[06/05/02]Vicksburg officials approved contracts Monday for outside painting and repairs of two city buildings.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the $77,822 projects at City Hall, built in 1903, and the former Carnegie Library building, built in 1916. The work is expected to begin in a few weeks and will take about a month to complete.

City architect David Clement said the work will include replacing glazing on the outside of the windows, minor woodwork repair and repairs to gutters and down spouts. He said the work is being done now before weather begins to take its toll on the buildings.

“We’re already having some minor deterioration problems on the windows,” Clement said.

Renovations were made on City Hall in 1940 and again in 1996. Work was done on the library building that now houses the city planning department in 1994, including repairs after a fire damaged some of the building.

Jabe Nappier Painter of Vicksburg was the low bidder in the project at City Hall at $46,150 and Dillon Construction Inc., of Carriere, Miss., won the $31,672 contract for the Carnegie Library building.

In other matters the board:

Presented a certificate of recognition to Paula Wright with the city planning department.

Approved a new road name, Keystone Circle, off U.S. 61 North. The road will provide access to a subdivision being developed.

Approved a $500 ad for the Red Carpet Bowl Football Classic.

Approved a $125 ad for the Vicksburg Theatre Guild for Fairy Tale Theater.

Approved contracts for three youth programs to be at the Jackson Street Community Center.

Accepted a grant for 15 protective vests for police officers. The $3,053 grant will fund half the cost of purchasing the vests.

Approved demolition of six structures.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for sealed bids for sidewalk improvements along Clay Street.

Approved the board meeting minutes of April 25.

Approved the claims docket.

The city board will meet again at 10 a.m. Monday at City Hall Annex.