Mayor Bob Massengill Tuesday hinted that long-sought lightingfor the Brookway Boulevard intersection at Interstate 55 couldbecome a reality.

“It is in the works right now and things are looking good,”Massengill said.

The mayor’s comments came during last night’s meeting withaldermen as city officials were discussing community appearanceconcerns and the interchange. Aldermen are considering reclaiminglandscaping maintenance from the Mississippi Department ofTransportation in order to improve the exit’s appearance and makeit more inviting for travelers.

Later, Massengill said he discussed the lighting project withrepresentatives of U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering’s office during arecent meeting. City, county and chamber officials have lobbied forfederal help with the lighting and infrastructure for the newLinBrook Business Park.

Citing comments from the staff members, Massengill said theybelieve good things are happening in Brookhaven and that federalfunds are used well when sent here.

In other business last night, city officials reluctantlyapproved paying the city’s half of a $35,000 fee for consultantButch Lambert’s help with a new garbage pick-up contract. The other$17,500 is expected to come from the county.

The city’s and county’s contracts with Waste Management expirelater this month, but the company has agreed to continue itsservices at the same rates for 60 days. Lambert’s assistance isneeded with a Request For Proposals (RFP) in which garbagecompanies would submit information on their services and fees.

Officials expressed concerns about controlling costs andcontract language on fuel adjustments, consumer price index andother factors that would govern price increases.

“Times have changed from three years ago,” said Massengill,alluding to the current contract that was developed when gasolinewas $1.58 a gallon.

Following a meeting with Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop, CountyAdministrator David Fields and City Clerk Mike Jinks, Massengillsaid the city and county could combine their garbage in an effortto get a better per-house price for garbage collection. Heindicated the city could get quotes for maintaining its twice aweek service and for the once a week service county residentsreceive.

Regarding RFP preparation, Massengill and aldermen grumbledabout paying a consultant. However, the mayor said he was notcomfortable attempting the work himself and dealing with garbagecompany officials who deal solely with contracts.

“I hate to be an amateur playing with the pros,” Massengillsaid.

Also last night, aldermen approved an estimated $40,000 to$50,000 in emergency repairs to a city water well. Also approvedwas a $6,000 bill to inspect the well to determine the problem.

Water Department Superintendent Lanny Dickey said Well No. 6,located near the water plant, had “severe problems” with corrosionand sand. The well is one of eight the city uses.

“The pumping capacity was down to almost nothing,” Dickeysaid.

Dickey said repairs will involve replacing the steel liner withPVC pipe.

“We think this is going to give us a longer lifespan on thatwell,” Dickey said.

Massengill said the well has been out of commission since theproblem was detected. He complimented Dickey on his efforts andassured citizens the city has good water.

“People at home don’t need to be worried that they’re going toget bad water. They’re not,” the mayor said.

Earlier in the meeting, city officials presented the statechampion Brookhaven Dixie Boys Baseball League 14-year-oldall-stars team with a city flag to be used in the upcoming WorldSeries. The series begins Friday in Grand Prairie, Texas.

“We want you to go out and win and do your very best,”Massengill said.

Also, city retirees and longtime employees were recognized.

Solid Waste employee Jerry Case, 17 years; Police Lt. BatemanStilley, 20 years; and Street Department employee Johnny RayWilson, 30 years, received plaques upon their retirement.

Cemetery Department employees Maxie Case, 20 years, and HosmerCameron, 13 years, got certificates for their service to the city.Public Works Director Steve Moreton, 16 years, and PurchasingDepartment employee Renita Monagan, eight years, were also honoredwith certificates.