On Monday the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen:

* Approved board meeting minutes from Sept. 25, 29 and 30, 2008.

* Witnessed the oath of office and appointment of three new Vicksburg Police officers: Darnisha Cash, Murry Chappelle and Rodney Lehman.

* Awarded sealed bids totalling $168,183.50 to Dirt Works Inc. of Vicksburg for drainage projects in the Hills of the Valley subdivision and on Halls Ferry Road.

* Approved rental and labor rate changes for the Vicksburg Auditorium. Larry Gawronski, executive director of the company that manages the convention center and auditorium, said rental rates for non profit groups are going from $200 to $300 per day, while standard rates are rising to $500 per day from $300. Labor rates are rising from $12.50 per hour per employee to $15.

* Appointed Derek Adams to fill the unexpired term of Ann Jones on the Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium Advisory Board. Adams is senior financial adviser at Ameristar Casino and Hotel, and his term on the board will expire on July 24

* Authorized the mayor to execute a revised contract with the Historic Preservation Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for National Register of Historic Places nomination fees. 

* Accepted a letter establishing special assessment and adopted a resolution for cutting and site clearing of 110 Colonial Drive, owned by U.S. Bank Custodian, and 0 Hunt St., owned by Pine Hills Land Co.

* Discussed dilapidated building and overgrown lot codes, and authorized Director of Building and Inspection Victor Gray-Lewis to proceed to cut, clean and/or demolish property at 209 Williams St. Properties at 173, 40, 75, 153 and 183 Williams St. were granted a 30-day extension.

* Approved budget modification for the fiscal year 2007 state law enforcement terrorism prevention grant program.

* Approved a budget amendment to transfer $339.22 from the Triad supplies category to the Triad services category.

* Authorized mayor to execute a $500 contract with the Battlefield Inn for a Vicksburg Senior Center lunch banquet Dec. 12.

* Authorized the mayor to execute a $400 contract with Jerrell Cooper for entertainment at a Vicksburg Senior Center lunch banquet on Dec. 12.

* Approved a request to declare a badge as surplus property for retired fireman Lt. Dale McDuff.

* Reappointed Tommie Rawlings to the Vicksburg Planning and Zoning Commission.

* Approved allocation of funds to The Initiative Inc. in the amount of $21,972.24.

* Approved the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Nov. 27 and 28; Christmas, Dec. 25 and 26; and New Years, Jan. 1 and 2.

* Approved a $180 contribution to the Make-A-Promise Coalition.

In executive session, the board:

* Approved an action form for one employee in the fire department.

* Approved six pay adjustments for employees in the fire (4), vehicle maintenance and inspection departments.

* Approved the termination of one employee in the fire department.

* Discussed one litigation matter.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, room 109, 1415 Walnut St.