By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
Developers working to build a Wal-Mart Super Center got what they wanted Tuesday night as the Meridian City Council granted them leeway on the city's Subdivision Ordinance.
Representatives of the Mattiace Company of Jackson, had asked the council allow them to widen entrances to the properties on South Frontage Road, where Wal-Mart will be located, beyond the limits set by the city council. The maximum width allowed is normally 33 feet; Mattiace representatives received permission for 39-foot wide entrances.
The council granted the request by unanimous vote and without any discussion. Ward 5 Councilman Bobby Smith was the only member of council not present for the meeting.
The council worked through Tuesday night's short agenda of routine items in less than 30 minutes. Only a handful of items were discussed before being passed.
Mayor John Robert Smith used the opportunity at the meeting to once again talk about formation of a 15-member group called the Grow Meridian Team. Smith had made a formal announcement earlier in the day at a press conference at Union Station.
According to Smith, the group will meet for three months, beginning in January, to come up with "real solutions" to the city's shrinking population and tax base.
In other items of interest at the meeting:
The council unanimously granted a bid of $56,000 to Information Systems Business of Ridgeland for imaging hardware, software and computer services. The equipment will be used by the city's Finance and Records Department to prepare council orders and resolutions; and
The Meridian Police Department received an award for having the best Youth Anti-Tobacco Program in Mississippi. The award was given to the city and department on behalf of the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. Mayor John Robert Smith and the council also received awards for their support of the program.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@meridianstar.com.