping place for deer carcasses and other trash, Mayor Jerry Autrey said.

City officials were uncertain about whether the street had ever been dedicated to the city and asked assistant City Attorney Colmon Mitchell to make a determination for “somebody who’s looking to buy the property,” one alderman said;

• Agreed to annual funding for Batesville’s Springfest for $20,000 and for the Batesville Main Street program for $20,000, both the same amounts as provided by the city last year. Springfest dates are May 16 and 17, Main Street Manager Colleen Clark said;

• Agreed to a request from street superintendent Teddy Austin to raise the price charged for clean up of overgrown lots and properties by city workers and equipment;

• Agreed, following lengthy executive sessions, to terminate an employee of the Batesville Fire Dept. and the Streets Dept.

• Heard, also during executive session, a report on bankruptcy proceedings against Framed Picture Enterprise.