One of the chief architects of a new zoning ordinance in the works for Vicksburg has been placed in charge of enforcing its requirements once approved.

The city board Wednesday named Eric Womack Vicksburg’s zoning administrator, a responsibility that formerly rested with the inspection department.

Womack, assistant city planner, said he will begin immediately by tightening enforcement of existing zoning laws while waiting for the new ordinance to be approved.

“You will probably be getting some phone calls from some angry people next week,” Womack told city officials in the board meeting.

Womack said he planned to target signs that block visibility at intersections and signs that encroach on the city’s right of way.

“Signs on the right of way would be illegal under either ordinance, and that’s what I’ve been told to focus on,” he said.

Mayor Robert Walker said the change was a matter of putting like responsibilities together.

“We’ve been working for several years trying to get our zoning ordinance worked out, and it’s in the review stage right now with the legal department,” Walker said. “What this is going to allow us to do is hit the ground running.”

In other business, the city:

Received a recommendation that the Shlenker House at 2212 Cherry St. be designated a Vicksburg Landmark.

Allocated $4,500 for fiscal 2000 and $4,500 for fiscal 2001 to the Child Abuse Prevention Center.

Approved the use of live animals in a Christmas display at First Baptist Church from Dec. 13 through Dec. 17.

Approved a $1,000 facade grant from the Main Street Taxing District fund to Hill City News and Novelty for the front windows that were restored to their original appearance.

Approved a $7,500 payment to the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Approved the 13th Annual Halloween Parade in downtown Vicksburg on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.

Announced that city employees will receive Thanksgiving off along with the following day, a Friday; employees will be off on Christmas Day, a Monday, along with the following day; and Veterans Day, Nov. 11, falls on a Saturday but will be observed the following Monday. New Years Day, which falls on a Monday, will also be a holiday.

Approved the request of the Vicksburg Jaycees to sponsor the Ernie Meyers Memorial Christmas Parade on Dec. 2.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for concrete pipe and manholes, and a 12-inch sewer bore.