By Myra Bean

The City of Sardis Mayor and Board of Alderman met in two special called meetings recently, discussing zoning issues with Chris Watson of Bridges and Watson.

The board also discussed the ordinance surrounding portable buildings. A citizen had a portable building built from the ground up on his property but board members had a problem with the looks of the unit.

The resident said he will use it as an addition to his residence, but it looks like a storage shed. Board attorney Tommy Shuler said the problem is that it does not get inspected by the building inspector and does not conform to building codes.

The board discussed for over 40 minutes how to enforce building codes without being overbearing.

The three issues the board will look at in zoning are: architectural standards for additions to homes and businesses;  imposing architectural standards for new construction; and  allowing modular homes.

Another zoning issue is the allowance of adult stores in the city. There is a zoning ordinance located on page 37 for those types of businesses. They are zoned for conditional use in industrial zone.

The final costs for upgraded to LED lighting for each department which was tabled from the April 2 monthly meeting was $4,864.20, including $1,173.90 for City Hall, and $104.40 and $1,110 for the  fire department.

The Chamber of Commerce asked the city for $600 for the Sardis Eggstravagenza (Easter egg hunt) Saturday, April 20. The board approved.

The city was approached to approve a pop-up farmers market. The company would do all the promotion and flyers. If they do not have committed growers, they will not bring it, according to Mayor Lula Palmer.

They are looking to have it Saturday, May 4, at the Pavilion down town near the railroad. The roof will need to be repaired.

Terry Porter and Mary Medina at 102 and 104 West Mill Road, Sardis, reported a sewer back-up when it rained. Porter did not submit the claim to his insurance company but came right to the city. Maintenance manager Quinn West said there was natural flash flood and something moved the blockage before the sewer truck arrived.

Their residences are not in the city limits but they receive city sewer services. West will check and see the best place for Porter to put in a back flow valve at his expense.

Porter also had a claim in January 2018 of sewage backup.

The Sardis board opened four engineer (TAP) bids and awarded the contract to Cook-Coggin of Tupelo. Other bidders were Houston Engineering, Mendrop and Neel-Schaefer.

The board approved the Memorandum of Understanding for the sidewalk improvements grant upon modifications. The grant will build a sidewalk from Frederick St. to North Panola High School on the east side of Highway 51. And also up Atkins to Greenhill Intermediate School.

There is some communication misunderstanding about people over the age of 18 using the city’s ballfield and not filling out waivers.

The board wanted to make sure that everyone knew that any child who wanted to play on the field or practice could and do not have to fill out an application or waiver.

Adults who are just using the field to practice or get up a game among friends may also use the field without an application or waiver. If the field is going to be used for organized events, applications and waivers must be presented, filled out, at City Hall and any fees paid.

The board was looking at adopting the permit fee schedule that the City of Batesville currently uses, but decided to keep the old one with reducing the new construction and renovation fees to $30.

The personnel policy was updated to include that employees could donate unlimited sick days to other employees to match the state’s policy.