By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
May 16, 2001
QUITMAN A representative of one downtown business was told not to expect much help from the city of Quitman when dealing with air conditioning problems.
Bill James, a local repairman, brought the problem to the Quitman board of aldermen during its Tuesday meeting.
James told aldermen the old air conditioning system located on the roof of S&G Salvage Grocery needs replacing. A special crane would be needed to get the new unit on top of the building, and to save money the building's owner was hoping aldermen would amend the city's sidewalk ordinance to allow the new unit to be placed in back of the building on the Church Street side.
James pointed out that few people ever walk on the sidewalk in that area. He added that there would be plenty of room for anyone to get past an air conditioning unit.
Quitman Mayor Tommy Blackburn said he thought the city should do all it could do to help the businesses located downtown. However, aldermen were not ready to make any changes to the sidewalk ordinance at this time. The ordinance had been passed to keep the sidewalks open, it was pointed out by several aldermen.
James was advised to find another place to put the air conditioning unit.
Heard from Tom Cotten of Historic Clarke County, concerning a proposed museum. Cotten was wondering about Quitman's plans for an old building that has been offered to be used as a museum. He was told there were no plans at this time;
Approved the permanent employment of Troy Sterling in the Street Department, and Darrin Thomas in the Parks Department;
Approved Police Chief Jimmy Ivy's request to move funds in his budget for the purchase of four new hand-held radios;
Approved a request from alderman Antwinnet McCarty concerning the shifting of funds in the Parks Department for work on Kirkland Park;
Approved the request for reimburse Judy Fowler $616.25 for sewer charges she did not use; and,
Approved the minutes from the May 1 meeting and the claims docket.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.