New drainage pipes collapse; 'Saggy Pants' ordinance passes

As the old saying goes, "When it rains, it pours!" Portageville residents, especially in the northwestern part of town know too well of how much rain can create havoc.

During the monthly meeting of the City Council held last Monday, Mayor Floyd Simmons mentioned the need to look at the new drainage pipes that were installed last fall.

This week, according to Mayor Simmons, after this last big rain, puddles of water were standing on top of the new water pipes. After inspection, a majority of the new pipes have collapsed, some all the way, some partially.

The City of Portageville has been working with Smith and Associates to have large drainage pipes placed along McCrate Avenue that will move a large amount of water to Portage Bay.

In November, city officials and engineers walked over the job site and placed flags on certain areas of concern. The City is now is discussion with the contractors and the engineers as to what to do, and when will it be done.

What was hoped for with having the new drainage system in place to help move rain water, may have to look at more options to get the end result.

Another topic of discussion was the passing of a new ordinance, named by some as the "Saggy Pants" ordinance. Ordinance No. 1245 refers that all persons be properly attired while on the streets of Portageville and setting forth requirements therefore as pants.

Basically, it reads, "A person, while in public place including streets and sidewalks of the City of Portageville shall be properly attired whenever he or she appears in public view.

Pants worn by any person, regardless of age, should be sized appropriately and secured to prevent the pants from falling three inches below his or her hips cause exposure of the undergarments or bare skin of the person.

The ordinance was read two times, approved and adopted on Monday, January 4, 2016.

In other business, last month David Morris talked to the City about a clogged sewer line that had bust. After having plumbers come to his house to find where the sewage mess was coming from, it ended up being on City property. The Council approved to pay Morris' plumbing bill.

Not enough information was available to talk about the security camera at City Hall, that was tabled until the next meeting.

T.R. Thompson approached the Council to complain about the need to move the recycling trailer out from the City maintenance area to another location. With the gates locked up after working hours, the public would have to use the other recycling trailer under the old water tower, next to

Griffin Propane.

The recycling trailer will no longer be near the park, and has been moved to a vacant lot owned by Chrisman Oil Company on the corner of Third Street and Huffman Avenue.

Mayor Simmons had been approached by the local Public Defenders office if the City would waive the $80 water deposit. The board agreed that since it is a function of the state, and glad to have the business in Portageville, the council agreed to waive the deposit.

Mayor Simmons also said, the city has a few employees that have been with the City for over 20 years. It was recommended to raise the amount of vacation time to four weeks of vacations after employed 20 years or more. Motion was made and approved.

The City Council is planning to have a mid-month meeting on January 18 to discuss a bond issue for a new waste water sewerage system. Estimated cost is about $5.6 million. Although that day is Martin Luther King Jr. day, the office will be closed, but the meeting will be held that evening at 6:00.