The Brookhaven Board of Aldermen conducted an abbreviated meeting via teleconference this week, due to the threat of severe weather in the area Tuesday.

All members of the Board, as well as Mayor Joe Cox and Board Attorney Bobby Moak, were present — either in person at the City’s boardroom or via telephone.

No one scheduled for an appearance before the Board was present, due to the remote nature of the assembly, though only one person scheduled was not part of the regular every-meeting appearances. David Holloway of Waste Management was set to appear, but will likely return for the next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 18.

Public Works Director Krix Xifos said bids had been opened at 10 a.m. Tuesday for city-wide lawn maintenance. Three bids were received. They were $3,200 from LND; $1,970 from Griffin Solutions; and $1,800 from Daniel Williams.

Mayor Cox told aldermen that the bid recommended for approval was the middle one of $1,970. The largest was rejected based on cost, and the lowest was rejected due to several factors — no history of work available, no other information available, and a discrepancy in the bid. The Board voted 7-0 in favor of the recommendation. The cutting includes trimming and blowing.

Aldermen conducted a closed executive session regarding personnel matters to round out the shortened meeting.

In other business, the Board:

• Received and awarded the off-road diesel bid for city vehicles to R. B. Wall at $2.64.
• Approved Fire Fighter Chris Hester to attend the Engine Company Operations Class at the State Fire Academy, March 3-6. The City will pay $250 registration and reimburse for meals and mileage.
• Approved Fire Fighter Grant Britt to attend the Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Technician Class at the State Fire Academy, March 17-21. The City will pay $250 registration and reimburse for meals and mileage.
• Approved pay request No. 6 in the amount of $86,031.86 to Greenbriar Digging Services for work completed on the 2023 Brignall Browns Loop Sewer Improvements CDBG Project.
• Approved pay request No. 3 in the amount of $8,645 to Tank Pro Inc. for work completed on the 2024 Industrial Park Road Water Tank Rehabilitation project.
• Approved to hire Caleb Jett as a Street Department Operator at $15 per hour, pending drug test, physical, and background check.
• Approved a one-year salary increase for HR Director/Payroll Clerk April Suchy, from $19.23 to $20.23 hourly, effective March 25.
• Approved a one-year salary increase for Street Department Laborer Lasedrick Kelly, from $12.59 to $13.59 hourly.
• Approved a 10-year salary increase for City Inspector David Fearn, from $23.11 to $24.11 hourly.
• Approved the termination of Brookhaven Fire Department employee Colton Etheridge, hired May 8, 2024 as an uncertified Fire Fighter.
• Approved the termination of Brookhaven Fire Department certified Fire Fighter Patrick Earl.