[7/8/03]The city board officially approved a written policy Monday for use of Vicksburg’s cable channel 23.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the single-page policy that has been in the works for several months without comment. City Attorney Nancy Thomas said that the city-owned television channel has been operating under the policy although it had not been written and approved.

The policy states that TV23 can be used only for government-sponsored events or meetings and prohibits business advertising, political campaigns or requests for donations. The policy does not mention religion or prayer, despite last month’s public outcry after the board suspended prayers before the start of city meetings.

“Why should it?” asked Mayor Laurence Leyens. “Separation of church and state. There’s no issue.”

Last month, city officials stopped prayers before the meetings after receiving a letter complaining that prayers on the government-operated television station violated the constitution. Thomas reviewed the issue and concluded that prayers that have no reference to any specific religion would be permissible.

That policy lasted through a single board meeting before phone calls and e-mails to City Hall convinced officials to reverse themselves and continue the traditional invocations. No reference has been made regarding prayers since then and each meeting has started with volunteer prayers.

The city’s cable television station was created under the previous city administration after negotiations with Vicksburg Video allowed the city to have access to the channel at no cost. Initially, TV23 operated with a couple of handheld cameras and one person, but since Leyens took office, has invested about $238,000 in the station and added three full-time employees.

Additional programming has also been added, including the Warren County Board of Supervisors and School Board of Trustees meetings. TV23 also covers non-profit community events sponsored by the city.

In other matters the city board:

Approved the board meeting minutes from May 23.

Authorized advertising for collection of rubbish and other household waste not collected by Waste Management.

Approved training at the State Fire Academy for Vicksburg firefighters.

Set a public hearing for Aug. 8 to set a special assessment for cutting and cleaning property at 909 Beechwood Road.

Authorized the building inspector to remove from the former Battlefield Mall parking lot debris left after two outbuildings were demolished. A lien will be placed on the property for the amount of work needed to clean the lot.

Entered a contract with a computer programmer to work with the city’s computer department. Officials said that if there is enough need for programing they may make it a permanent position in the next budget.

Authorized advertising for improvements to traffic signals on Clay Street.

Approved the claims docket.

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