Frustrated with Flowers at BOMA

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. expressed frustration with the state of flower beds in the city at this Monday’s Board of Mayor Alderman meeting.

After addressing garbage pickup costs, Flaggs tackled several other topics, including the need for cross-training for City Employees.

Flaggs informed that he has already begun evaluating the division heads in relation to cross training. “We can no longer afford that when ‘Janet’ is off, that her functions cannot be performed.”

Flaggs stated that the first step in this process is a 30 day assessment of Division Heads and Employees: “I have every intention of making certain that every person can do another person’s job.”

Flags then moved on from cross-training to a promise to prioritize the fixing of faded street striping in the community.

Though funds are tight for such projects, Flaggs stressed, we gotta find the money… We cannot allow the street signage or striping to fade where you don’t know the center line. It’s dangerous.”

Alderman Micheal Mayfield Sr. concurred, adding the importance of maintaining reflectors. “Even when the lines fade, the reflectors should be there. We need them.”

Flaggs then turned the board’s attention to neglected landscaping areas around the city’s intersections, praising Alderman Alex Monsour Jr. and staff for noting the problems and being willing to address them.

“We are going to be looking at all these intersections, ordering mulch, and are going to be trying to get some of these flowerbeds cleaned,” said Flaggs.

Flaggs expressed regret that the city installed so many flower beds that needs a high level of care to keep clean and without weeds.

“I hate it with a passion that we put as many flower beds in the streets of Vicksburg that we did. I didn’t do it, but they’re there, so we’re gonna maintain it.”

Monsour added that “I had a meeting with all department heads, anyone that had anything to do with grass and the contractors. Our intention is to get this under control as soon as possible. We’ve got all hands on deck.”