Cameras Considered For Parks
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Water Valley Street Department Superintendent Michael Scroggins told aldermen that he will retire this year. Scroggins has logged almost 49 years working for the city and oversees streets, parks, sanitation and cemeteries.
WATER VALLEY – City officials are contemplating the purchase of cameras to help enhance security at City Park and Baker Street Park. Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum presented quotes from multiple companies during the January 7 city meeting for the purchase and installation of two cameras at each park at an estimated cost of $34,000, plus installation and monthly costs for internet service.
Installing cameras in the parks has been a recurring topic at city meetings, and the notion gained momentum after a shooting at Baker Street park last November that critically injured a 24-year-old man. The shooting remains under investigation and an arrest has not been made.
The police chief told aldermen that his department’s budget does not have funding for the purchase. Mangrum also said he has been unable to find a grant that allocates funding for the purchase of security cameras.
“I certainly think that people who go to our parks need to feel safe,” Mayor Tommy Reynolds noted during the city meeting. “We need as much protection for our citizens as possible.”
Ideas discussed included scaling back the chief’s request from two cameras per park to one, although chief said four cameras per park would be ideal. Mangrum said the cameras would allow his department to monitor activity in the parks remotely, and footage could be reviewed if a crime occurred.
“I think the people would like it,” Reynolds reiterated. “But figuring a way to pay for it. Our wants have to match our abilities, we will have to study it.”
“I think this is an important issue,” Alderman-at-Large Herbie Rogers added.
The topic was tabled to allow time for additional research about funding sources for the potential purchase.
Aldermen also voted unanimously to authorize Mangrum to apply for two grants for his department, a Firehouse Sub grant and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant.
Other activity in the Jan. 6 meeting includes:
• Street Department Michael Scroggins told aldermen that he will retire this year. An emotional Scroggins added that the city has been like a second home.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the city,” Scroggins added.
“Do you have anybody in mind, Mike?” Ward Two Alderman Freddie Folson asked about a potential replacement when Scroggins retires.”They need to start training,” Folson added.
“I did have something planned, but that plan has fallen through,” Scroggins said.
• Scheduled a hearing on Feb. 4 for public input for a proposal to change the zoning classification for a property tract located at the corner of Jones and Boyd streets from Residential 1 to Residential 2.
• Heard a complaint from James Johnson at 331 Suggs Street. Johnson said the ditch is a major drainage area and needs cleaning out to prevent property erosion and flooding.
“I will take care of it,” Street Department Superintendent Michael Scroggins told aldermen.
• Approved a proposal from Ronnie Windham to perform audits for Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 for the City of Water Valley. The cost for each audit is $20,000.
“If we don’t have audits it is hard to get grants,” Mayor Reynolds noted.
• Approved a request from Allied Industries to draft a new lease option. Allied Industries has leased the city-owned industrial building on Hwy. 32 for over 20 years. The company is currently mid-way through a three year lease extension, and requested work begin on drafting the new, long-term lease option.
“Through their lease payments, they have paid for construction of that building,” City Attorney Daniel Martin noted during the discussion.
“Every job is important,” Reynolds said about the company.
• Heard the monthly Main Street Association report. Water Valley Main Street Association President Charlie Dyer reported that all ARPA funds the association received were allocated by the deadline. The $161,000 was allocated for a street-scape project in the city including bumpouts and sidewalk work on Main Street.
Dyer also reported the association received a $140,000 Historic Walking Grant that will fund sidewalk work. The grant requires $10,000 in matching funds from the city and another $10,000 from the Water Valley Main Street Association.
Main Street board member Camille Breckenridge reported that the Casey Jones Music Festival will be held on March 22.
