Hattiesburg Mississippi

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Southern Miss Repeats as Conference USA Community Service Award Winner

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – For the second year in a row, University of Southern Mississippi student-athletes earned the Conference USA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Cup for its efforts in the league’s Changing Lives Program, an initiative to unite conference institutions through community service.

Working in conjunction with the Southern Miss Office of Community Service Learning (OCSL), the university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a series of canned goods collections last fall for its “Join the Huddle to Fight Hunger” campaign. Their efforts netted 7,343 pounds of the league’s overall collection of 40,100 pounds of food.

Southern Miss Athletics Director Richard Giannini will accept the award on behalf of the university later this spring. Local Hattiesburg charitable organizations Christian Services and Edwards Street Fellowship Center benefited directly from Southern Miss’ participation in the initiative.

Lauren Hillman, academic counselor and life skills coordinator for the Southern Miss Student Academic Enhancement Program, thanked Southern Miss fans, university employees and students and members of the community for their support of the students’ effort. Hillman advised and worked with the students in their collection efforts.

“There are so many things that we can all learn from giving back, and I always enjoy seeing our student-athletes jump at the chance to get involved in community service,” Hillman said.

Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, USM, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Lauren Hillman, Richard Giannini, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Southern Miss Office of Community Service Learning, University of Southern Mississippi

Business, Economic Leaders Share Views at Business Forum on Southern Miss Campus

HATTIESBURG, Miss.– A packed audience heard leaders in banking, finance and academia share ideas about economic development as part of a comprehensive business forum held Thursday, Jan. 20 at The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.

Todd Greene, vice president, Community and Economic Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, addresses the large crowd attending the “Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation” forum held Jan. 20 at The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. (Office of University Communications photos by Steve Rouse)

The forum, titled “Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation,” was sponsored by The University of Southern Mississippi College of Business and The Trent Lott Center.

“The turnout exceeded our expectations, and I think that clearly illustrates the importance that a forum of this nature brings not only to Southern Miss but the community we serve and the state as a whole,” said Dr. Lance Nail, dean of the College of Business. “By partnering with The Trent Lott Center we changed the format of the conference a bit this year to highlight economic development and the significant role it plays in South Mississippi and beyond.”

Todd Greene, vice president, Community and Economic Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, delivered the keynote address. Nail noted that having an economic expert of Greene’s stature on hand lent further credibility to the conference.

“He is a major player in the financial sector and works every day in the heart of our country’s economic system,” said Nail. “We were indeed fortunate to have him agree to spend some time with us and discuss the broad-reaching impact of economic development.”

Other featured speakers included Whit Hughes, deputy director of the Mississippi Development Authority; Dr. Brian Richard and Dr. Chad Miller, assistant professors in the Southern Miss Department of Economic and Workforce Development; Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, associate professor/director of the Southern Miss School of Construction and Dr. Lou Marciani, director the The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security.

Hughes said the importance of innovation should not be underestimated in the process of developing new businesses and business opportunities in Mississippi.

“The University of Southern Mississippi has been and continues to be a wonderful resource for our state especially when it comes to innovative ideas and finding ways to put those ideas into practical applications,” said Hughes. “Putting together a forum of this kind, with so many knowledgeable experts, shows just how much value this university places on economic development.”

For more information about the College of Business at The University of Southern Mississippi call 601.266.4659 or visitwww.usm.edu/business/

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, USM, Brian Richard, Chad Miller, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Lance Nail, Lou Marciani, Mississippi College, Mississippi Development Authority, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, The University of Southern Mississippi, Todd Greene, Trent Lott Center for Economic Development, Tulio Sulbaran, Whit Hughes

MDOT Announces Employee of the Quarter Recipient

HATTIESBURG, MISS., Wednesday, January 19, 2011- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has selected a Hattiesburg resident as District Six’s Employee of the Quarter Award recipient.

For the final quarter of 2010, Jeffrey C. Wilson, Jr. of Hattiesburg was selected for his on-going service and dedication to the MDOT Maintenance Division. Currently working with the district’s roadway striping crew, Wilson has been employed with MDOT for more than eight years.

“I nominated Mr. Wilson for this honor because of his exceptional knowledge of the job and willingness to assist his co-workers on a day-to-day basis,” said Travis Boyle, MDOT Branch Director.  “Over the past eight years, Mr. Wilson has dedicated himself to public service and MDOT appreciates his willingness to fill-in for others in times of need.”

MDOT wishes to congratulate Jeffrey C. Wilson, Jr. for receiving the 2010 Employee of the Quarter recognition.

Filed under: Government, Hattiesburg, District Six, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Jeffrey C. Wilson Jr., MDOT Branch Director, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Travis Boyle

WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STUDENTS TO PRESENT AT MISSISSIPPI PHILOLOGICAL ASSOCATION CONFERENCE

One faculty member, one staff member and six students from William Carey University will present their work at the 2011 Mississippi Philological Association (MPA) annual conference February 18 and 19 at Jackson State University. Dr. Allison Chestnut, associate professor of language and literature, will present her essay, “Sally Poker Sash, Emily Grierson and the Spinster’s Guide to Subversive Citizenship.” Dr. Chestnut has been on the faculty at WCU for 18 years and teaches a variety of literature and writing classes.

Jeanna Graves, the administrative assistant for the department of theatre and communication and a graduate student, will present “Eco-critical Analysis of Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher.” Graves has worked at WCU for 15 years.

Students who will present their work at MPA are Thomas Duke of Florence; Sarah Etheridge of Hattiesburg; Berquin Feese of Purvis; Leslie Susan Hammond of Mendenhall; Angelia Logan of Petal; and Deanna Roberts of Meridian.

Filed under: Hattiesburg, William Carey, Allison Chestnut, Angelia Logan, Deanna Roberts, Emily Grierson, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Leslie Susan Hammond, Mississippi Philological Association, Sally Poker Sash, Sarah Etheridge, Thomas Duke, William Carey University

Mary Ann Pittman Francis, of Hattiesburg

Services for Mary Ann Pittman Francis, of Hattiesburg, formerly of Anadarko, OK, will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 10:00 am, at Anadarko First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Francis was born August 12, 1927 in Hattiesburg to Lloyd and Pauline Pittman and passed from this life on January 1, 2011 in Hattiesburg at Pine Meadow Alzeimers Home.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gene Francis; her parents, and two brothers, Kelly Lamar Pittman and Reid “Buddy” Pittman.
Mrs. Francis grew up in Hattiesburg and attended Camp School and Hattiesburg High School. After marrying Gene in 1945, she began her life as a military wife. They were stationed in Germany, Okinawa, Japan, and Quito, Ecuador, as well as nine different states.
Following military “retirement”, Gene began farming and Mary began selling real estate for the next 25 years. She was the owner of Francis Reality.
Mrs. Francis was a member of First Baptist Church of Anadarko, OK, the Order of the Eastern Star and GFWC Philomathic Club.
Survivors include two daughters, Polly McKennon of Annandale, VA, and Debbie Walker and her husband, James “Bo” of Petal, MS; one son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Sheryl Francis of Anadarko, OK; seven garndchildren, Steven and Scott Mckennon of Virginia; Leslie Walker Stevens of Atlanta, GA, Jamie Walker Martin of Hattiesburg, MS, Jackson Francis, Samantha and Clint Owen all of Anadarko, and two great grandchildren. Survivors also include her sister Joyce Tadlock and her brother, Edwin Pittman.
The illness that eventually took her life, first took her abilities and her memories of family and friends. It did not, however, take her simile, which all those around her commented on…even during her last few months.
Burial will be in Anadarko’s Memory Lane Cemetery under the direction of Steverson Funeral Home of Anadarko.

Filed under: Hattiesburg, Obituaries, Anadarko Oklahoma, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home, Mary Ann Pittman Francis, Steverson Funeral Home of Anadarko

Multi-National Company Becomes New Tenant in Southern Miss’ Accelerator

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Bracco Diagnostics, a multi-national company with headquarters in Milan, Italy, is the newest tenant in The University of Southern Mississippi’s state-of-the-art science incubator known as The Accelerator.

Bracco’s Healthcare Protective Products Division (HPPD) in Hattiesburg will utilize The Accelerator’s resources to begin manufacturing a lotion that neutralizes chemical warfare agents that can prove hazardous to military personnel. The lotion is already used by the U.S. Department of Defense and most NATO militaries.

“We selected The Accelerator at The University of Southern Mississippi because their expertise and resources will allow us to further the development of new technologies in healthcare protective products,” said Tim Henry, vice-president and general manager of Bracco’s Healthcare Protective Products Division.

The Accelerator, which opened in March 2010, is Southern Miss’ newest initiative to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The $26 million facility offers more than 60,000 square feet of world-class resources and equipment to support early-state science companies.

“The Accelerator was established to attract entrepreneurs and industries to Mississippi to research, develop and market new products and services,” said U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), who was on hand for the March opening. “The fact that this state-of-the-art facility at The University of Southern Mississippi is gaining international attention bodes well for the future of The Accelerator as a center that benefits companies like Bracco Diagnostics and helps general jobs and economic growth here.”

Southern Miss President Martha Saunders noted that bringing a prestigious tenant such as Bracco Diagnostic into The Accelerator only fortifies the facility’s mission.

“We are excited to announce this relationship between The University of Southern Mississippi and Bracco Diagnostics,” said Saunders. “And we certainly look forward to developing additional collaborations. Initiatives like these are exactly why Southern Miss took the lead role in creating a unique business and science incubator like The Accelerator.”

Accelerator Director Sunny Corral said that in just 10 months of operation the facility has leased 80 percent of the leasable space.

“The Accelerator is creating the economic opportunities via supporting innovative high-tech companies,” said Corral. “Our companies innovate the world in which we live, and at the same time, create sustainable high-paying jobs.”

Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree sees the Southern Miss-Bracco partnership as collaboration that will yield important dividends in the Pine Belt area.

“The Accelerator continues to be a magnet for recruiting high-tech companies to Hattiesburg,” said DuPree. “We greatly appreciate Bracco’s confidence in our community. The company will create quality jobs for area citizens. Job creation is of paramount importance as our economy continues to rebound from the recession.”

Bracco’s plan is to initially hire 10 people to operate the new facility. First production of the life-saving lotion is targeted for this summer.

“We are thrilled to have Bracco join our corporate community,” said Chad Newell, Area Development Partnership president. “We hope Bracco’s global footprint and initial investment at The Accelerator is the first step in building a long-term relationship.”

For more information about The Accelerator, visit www.TheAcceleratorMS.com

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, USM, Area Development Partnership, Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Chad Newell, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Johnny Dupree, Tim Henry, U.S. Department of Defense, University of Southern Mississippi

NSF Program at Southern Miss Offers Valuable Hands-On Science Experiences

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – A National Science Foundation (NSF) grant managed through The University of Southern Mississippi provides invaluable learning experiences for area high school students that include field trips to the Lake Thoreau nature preserve managed through the university’s Department of Biological Sciences.

The grant, sponsored through the NSF’s Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12) Program and facilitated by NSF’s Division of Graduate Education (DGE), provides funding to graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to help them gain valuable career skills and expose elementary and secondary students to the sciences on a broader scale.

Brison Thompson, a student at Hattiesburg High School, examines a longleaf pine at the Lake Thoreau nature preserve. Thompson participated in a field trip through the Southern Miss GK-12 project, an outreach effort that provides opportunities for students at local high schools to learn more about science through activities coordinated by Southern Miss graduate students. (Submitted photo)

One of the skills gained by graduate students is the ability to communicate science and research to a variety of audiences, including to students and their teachers at the K-12 level as well as the broader community. Other important benefits include stimulation of interest in science and engineering that contributes to the NSF’s goal of expanding the nation’s pool of researchers and professional practitioners in these fields.

Currently Southern Miss has seven graduate fellows in the program – five in polymer science and two in biology – and four teachers from Hattiesburg High and three teachers from Forrest County Agricultural High School participating.

Dr. Sarah Morgan, associate professor of polymer science at Southern Miss and director of the grant, said graduate students participating in the program emerge as better scientists and citizens, and the high school students they interact with are more likely to consider rewarding careers in the sciences.

“Being a good scientist means making discoveries that improve people’s lives, and this program provides an excellent opportunity for the graduate students to improve their communication and teaching skills, by trying to make science more “real” to high school students and teachers,” Morgan said.

Integrating the Lake Thoreau nature preserve, students participating in the GK-12 learn about the natural world beyond the classroom and the pages of textbooks through hands-on learning experiences managed by Southern Miss graduate students, who in turn put their education to work by sharing and communicating their research and expertise.

Monica Moss Watkins of Hattiesburg, a Southern Miss doctoral student in biological sciences and a GK-12 fellow, has worked with students from Hattiesburg High School both in their classrooms and as a field guide at Lake Thoreau. For her, participating in the program is personally rewarding.

“As a Hattiesburg native and graduate of Hattiesburg High School, I have a desire to give back by sharing my scientific expertise with the community, and the GK-12 program has given me the opportunity to work toward my commitment to improve scientific literacy in South Mississippi,” she said.

The program’s field trips to Lake Thoreau and other nature destinations are also valuable preparation for statewide high school exams in science, as well as practical teaching experiences for Watkins and other graduate students in the program. Southern Miss graduate students will also visit high school classrooms this spring to conduct research-related lessons.

“The students gain an appreciation for the native longleaf pine ecosystem and a basic understanding of why prescribed fire is beneficial in this type of forest. At the same time, we are reinforcing concepts and vocabulary that they will see on the state test, and the best way to learn ecology is to get outside and explore,” she said.

Watkins’ career goal is to work as director of a natural resources education and research facility and be involved in research, teaching, and outreach. Learning the objectives and needs of the high school biology curriculum help her prepare for that career through design of successful outdoor educational programs, she said.

“Through the GK-12 program, the students are exposed to real scientists and real science. In some cases, we are taking students that have not spent much time in nature and letting them experience it firsthand,” she said. “I hope to give them a practical appreciation for science and encourage them to pursue science as a career.”

Desshondra Walker, a biology teacher at Hattiesburg High School, is a lead teacher in the GK-12 program. She said the collaborative effort between teacher and graduate student has allowed her students to learn concepts in creative ways, thereby engendering their interest in science and technology, while also enhancing her own passion as an educator.

“Being a part of this project has given me the opportunity to have current research brought into the classroom where my high school students work with a real scientist, something that otherwise would not happen,” Walker said. “The field trip experience bridges the gap between what is taught in the classroom and real-world application.

“I’ve also gained new energy to push my students to strive for success and that everything and anything is possible.”
The GK-12 program helps establish mutually beneficial relationships between the university and area schools and other institutions. Since its inception in 1999, the program has funded more than 200 projects at 140-plus different universities throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To learn more about this program at Southern Miss, online visit http://www.usm.edu/gk12

Filed under: Hattiesburg, USM, Desshondra Walker, Hattiesburg High School, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Henry David Thoreau, Lake Thoreau, Monica Moss Watkins, NSF’s Division of Graduate Education, Puerto Rico, Sarah Morgan, University of Southern Mississippi

hreatened and Endangered Marine Animals Focus of Sea Camp 2011

Ocean Springs, Miss. – For almost a quarter of a century, The University of Southern Mississippi Sea Camp has epitomized “fun learning” while introducing campers to the value of coastal habitats.

The focus of this year’s popular marine science day camp program is threatened and endangered marine species. Youngsters age 6-13 will learn to fish, crab, seine and sieve at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs. Registration begins Jan. 19.

Young participants enjoy a summer day on the water at Sea Camp 2010. (GCRL file photo, Martha Duvall)

“It’s important for youth to understand the value of marine life and the delicate balance within the ecosystems,” said Summer Rohe, camp director. “Sea campers get to experience first-hand the wonders of our coastal environment and actually enjoy learning.”

Sea Camp will be offered in six sessions this summer: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15 and July 18-22. Sessions for ages 6-9 are available all of those weeks; sessions for ages 10-11 are available all weeks except the week of June 27. Sessions for ages 12-13 include kayaking and are available the weeks of June 13, 20 and 27.

Cost per week is $210 for ages 6-7, $235 for ages 8-11, and $275 for ages 12-13. Fees includes camp t-shirt, individual and group photos, all instructional costs and materials, admission fees, as well as field trips and art supplies. The five-day sessions run 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Field trips will take campers into beach and saltmarsh habitats. All campers visit Deer Island aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Additionally, campers ages 8-13 spend a day at Ship Island. Tweens and teens also kayak through the maritime forests of Davis Bayou in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

“Every year we add an aspect of current GCRL research to camp,” said Rohe. “This year we’re highlighting the value of threatened and endangered species like Gulf Sturgeon.”

For more information, call (228) 818-8833 or email marine.education@usm.edu. Registration forms are available online athttp://www.usm.edu/gcrl/mec/docs/2011.seacamp.flyer.pdf. Registration deadline is May 13.

GCRL’s Marine Education Center is the lab’s public education and outreach arm.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, GCRL focuses on sustainable coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies and the education of future scientists and citizens. The GCRL is home to the Department of Coastal Sciences, the Marine Education Center, the Center for Fisheries Research and Development and the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. It is in the university’s School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, College of Science and Technology. More information can be found at www.usm.edu/gcrl.

Filed under: USM, Center for Fisheries Research and Development, Deer Island, Department of Coastal Sciences, education, GCRL’s Marine Education Center, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf of Mexico, Hattiesburg Mississippi, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Sea Camp, Ship Island, University of Southern Mississippi Sea Camp

9th Annual Home Sweet Home Raffle

New $214,000 home up for grabs!

Hattiesburg, MS— For the ninth year in a row, a lucky person will soon be the winner of a new home for only $100.  Raffle tickets in the ninth annual Home Sweet Home Raffle, sponsored by the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association and Leaf River Cellulose to benefit United Way of Southeast Mississippi, went on sale Friday, Jan. 14.

Ticket sales will continue until the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association Home and Products Show scheduled for March 4-6 at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center.  All proceeds from the raffle will benefit United Way of Southeast Mississippi.

Along with the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association, Leaf River Cellulose is a major sponsor of the raffle for the fifth year in a row.  Leaf River Cellulose, a division of Georgia-Pacific Cellulose, has generously donated $70,000 to help United Way cover its costs of the raffle home.  This will allow more of the raffle proceeds to go directly to United Way and its 21 local partner agencies.

Burt Williamson of BRW Construction is the lead builder of this year’s home, and Kim Johnson of Anderson Design Center is the home’s interior designer.  Other members of the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association have offered services or materials at donated or discounted costs.

“Serving as the ninth raffle home builder has been a very rewarding experience and quite an honor,” Williamson said.  “I want to express my appreciation to all the contributors, and especially Leaf River Cellulose, for their generous support during these difficult economic times.  By all working together, we are able to succeed.  I am also proud to present a completely finished home for the public to enjoy during this year’s raffle.”

This year’s home is located in the Bellegrass community off Highway 589 in Lamar County.  Bellegrass, named Best Subdivision in Mississippi by the Mississippi Home Builders Association in 2010, boasts many amenities, such as a swimming pool, soccer fields, playground, tennis courts, outdoor pavilions and more.

The home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, a two-car garage and 1,884 square feet of heated living space.  It also boasts granite countertops, a beautiful tongue-and-groove cedar ceiling in the dining room and a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom.

Anyone interested in viewing the home will have the opportunity during open house weekends, which will be held every weekend until March 5-6.  On Saturdays, the home will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sundays, the home will be open from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.  There will also be open houses held during the weekdays of Feb. 28 – March 4, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.  There is no charge to tour the home, and tickets will be on sale during the open houses.  Visitors can also register for free door prizes during the home tours.

There are several other ways to purchase tickets in the Home Sweet Home Raffle.  Ticket order forms may be mailed along with a check or credit card information to United Way of Southeast Mississippi; P.O. Box 1648; Hattiesburg, MS  39403-1648.  Applications will be available around Hattiesburg and can be downloaded from www.unitedwaysems.org.  Mailed applications must be postmarked by Feb. 28.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.unitedwaysems.org.  Online orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on March 6.  Tickets may also be purchased with credit card by calling 601-545-7141 or by faxing an application to 601-545-8872 by 5 p.m. on March 4.

Tickets may be purchased at the United Way office at 210 W. Front Street in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg and at select locations of Citizens Bank, Community Bank, The First and Grand Bank by 5 p.m. on March 4.  Please contact the participating banks to find a bank location near you.

Tickets will be sold during the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association Home and Products Show, which will be held March 4-6 at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. The last day to purchase a ticket will be March 6 at the Home and Products Show, open house or online.  Only 5,000 tickets will be sold.

The winning raffle ticket will be drawn March 14 at 6 p.m. on location at 46 North of Fields in Bellegrass. The winner does not have to be present to win.

Runner-up prizes in the raffle include: an electronics package with home computer donated by Owens Business Machines and Best Buy gift card, a home decor package including a stained glass piece donated by Nancy Powe and gift card to Ashley Furniture Home Store, an outdoor package donated by Gander Mountain and a home improvement package donated by Tractor Supply Company and Lowe’s.

Directions to the home: From Hattiesburg, travel west on Highway 98.  Turn left on Highway 589.  Travel 1.9 miles and turn right into the Bellegrass subdivision.  Continue straight on Bellegrass Blvd. for .1 mile then veer right when the road splits.  Travel .5 mile and turn right on North of Fields.  Travel .2 mile.  The house is the first on the right.

For more information, call the United Way office at 601-545-7141 or visit www.unitedwaysems.org.

Filed under: Featured, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Oak Grove, Anderson Design Center, Burt Williamson, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Kim Johnson, Lamar County Mississippi

Hattiesburg City Council Meeting Agenda for Jan. 18th

AGENDA

HATTIESBURG CITY COUNCIL

4:00 P.M. JANUARY 18, 2011

  1. Call to Order
  2. Call to Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Agenda Order
  4. PRESENTATION AGENDA
  5. POLICY AGENDA

1.    Adopt the  January 18, 2011 Amendments to the budget for the City of Hattiesburg for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011; and adopt Resolution authorizing publication of amendments for funds in excess of 10% of the original appropriation fund balance.

2.    Adopt Resolution adopting the 2010 Forrest County and Lamar County Real and Personal Property Assessment Rolls containing property located within the City of Hattiesburg, in accordance with Section 21-33-9C of the Mississippi Code of 1972.

3.    Authorize the Mayor to execute an Authority to Cancel an Adjudication Resolution on the property located at 705 Dearborne Avenue, Owner: Wesley M. Breland, Parcel Number 28-296-3-6, recorded in Forrest County Deed Book 1091, Page 0359, to adjust demolition clean-up cost.

4.    Approve and authorize Mayor to execute Sell Agreement and Contract between the City of Hattiesburg and Lamar Park Water and Sewage Association, Inc., for the City to purchase a portion of Lamar Park’s certificated sewer franchise area; approve issuance of manual check for first installment in accordance with said agreement.

5.    Acknowledge Order from the Municipal Court of the City of Hattiesburg, establishing the Tracker Pal Program.

6.    Approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Court Programs, Inc., to operate an electronic monitoring program for the Hattiesburg Municipal Court.

7.    Declare and approve the purchase of Various CPAT Testing Equipment in the amount of $22,298.18 from CPAT Distribution, Inc. as a sole source purchase as provided for in Section 31-7-13 (viii), of the Mississippi Code of 1972, based on information in the attached memorandum and letters.

8.    Adopt a Resolution approving the form of, and authorizing the execution of the Development Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and SGI-Hattiesburg III, LTD., its successors and assigns, relating to The Ridge at Turtle Creek Project; and for related purposes.

VI.    ROUTINE AGENDA

1.    Approve and authorize publication setting a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 7, 2011 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, for the purpose of reviewing proposed amendments to the 2010 and 2011 Action Plans related to the CDBG and HOME programs and to receive  public comments regarding the same.{Entitlement}

2.    Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Engineering Department in the amount not to exceed $1,200.00, beginning November 1, 2010.

3.    Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Hattiesburg Police Department Communications Division in the amount not to exceed $750.00, beginning January 1, 2011.

4.    Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Hattiesburg Police Department Records Division in the amount not to exceed $1,200.00, beginning January 1, 2011.

5.    Acknowledge Permit to Canadian National Railroad to install 12″ water main Encroaching Over, Under or Parallel to the Railroad Tracks of Canadian National Railroad and Authorize Payment in the amount $2350.00 as a non-refundable locate fee and flagging fee to Canadian National Railroad.

6.    Acknowledge execution of  Letter of Engagement between the City and Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, to provide legal services regarding USA Yeast.

7.    Acknowledge Order of Forrest County Circuit Court, Frank A. Polk VS City of Hattiesburg, Case No. C106-0218, dismissing case for want of prosecution.

8.    Acknowledge receipt of a Declaration of Forfeitures from the Forrest/Perry Metro Narcotics Task forfeiting $99,038.39 to the Hattiesburg Police Department.  The monies will be forfeited in the following manner:  $79,230.71 to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund and $19,807.68 to the Forrest/Perry County District Attorney’s Office.

9.    Acknowledge receipt of two (2) checks totaling $15,636.20 from the State of Mississippi to the Hattiesburg Police Department, and authorize monies to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund.

10.    Acknowledge receipt of Declaration of Forfeitures  from the Forrest/Perry Metro Narcotics Task force forfeiting $1,593.00 to the Hattiesburg Police Department.  The monies will be forfeited in the following manner:  $1,274.40 to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund and $318.60 to the Forrest County District Attorney’s Office.

11.    Acknowledge receipt of bids received December 9, 2010 for Two (2)   Year  Depositories and accept bids received.

12.    Acknowledge bids received on January 6, 2011 for Wesley Water Tank Treatment Plant, Project No. F05-1214-W2 and accept bid from Greenbriar Digging Service, Inc. for the amount of $1,370,500.00 as the best and lowest received.

13.    Acknowledge bids received for 592 Program Sewer Rehabilitation, Contract No. 3 on December 16, 2010 and accept bid from C.B. Developers, Inc. for the amount of $1,996,351.76 as the best and lowest bid received.

14.    Acknowledge receipt of the bids received on January 6, 2011for Early Warning System, Project No. 1269 and accept the bid from Precision Communications in the amount of $136,979.78 as the best and lowest bid.

15.    Acknowledge receipt of the bids received November 18, 2010, for One or More New Track-Type Tractors and Lease Purchase Financing and accept the bid of Stribling Equipment, LLC at a total cost of $135,860.88 as the lowest and best bid received that meets the City’s advertised specifications.

16.    Acknowledge receipt of the bids received November 18, 2010, for One or More New Backhoe Loaders and Lease Purchase Financing and accept the bid of Puckett Machinery Co. at a total cost of $87,849.00 as the only bid received that meets the City’s advertised specifications.

17.    Approve Specifications and Authorize Publication of Advertisement for Intelligent Transportation Systems Software.

18.    Authorize publication of Request for Proposal from interested firms and/or individuals interested in qualifying for installation and implementation of an automated demand response transportation management system for Hub City Transit.  (2011 FTA ARRA)

19.    Approve the issuance of taxi permit/badge E-096 to Michael Eugene Collier, to drive for Yellow Cab Company.

20.    Acknowledge receipt of Privilege License Report for the month of December, 2010 from the Tax Department, as per recommendation.

21.    Approve sale of grave spaces per attached memo.

22.    Acknowledge Proofs of Publication for the month of December, 2010.

23.    Authorize and approve issuance of manual checks for CDBG Program claims per attached memorandum.  {Entitlement}

24.    Authorize and approve issuance of manual checks for HOME Program claims per attached memorandum.  {Entitlement}

25.    Approve Claims Docket for the period ending January 14, 2011.

Filed under: Forrest County, Government, Hattiesburg, Brunini Grantham Grower & Hewes PLLC, C.B. Developers Inc., Court Programs Inc., CPAT Distribution Inc., Forrest County Circuit Court, Forrest County District Attorney's Office, Forrest County Mississippi, Forrest/Perry County District Attorney's Office, Forrest/Perry Metro Narcotics Task force, Frank A. Polk, Greenbriar Digging Service Inc., Hattiesburg Mississippi, Hattiesburg Police Department, Hattiesburg Police Department Communications Division, Lamar Park Water, Michael Eugene Collier, Municipal Court of the City of Hattiesburg, Puckett Machinery Co., SGI-Hattiesburg III LTD., Stribling Equipment LLC, Yellow Cab Co