Jackson Public Works Committee Meeting: Equipment, Litter, and Water Authority Update – March 24, 2026

The Public Works Committee met on March 24, 2026, at approximately 2:36 PM to discuss equipment procurement, public works operations, litter control, and the status of the Jackson Metro Water Authority legislation. Key participants included Councilman Hartley (Chair), Councilwoman Brown Thomas, Councilman Parkinson, Councilman Foot, Councilman Grizzell, Public Works Director Anderson, and City Attorney Drew Martin.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during this meeting.

Discussion Items

• Equipment Procurement and Deployment: Director Anderson reported that 19 pieces of equipment have been ordered, including three skid steers, three dump trucks, three zero-turn mowers, three ATVs with sprayers, three utility trailers, three dump trailers, seven pickup trucks, and various attachments. Most equipment is expected within a month, with skid steers operational by May (late April to early May). Zero-turn mowers may already be in, but confirmation is pending. A grass-cutting bid will be opened after the meeting, with 10 contractors attending the pre-bid meeting.
• Minority and Small Business Participation: Councilwoman Brown Thomas raised concerns about minority participation in contracts. Director Anderson stated there is no minimum participation requirement, but the city encourages participation by breaking contracts into smaller, ward-based segments to lower bond requirements. City Attorney Drew Martin noted that recent executive orders and Department of Justice guidance make explicit minority participation requirements difficult, but legal avenues exist to ensure fair access. He offered to provide an update at the next meeting.
• Litter Control and Inmate Labor: Discussion focused on using inmate labor from the Hinds County Sheriff's Office and state corrections for litter pickup. Councilwoman Brown Thomas mentioned a constituent whose email from Sheriff Jones indicated the program had ended. City Attorney Martin confirmed that an MOU exists with the county, transportation commission, and department of corrections, but legal issues and limited qualifying inmates have slowed progress. Multiple agencies are competing for eligible inmates. Councilman Foot suggested using municipal detainees to work off fines for litter pickup, a program the city previously attempted but which fell apart. Municipal judges are supportive. The committee directed solid waste staff to conduct a deep dive into all connecting pieces and report back.
• Street Sweepers and Fleet Maintenance: Chair Hartley asked about street sweeper training, which was reported as not going well, with an update to come in the next meeting. Councilman Grizzell raised concerns about the motor pool at Michael Avalon, noting only one fleet manager and three mechanics (one on leave) serve the entire city, including police vehicles. Director Anderson confirmed that the police department does not have its own fleet manager. Councilman Grizzell also emphasized the need for security measures (fencing, trackers, monthly inventory) to protect over $1 million in new equipment from theft.
• Storm Drain Operations: The city has one operational jet truck (15+ years old) that went down on Friday. No dedicated storm drain crews exist; the same crews handle bridges, drainage, curb and gutter, and potholes. Councilman Foot requested a handout on crew structure and deployment plans. The city does not own a drainage camera (cost ~$15,000) and contracts that work out, though Jackson Water previously shared their camera.
• Environmental Services Center: Director Anderson reported that Jackson Water agreed to vacate part of the Michael Avalon building, allowing solid waste to move in. A separate break room across the street will store hazardous waste. The committee requested the city publicize the new location.
• Asphalt Pricing: Chair Hartley noted rising oil prices and asked about pre-ordering asphalt. Director Anderson stated the city has a supply bid locking in prices and also uses the county's term bid for some projects.
• Jackson Metro Water Authority (JMWA) Legislation: City Attorney Martin updated that the House bill (HB) was replaced by a Senate strike-all version that would create a nine-member board with only three seats appointed by the city. The bill did not pass the House and went to conference; the final day of session (sine die) was March 24, and Martin believed it highly unlikely any bill would pass. The city would retain only three of nine seats under any scenario. Councilman Grizzell stressed that the council and administration must coordinate in advance to present a unified position next year, and Councilman Foot warned that the water issue should not consume all legislative efforts at the expense of other priorities.
• Post-Legislation Transition Planning: Martin noted that the city can explore creating its own utility board via a city ordinance. He recommended starting internal discussions in September or October to prepare for the 2027 legislative session, including meetings with the mayor's office, lobbyists, and city delegation. Director Anderson affirmed the city could manage the utility by focusing on contract management, but emphasized the need for full financial and operational transparency from Jackson Water. Martin committed to preparing a resolution for the committee to consider.

Key Outcomes

• Equipment: All ordered equipment is expected within a month, with skid steers operational by May. The committee directed staff to provide a monthly inventory and security plan (trackers, fencing) for the motor pool.
• Minority Participation: Attorney Martin will present an update on legal methods to promote minority and small business participation at the next meeting.
• Litter Control: Solid waste staff will conduct a deep dive into reinstating inmate/detainee litter pickup programs, coordinating with the sheriff, court services, and municipal judges. Staff will report back on all connecting pieces.
• Fleet Maintenance: Staff will provide an update on street sweeper training and the status of the motor pool fleet manager and mechanics.
• Storm Drains: Director Anderson will present a handout on crew structure and deployment plans at the next meeting, including dedicated storm drain crews and camera equipment.
• JMWA Legislation: The committee will begin internal transition planning, with Attorney Martin preparing a draft city ordinance for a potential utility board and a resolution for council consideration. A legislative committee meeting is anticipated in September/October 2026.