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Brevity has never exactly been a skillset of mine.

Whether in a Facebook post or giving a speech, my natural inclination is to go a bit long. However, if you’ve read this far into our first edition of this new email newsletter, I thank you. I will aspire to keep my comments hereafter brief yet meaningful.

We are excited to launch this new medium of communication to our residents, businesses and partners. We believe this newsletter stands as an opportunity for us to clearly (and concisely) convey information about projects, events and overall themes that are often lost in today’s news and social media environment.

We discovered early on that fixing every problem in Hattiesburg and accomplishing every new initiative would not happen overnight. We approached 2018 understanding our situation – both financial and organizational – while also pushing forward boldly on several fronts. We established five key objectives upon which later built 40 goals around.  

Objective 1: Build on our strengths.

Find the playmakers in our community - whether in our city workforce, non-profits, universities, neighborhoods/business districts or private business and industry - and empower them to go farther.

Objective 2: Grow and cultivate the next generation of Hattiesburg citizens.

Whether in the Hattiesburg Public School District, our universities/community college or with young professionals, provide the support and programming to prepare the next generation to find a job and take on the mantle of citizenship in Hattiesburg.

Objective 3: Ensure every neighborhood sees progress- in public safety, infrastructure and future plans for projects.

Lay the foundation to build a seamless city, where momentum and stability do not waiver based on which area of Hattiesburg you are in. Empower residents to make aspirations for their own neighborhoods and invest in that success.

Objective 4: Tell our story- past, present and future.

Strengthen the identity of Hattiesburg residents with their city through communicating unique parts of our history, current happenings and how the city will move forward.

Objective 5: Make the City of Hattiesburg a more credible, modern, efficient, responsive and citizen-centered organization.

While every organization will continue to evolve, 2018 needs to bring marked improvement in the overall health of the internal operations, budget practices and customer service of the City of Hattiesburg.

Our vision is for Hattiesburg to be a premier city in the Gulf South. Reaching that potential will be a steady climb past our current challenges. It will manifest itself through small yet substantive progress. It will take talent, hard work and collaboration. It will require commitment from members of our administration, the City Council and most importantly, citizens like you. However, I believe we are fully capable of reaching our vision, meeting our objectives and accomplishing each of this year’s 40 goals.

By the way, one of those 40 goals for 2018 was creating this newsletter.

Check.

All my best,

CARTER CARROLL
Ward 3 Councilman


I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving the City of Hattiesburg and representing Ward 3 for more than 18 years. In that time, I’ve witnessed tremendous growth in both population and economic development; and I’ve had the opportunity to see projects that began as ideas become reality -- one being the District at Midtown.

What started out as an idea in 2013 with a group of community leaders, city officials, healthcare representatives and university leadership has resulted in a development that will thrive with spaces for retail, residential and tourism. We are constantly moving forward on our goal to create a walkable, workable, mixed-use community that connects residents and tourists to a variety of venues.

Currently, three restaurants (Fuzzy's Tacos, Taziki's and Asian Cafe) have opened their doors. Hotel Indigo is slated to open by the end of July, with many retail offerings opening mid-July. 

I’ve also worked tirelessly with the council to pass legislation that has a direct impact on the quality of life for Hattiesburg. Since July of last year, we’ve seen a great increase in both productive conversation and creation of meaningful legislation that has a direct impact on you - the citizen of Hattiesburg.

We’re getting things done. And I’m proud to serve not just the residents of Ward 3, but all of Hattiesburg.

Should you need anything from your council member or me, reach out to us at 601-545-4551. We’re here to serve you.

If you've not stopped by the District at Midtown for a bite to eat, make a plan soon! Locations, store hours, menus and web links are posted below for your convenience:

Fuzzy's Taco Shop
3102 Hardy Street Suite 10
601-579-9668
Menu
MON - THURS; 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
FRI - SUN; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
 

Taziki's
3100 Hardy Street
601-909-9432
Menu
MON - SAT; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
SUN; 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
 

Asian Cafe
109 S 31th Ave. Suite 60
601-336-5014
MON - THURS; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
FRI - SAT; 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. // SUN; Noon - 9 p.m.

In each newsletter, we’ll highlight a division and/or department that plays an integral role in the operation of our city. For this issue, we’re excited to tell you a little more about the Traffic Division.

The Traffic Division handles everything from road closures and traffic light maintenance to communication with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to handle large-scale traffic needs. They also work hand-in-hand with our Engineering Department and other departments to work on traffic congestion issues.

You might interact with this division if:

  • You participate in an event or live on a street where a where a road is closed or barricaded.
  • See a message about a city street on an interstate message board.
  • You need to report a missing/faded street sign, malfunctioning stoplight or other traffic-related issues.
While you may not always see them, this department plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of our city. If you need to report a traffic-related issue, we encourage you to call our action line at 601-545-4500. Your report will then be routed to the traffic department to address the issue or concern.

Twice a month, Hattiesburg City Council members meet to review and vote on legislation that contributes to the operation of our city. This includes everything from budgets and ordinances to the launch of new projects, use of facilities and the purchase of vehicles (and much, much more). In this section, we will highlight the meat and potatoes of council meetings and how that legislation has an impact on you - the resident. [Note: In this first edition, we’re highlighting several pieces of legislation from December to date. We promise it won't always be this lengthy.]

2017-926 : Mt. Olive Cemetery (December 2017)

Authorize City Attorney to file Eminent Domain suit to acquire property located off William Carey Parkway known as the Historic Mount Olive Cemetery, for the purpose of assuming maintenance and upkeep of this historic site. 

After being contacted about an abandoned but historically significant cemetery located on William Carey Parkway, the City of Hattiesburg began to take steps that would allow for ownership, clean up and preservation.

To learn more about this historical site and the full story behind it, we invite you to watch this video


2018-153 and 2018-230 :
Pay Scale Alignment (January/February 2018)

Adopt pay scale alignment for the Hattiesburg Police Department and adopt a pay scale alignment for the Hattiesburg Fire Department.

In January and February, City Council members voted to adopt a new pay scale alignment for Hattiesburg Police Department and Hattiesburg Fire Department. This legislation was critical in providing a workable format for the pay and advancement of officers and firefighters, which will aid in recruitment and retention.

2018-190 :
Public Safety Complex Demolition (February 2018)

Acknowledge bids received January 25, 2018 for the Hattiesburg Public Safety Complex Demolition Project and accept bid from Codaray Construction, LLC in the amount of $494,942.00 as the lowest and best bid; Authorize Mayor to execute contracts upon preparation.

In preparation for the reconstruction of the new police station and municipal court facility, this specific project will abate asbestos and demolish the annex of the old Methodist Hospital (cost of this phase will be $494,942 and be completed by late summer). The original part of the old Methodist Hospital will remain and be part of the new facility. 

2018-370 : New Hub City Transit Routes (March 2018)

Authorize the Mayor to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the University of Southern Mississippi for the provision of an additional fixed transit route in the vicinity of the Hattiesburg campus, contingent upon approval by the IHL Board of Directors and the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General.

This agreement will help connect The University of Southern Mississippi to the City of Hattiesburg's existing network of transit routes. The "gold route" will travel throughout the vicinity of the Hattiesburg campus with 14 stops. This route will also include pick-up locations for other Hub City Transit routes that run throughout the city, connecting faculty, staff and students to entertainment venues, public parks, local eateries and grocery stores. This new route is effective July 1. Stay tuned to hattiesburgms.com for updated maps for routes and more. 


2018-391 : Hattiesburg Fire Department Gets New Fire Truck (April 2018)

Acknowledge receipt of interest rate quotes to provide lease-purchase financing for a Ferrara Custom Pumper Fire Truck for the City of Hattiesburg and accept the quote of Trustmark Bank; authorize Mayor to execute necessary lease-purchase financing documents.

Hattiesburg Fire Department has a new addition to its fleet and thanks to 3rd graders from Grace Christian Elementary School, it also has a new name. Named after Coach Derek "Red" Jarvis from Hattiesburg High, "Big Red" Engine #4 will be housed at Station #4 on the Hwy 42 Bypass.

To hear more about this engine and its new name, check out this video.

The City of Hattiesburg has more than 650 dedicated employees who go above and beyond to provide city services to residents, businesses and visitors. This month, we'd like to highlight a few of those faces and tell you who they are! 
 

Patrina Harper, Hattiesburg Police Department
If you need a report or to process a background check, you may interact with Patrina! She serves as the division manager for technical services and records for the Hattiesburg Police Department. Her division handles these types of reports, along with the day-to-day operations of records and teleservices. 



Jay Hester, Community Centers
If you've rented a facility or attended an event at one of our many community centers, you have probably interacted with the always-smiling Jay Hester. Jay serves as the assistant division manager for our community centers, and he's been with the City of Hattiesburg for 12 years. 


 

Throughout the month of June, we are asking YOU for feedback regarding your interaction with the City of Hattiesburg.

This ranges from personal interactions like you might encounter when calling the Action Line or when applying for a building permit to the quality of services provided at the department-level.

Your feedback will help us improve city services and the customer service experience, which will continue to elevate us as a premier city in the Gulf South.

To participate, visit --> http://bit.ly/tellushburg

The City of Hattiesburg is constantly in a state of improvement, whether it's paving roads, new water and sewer infrastructure projects or neighborhood beautification. Through this section, we'll give you a glimpse at the status of projects for our city. 

West 4th Street
In October, we announced an infrastructure project for West 4th Street, between Hutchinson Avenue and North Street, to include new drainage, curb work, gutters, new light signals, sidewalks, a turn lane and median. Between weather-related setbacks and a few other unanticipated obstacles, this project is now slated to be complete by the end of June. [see video]
 
Lamar Boulevard
In March, Mayor Barker announced the 18-24 month plan for Lamar Boulevard. This project, which will entail new water and sewer infrastructure and street reconstruction to realistically support the traffic, is moving along as scheduled. The contractor is currently installing sewer lines. [see video]
 
Duke Avenue/Dogwood/Corinne Sewer Project
In December, Mayor Barker and Councilwoman Deborah Delgado announced a sewer project for Duke Avenue, Dogwood Drive and Corinne Street. This project entails replacing and updating sewer line infrastructure, as well as connecting houses to the sewer system. The project is complete for Duke Avenue and Corinne Street. The contractor is currently working on Dogwood Drive. [see video]

Palmer's Crossing & Irene Chapel Water Project
In October, Mayor Barker and Councilman Nicholas Brown announced a significant water improvement project for Palmer's Crossing and Irene Chapel neighbors. The upgrades include removing small, antiquated lines and replacing them with lines that can not only handle the current capacity but also set these areas up for success regarding future growth. A majority of the line installation is complete, with the remaining areas around railroad crossings. We are currently awaiting final permits from those entities. [see video]
 
Sullivan Park Pavilion
In March, Mayor Barker and Councilman Nicholas Brown were joined by Forrest County Supervisors and community members to break ground on the new pavilion for Sullivan Park. The foundation has been poured, and construction will continue through the summer. [see video]
 
Broad Street Bridge
Broad Street Bridge was closed for reconstruction in early 2017. The construction is complete and we are waiting for a final inspection from the State Aide engineer to open the bridge to the public.  
 
Longleaf Trace Extension
In March, Mayor Barker was joined by Councilwoman Mary Dryden and Councilmen Nicholas Brown and Jeffrey George as he announced the beginning of a pathways project that will provide access to the Longleaf Trace by connecting the Historic Train Depot to Chain Park. The construction of sidewalks for this project is mostly complete. Finish date for the entirety of this project is September. [see video]

Arcadia - Sunset Water Improvement Project 
In April, Mayor Barker and Councilwoman Mary Dryden announced a water improvement project for the Arcadia-Sunset Neighborhood that will significantly improve water pressure, decrease the occurrence of brown water and replace smaller water lines with the standard 6" and 8" lines. The estimated cost of this project is $717,310, and it is a budgeted expense from the general fund. This project is in its early stages but is on track. 
[see video]

Parks & Recreation currently has the following leagues and programs available for registration:
  • Adult Co-Ed Kickball
  • Summer Adult Softball
  • Pickleball
To learn more, visit http://cityofhpr.siplay.com/.

June 9 - June 23
FestivalSouth
Schedule of Events

Friday, June 15
Secret Saenger
The Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre, 7 p.m.
TICKETS

Saturday, June 16
Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival
Town Square Park, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
TICKETS

Friday, June 22
SummerTunes
Town Square Park, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
More Information

Thursday, June 28
Robert Earl Keen
The Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre, 8 p.m.
TICKETS

Tuesday, July 3
Star-Spangled Celebration on the River
Chain Park, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
More Information

Thursday, July 5 - Sunday, July 8
Lucky Rabbit Weekend
The Lucky Rabbit
More Information

Tuesday, July 10 - Saturday, July 21
William Carey Dinner Theatre
More Information

Friday, July 13
SummerTunes
Town Square Park, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
More Information

Saturday, July 14 - Sunday, July 15
Pirate Days
Hattiesburg Zoo, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
More Information

Friday, July 20
Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition
The Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre, 8 p.m.
More Information

Thursday, August 2 - Sunday, August 5
Lucky Rabbit Weekend
The Lucky Rabbit
More Information
 

Be sure to like the City's Facebook page, if you haven't already. A post goes live every Friday afternoon with the weekend's lineup of things to do all over the Hub City. From live music to board games, there's something for everyone! 
For $3 added to your water bill, per month, you can help leave Hattiesburg better than you found it. For details about how to get a blue can delivered to your door within 48 hours or more about what you can and cannot recycle, visit www.hattiesburgms.com/recycle.
Copyright © 2018 City of Hattiesburg, All rights reserved.


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