New nightclub ordinance draft adds teeth
A new draft of an ordinance regulating nightclub operations contains several new life safety provisions, including rules curbing establishment overcrowding and ensuring access to functional, unobstructed emergency exits in structures.
Vernon passes ordinance regarding police pursuits
The City of Vernon on Monday established an ordinance that sets parameters for police officers conducting vehicle pursuits through city limits. The ordinance is the first of its kind on the books.
GSDP execs delivering new letter of support for Gregory
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is expected this week to deliver to Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn a letter supporting CEO Jennifer Gregory and the organization’s previous push for a transparent, non-partisan ordinance review committee, sources close to the situation have confirmed.
Council OKs amended social media policy, firearms ordinance
Columbus councilmen have approved a social media policy for city employees, as well as an ordinance banning firearms on city property.
Hilton: GSDP execs backed Gregory’s plea for review
Richard Hilton, Greater Starkville Development Partnership Executive Committee chairman, said he and other board members authorized and support a letter commissioned by GSDP CEO Jennifer Gregory urging aldermen to create a transparent, community-involved ordinance review committee after she was verbally scolded by Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn on Tuesday.
Smoke ’em if you got ’em: West Point won’t enact ban
West Point selectmen discussed a smoke-free ordinance during a public work session last week and have decided not to go forward with one at this time, Mayor Robbie Robinson said Monday.
Walker’s ordinance review committee proposal fails
Despite Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker’s pleas for openness and transparency on an impending sidewalk and ordinance review process, his proposal creating a seven-person review committee and shaping its goals died in a 5-2 vote Tuesday.
Walker calling for ordinance review committee
Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker will propose creating a seven-person review committee Tuesday to handle the board-requested analysis of Starkville’s sidewalk and landscaping ordinance.
West Point selectmen could consider smoke-free law
In 2006, Starkville became the first municipality in Mississippi to adopt a smoke-free building ordinance.
Columbus followed in 2010 with a partial ordinance.
West Point has no such law on the books. But that might change.
Nightclub ordinance passes
Beginning September 14, all Lowndes County nightclubs must shut their doors by 1 a.m.
Prior to supervisors passing the ordinance Thursday, there was no law on the books requiring establishments to close at a specific time.
Supes outlaw firearms in county buildings
Lowndes County supervisors Monday unanimously approved a proposal that will ban firearms from county-owned buildings and property.
Supervisors consider mandatory closing time for nightclubs
Lowndes County supervisors will review a draft of an ordinance that would force nightclubs to close at 1 a.m. if approved during their recess meeting Monday.
Compromise reached on variance request
Installation of a new water main near a mixed-use property on Main Street will soon provide property owners in the area a closer outlet to tap into when installing sprinkler systems.
Council mulls variance to fire sprinkler requirement
Renovation of a downtown mixed-use building could soon slow down while the city council decides whether to allow a variance bypassing installation of a sprinkler system.
Aldermen pass outdoor furniture ordinance
The Starkville Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance regulating the use, location and visibility of furniture storage Tuesday and is expected to address new landscaping codes at its next meeting.
The ordinance passed 6-1 with Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey casting the lone “Nay” vote.
City ordinance draws ire of some business owners
Fire Marshal Todd Weathers presented a proposal to members of the city council earlier this year requiring that all nightclub owners who have entertainment systems inside their establishments install a shunt, or a device that automatically shuts off the music when a fire alarm goes off.
CPD yet to issue sagging pants citation
In an effort to stop a popular clothing trend, sagging pants ordinances are becoming a common tool to combat what many think is a visual nuisance. But are the ordinances effective?
Columbus, State redistricting plans await DOJ scrutiny
A new ordinance regarding redistricting will soon be brought before the Columbus City Council for approval. The ordinance is the next step in getting the council’s approved map before the US Department of Justice.
Letter to the Editor: Opposes garage sale ordinances
Sustainability leader and Starkville Alderman Jeremiah Dumas is proposing a garage sale ordinance.
The ordinance means police must enforce it and clerks must handle the paperwork. A study in Carney Point, NJ, showed that permit revenue fell far short of meeting administrative/enforcement expense. That could happen in Starkville.
Columbus Council hikes up pants, makes sagging pants ordinance official
A month after approving a ban on sagging pants, the Columbus City Council voted 5-1 on Tuesday to implement the addition to the city’s indecent exposure ordinance. The new language was designed specifically to penalize those who wear their pants below the waist or hip. Commonly called the “sagging pants ordinance,” it was introduced by Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box who said it was modeled after a similar ordinance in Tupelo.