Amory aldermen discuss options for historic home

Earlier this month, the board voted to set the date for a public hearing regarding plans for the vacant house at 1300 North Highland Drive. Vacant for 30 years, the house has fallen into a state of severe disrepair. Its owner, Bill Tibbett, had the overgrown property cleaned up in 2019. Despite health issues, his desire then was for the home to be restored.

Three generations of Tibbett's family lived in the home after purchasing it in 1913. The massive two-story home is Craftsman in style, with a screened side porch enclosed through the years around the back.

Since the city’s objective is to demolish the vacant structure, alderman-at-large Joe McGonagill requested an inspection be made prior to the public hearing to assess any potential for restoration.

“I would like to do it for our protection as a city and as a council,” he said before the city proceeds with plans to demolish the home.

Code compliance officer Patrick Chism promised complete information, along with photos for the public hearing.

In a related matter, aldermen set a public hearing of March 21 for Ordinance 1750, which will amend Ordinance 1684, which deals with property maintenance.

Board members also listened to a request from the Amory Police Department regarding options available for camera equipment upgrades.

“Our current camera system provider has upgraded to cloud storage, which is not compatible with the way our current cameras operate. Our provider was bought out, which obsoleted our ability to maintain warranty coverage or access parts for repair,” said APD Investigator Andy Long.  

Aldermen approved making the necessary upgrades on a schedule that can be accommodated by the city’s budget cycle. Assistant police chief Nick Weaver will also research grant opportunities to supplement funding needs.

Aldermen approved to sponsor a full-page ad totaling $350 in support of Kaylee Brooke McCollum of Amory, who will compete in the Miss Mississippi USA pageant March 31.

Utilities manager Mike King received the board’s approval to apply for the state’s Drinking Water System Emergency Loan Fund for needed repairs to three of the city’s wells.

During his input, Ward 2 Alderman Barry Woods, Sr. inquired about getting repairs on a project in his ward with a grant from the state. City clerk Jamie Morgan said the state decided not to fund that grant this year. She expressed her confidence that the grant opportunity will return.