By Rupert Howell
The Sardis board of mayor and aldermen approved a new noise ordinance, accepted a bid on water well work and voted to exclude 18-wheelers from entering Rainwater Street from Lee Street during Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting at City Hall.

The new noise ordinance was modeled after one currently used in Batesville according to Sardis City Attorney Tommy Shuler—with some additions.

Police Chief Chris Martin asked that the prohibition of “jake brakes”, compression powered secondary brakes on 18-wheelers that make a deep loud noise, be included in the ordinance, an item added to the ordinance when Alderman Jojo Still made the motion for approval.

Martin explained that any noise ordinance was subject to common sense judgement by enforcing officers noting that where the incident occurred, time of day or night or even day of the week be considered when citing a violation.

“It’s a common sense law, basically,” the chief explained to aldermen when asked how his department would enforce the noise ordinance.

City board members voted to accept the a quote of Lane Christensen Company for repair and maintenance on work of the town’s water wells in the total amount of $18,395. The work involved a new motor for well #3 and lowering a pump at the same well.

Mayor Billy Russell asked board members to vote to close Rainwater Street to 18-wheelers entering from Lee Street.

Russell explained that trucks heading to a nearby warehouse are turning north from Lee Street by City Hall endangering a power pole and fire hydrant.

It was revealed that signs had already been posted prohibiting trucks from entering and Chief Martin admitted that he had been asked to write tickets by Russell but quickly noted that he hadn’t written any yet.

Asked if he would begin writing tickets upon passage of the ordinance, Martin explained that there was a 30-day waiting period prior to the ordinance going into effect.

It was a split decision, but aldermen voted 3-2 to authorize up to $16,900 of tourism money to be spent on signs promoting Sardis and events in the area. The tourism fund is a two percent tax on food and lodging within the city limits.

Mayor Russell said he had talked with several local business owners and manufacturers who may assist with the signs’ cost. Two welcome signs near the interstate would be placed along with a sign for the industrial park, as well as an upcoming event sign placed near Main Street.
Clarence “Boo Boo” Jones and Bonnie Smith voted “no” to the signs with Smith stating that she did not object to the signs, but that she didn’t know how much would be contributed toward them by local businesses and the balance of the tourism fund from which the money was coming was not available at the meeting.

Aldermen Roy Scallorn, Jo Jo Still and Tommy Rayburn voted in favor of the signs.
Other business mentioned during Tuesday’s monthly meeting included:
discussion of moving city water lines from under Mills and Pocahantas Streets during construction, reapplying for grants,  handicap ramps for Main Street, and addressing erosion with Corps of Engineers at Tallahatchie River near the city’s sewer lagoons.
The Sardis board meets regularly each first Tuesday at City Hall at 5 p.m.