[10/26/04]More banners featuring the work of local artists will be placed around Vicksburg under a city agreement with Entergy to use some of the company’s poles.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Monday to enter the deal that will allow the city to install about 23 of the 5-by-2 1/2-foot banners.

About 100 of the privately sponsored banners have already been placed on city-owned poles.

City officials initially planned to install 300 banners along the city’s main corridors, but scaled back the idea after Entergy officials said safety must be addressed. The contract with the city does not specify which poles will be used and the cost to the city will be the unspecified cost of installation.

Barry Graham, special projects coordinator for the city and in charge of the project, was out of town and was not available to say when the banners will be going up.

The city raised about $25,000 from 13 sponsors to fund the project. The banners feature work by local artists highlighting events, culture, history and architecture associated with Vicksburg.

The sponsor name appear on each banner under the artwork.

In other matters the city board:

Approved board meeting minutes from Sept. 24 and Oct. 4.

Accepted a $1,000 grant through Fannie Mae Foundation for a homebuyer education program.

Voted to extend the Shaping Up for the Future Program through February.

Approved purchase orders for new trucks for various city departments.

Entered into a contract with Staffing Solutions for client services.

Reappointed Joe Graham to a new term on the Civil Service Commission.

Approved a $100 advertisement for the Warren Central High School basketball booster club.

Approved a request form the Vicksburg Optimist Club for use of the vacant lot at Kroger, 3405 Pemberton Square Boulevard, to sell Christmas trees.

Accepted the resignation of police officer DaVon Grey.

The City Board will meet again at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 at City Hall Annex.