Southaven City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026

The Southaven City Council met on June 2, 2026, and approved a range of routine and contested items, including a contract amendment for a long-stalled hotel development, a variance for a digital billboard on I‑55, and new penalties for lot‑cutting violations. The meeting also covered personnel, finance, and planning items, and concluded with an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – Unanimously approved the minutes of the May 19, 2026 meeting.
• Ordinance Amendment (Title 13, Chapter 13, Section 133A) – Approved a resolution revising the term of planning commission appointees to serve at the will of the board rather than a fixed term.
• Contract Amendment – Kaplan Management Industry, LLC – Approved an amendment to a 2018 contract for the 10‑acre May Boulevard property. The amendment requires submission of a PUD amendment for a hotel, and authorizes payment of $295,000 owed for land extensions. Alderman Wheeler recused himself; the motion passed 6‑0.
• Welcome Home Mississippi Program – Approved a resolution to participate in the program, establishing a tax task force and allocating $20,000 for operations through December 30, 2026.
• Amphitheater Bank Plus Contract – Approved a lease and facility use agreement with Live Nation for the Billy Roll concert.
• Police Department Vehicle Purchase – Approved the purchase of a canine vehicle from the Kansas Highway Patrol for $40,000.
• Surplus Property Resolution – Declared a 2006 Ford van surplus and authorized its disposal.
• Unpaid Sanitation Fees – Authorized liens or tag holds for unpaid $20 sanitation fees.
• MOU – MS Department of Finance and Administration (HB 603/1653) – Approved an MOU redirecting $300,000 in unused paving funds from the State Line/Sweeney signal project to improvements at Greenbrook Park.
• Landscape Maintenance Contract Amendment (Michael Hatcher & Associates) – Approved an amendment for Hummingbird Garden maintenance at $8,060 per year (down from earlier cost). The item had been tabled at the prior meeting.
• Court Department Contract (Waste Connections) – Approved a dumpster service contract for the new court building, twice‑monthly pickup at $12 per pickup.
• Fire Department Grant Authorization – Authorized application for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace 56 self‑contained breathing apparatus (estimated cost $800,000; potential grant $645,000).
• Resolution to Clean Private Property – Approved a resolution authorizing cleanup of private property; no members of the public spoke.
• Personnel Docket – Approved as presented.
• Utilities Billing Leak Adjustment Docket – Approved as presented.
• Claims Docket – Approved in the amount of $2,331,869.67, including demand checks.
• Motion to Enter Executive Session – Approved by voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Variance Request – Hal Crenshaw (Digital Billboard on I‑55) – The applicant sought a variance to the sign ordinance for a 48‑by‑14‑foot digital billboard (overall structure height 40 feet) on the west side of I‑55 between State Line Road and Goodman Road. The property, zoned C‑3, has limited access (only via Horn Lake roads) due to wetlands and environmental constraints. City staff recommended approval, citing a genuine hardship and noting the property has been stagnant for 15 years. The planning commission also recommended approval. Several aldermen voiced concerns about driver distraction on congested I‑55, but others argued the sign would help market the property and that the hardship was unique. The applicant voluntarily prepared a deed restriction prohibiting tobacco and cannabis advertising. The motion carried 5‑1 (Alderman Jerome voted no).
• Subdivision Approval – DeSoto District LLC – Approved a 5‑lot commercial subdivision on the west side of Getwell Road, just north of Nail Road, with dedication of Silo Square Lane South. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval.

Key Outcomes

• Votes & Tallies – All consent items and most discussion items passed with at least 5‑0 or 5‑1 votes. The variance request passed 5‑1; all other items were unanimous where recorded.
• Directives – The city attorney will bring back revised fee schedules for lot‑cutting penalties (under §21‑19‑11). The mayor announced a forthcoming four‑year parks enhancement plan (2026‑2030) to be presented at the next meeting or first meeting in July. Pre‑bid work is underway for Snowden Grove Park fence replacement (split‑rail) and arched entrances at Central Park and Cherry Valley Park.
• Next Steps – The Kaplan contract amendment will return for board approval after the PUD amendment is reviewed by planning staff. The fire department grant application will proceed; if awarded, proceeds will come back to the board for approval.

Executive Session

• The board entered executive session to discuss litigation, claims related to city infrastructure, economic development, and interdepartmental and police personnel matters.