Comprehensive Plan City of Quitman, Mississippi

Board of Aldermen: Joe Brooks, Ward 1 Bridget Peters, Ward 2 Ronald Holloway, Ward 3 James Buchanan, Ward 4 Harry Wheat, Alderman at large

Eddie Fulton, Mayor Lisa Harris, City Clerk Edward Kramer, III., City Attorney

Prepared by:

Adopted: December 20, 2016

Table of Contents List of Chart, Figures and Tables ...... i List of Maps ...... ii Preface ...... iii Executive Summary ...... iii Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan ...... iv Components of a Comprehensive Plan ...... iv Findings and Goals ...... v Chapter One: Introduction ...... 1 Location ...... 1 Natural Features ...... 1 Transportation Network ...... 2 History ...... 2 Quitman Culture ...... 3 Chapter Two: City of Quitman Profile ...... 5 Population Analysis ...... 5 Housing Characteristics ...... 13 Economic Analysis ...... 14 Chapter Three: Goals, Objectives and Policy Recommendations ...... 19 Introduction...... 19 Land Use Goals ...... 19 Transportation Goals ...... 20 Community Facilities and Services Goals ...... 21 Plan Implementation Goals ...... 26 Chapter Four: Existing Conditions and Constraints ...... 27 Existing Land Use Categories and Inventory ...... 27 Development Constraints and Restrictions ...... 30 Chapter Five: Future Land Use Plan ...... 39 Introduction and Methodology ...... 39 Future Land Use Categories ...... 40 Chapter Six: Transportation Plan ...... 44

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan

Functional Classification ...... 44 Roadway Design Standards ...... 46 Traffic Counts ...... 46 Forms of Transportation ...... 48 Drainage ...... 52 Chapter Seven: Community Facilities Plan ...... 54 General Government Operations ...... 54 Police Department ...... 54 Fire Department ...... 56 Public Works & Street Department...... 58 Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Department ...... 60 Parks and Recreation Department ...... 62 Solid Waste/Sanitation Department ...... 63 Water and Sewer Department ...... 65 Water ...... 65 Sanitary Sewer ...... 66 Quitman/Clarke County Industrial Park ...... 67 Chapter Eight: Educational Facilities ...... 70 Quitman School District ...... 70 Jones County Junior College Clarke County Center ...... 74 Chapter Nine: Implementation and Plan Maintenance...... 76 Implementation tools ...... 76 Plan Maintenance ...... 78 Summary of Needs/Projects by Department ...... 78

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan

List of Chart, Figures and Tables Figure 1.1 Quitman's Location……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Figure 1.2 Quitman’s Transportation Network…………………………………………………………………...... 2 Chart 2.1 Quitman's Historic Population……………………………………………………………………………..... 5 Chart 2.2: Clarke County 2010 Population Distribution…………………………………………………………. 7 Table 2.3: Clarke County Historic Population…………………………………………………………………………. 7 Table 2.4: Comparative Population Growth for Quitman and Like-Size Mississippi Communities, 1970-2010………………………….……………………………………………………………….. 8 Table 2.5: Natural Decrease and Migration Components…………………………………………………...... 8 Chart 2.6: Population Forecast Comparison…………………………………………………………………………… 10 Table 2.7: Quitman Racial Composition between 2000 and 2010………………………………….…...... 10 Chart 2.8: Quitman Racial Composition 2010………………………………………………………...... 11 Chart 2.9: Quitman 2010 Age Distribution…………………………………………………………………….………. 11 Chart 2.10: Quitman Age Structure between 2000 and 2010…………………………………………..……. 12 Table 2.11: Composition of Population by Sex, 2000-2010………………………….…………...... 12 Chart 2.12: Educational Attainment for Quitman, Clarke County and Mississippi for 2010...... 13 Chart 2.13: Quitman 2010 Housing Unity Types……………………………………………………………………..14 Table 2.14: Pull Factor for Gross Retail Sales in Mississippi and Quitman………………………………. 15 Table 2.15: Pull Factor for Gross Retail Sales for Each Retail Sector………………………………………. 15 Table 2.16: City of Quitman Household Income and Poverty Level……………………………………….. 16 Table 2.17: Median Earnings and Education Relationship……………………………………………………… 17 Chart 2.18: Clarke County Annual Gross Retail Sales……………………………………………………………… 18 Chart 2.19: Quitman Sales Tax Diversion……………………………………………………………………………….. 18 Table 4. 1: Land Use Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30 Figure 4.2: Vacant Land Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………. 36 Table 4.3: Quitman's Vacant Land Use Analysis…………………………………………………………….………. 38 Table 6.1 Average Daily Traffic Counts…………………………………………………………………….……………. 48 Figure 7. 1: Quitman's Emergency Siren Proposed Placement………………………………….……………..57 Figure 7.2: Proposed Quitman Recreational Complex……………………………………………….…………….63 Figure 7.3: Industrial Park Site…………………………………………………………………………………….…………..67

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | i

List of Maps Map Preface.1: Comprehensive Planning Area……………………………………………………………………… vii Map 2.1: 2010 Population Concentration……………………………………………………………………………… 6 Map 4.1: Existing Land Use……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 28 Map 4.2: Septic Tank Suitability…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32 Map 4.3: Wetlands………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33 Map 4.4: Severe Slope…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34 Map 4.5: 100-year Floodplain………………………………………………………………………………………………… 35 Map 4.6: Vacant land Use Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………… 37 Map 5.1: Future Land Use Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………… 43 Map 6.1: Transportation Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Map 6.2: Average Daily Traffic Count…………………………………………………………………………………….. 47 Map 6.3: Current Sidewalks and Recommended Additions……………………………………………………. 51 Map 6.4: Current Drainage Issues………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53 Map 7.1: Fire Protection Districts, Ratings and Stations………………………………………………………… 59 Map 7.2: Streetlight Improvements Plan……………………………………………………………………………….. 61 Map 7.3: Cultural Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 64 Map 7.4: Existing Water Lines, Water Improvements and Water Certificated Areas……………… 68 Map 7.5: Existing Sewer Lines and Sewer Improvements……..……………………………………………….. 69 Map 8.1: Quitman School District………………………………………………………………………………………….. 75

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | ii

Preface Executive Summary The Quitman Comprehensive Plan is a framework for future development decisions in Quitman for the next twenty to twenty-five years. Quitman has its challenges to turn the decreasing population into a growing one but has some unique assets to capitalize on while doing so. Quitman is sandwiched between two water bodies that have endless opportunity for development in tourism and business opportunities. The Chickasawhay River and Archusa Creek Water Park both offer an array of recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists.

Quitman like too many small towns in the United States and Mississippi has begun to decline, in part, due to the loss of its largest and most influential industry. In Quitman’s case the major manufacture was Quitman Knitting Mills, a textile operation. This leaves residents with no choice but to commute to nearby manufacturing centers, find lower paying positions in the city or leave town all together. Not only do the manufacturing jobs leave but also larger retail establishments soon follow leaving residents without easy access to basic needs.

Currently, Quitman’s biggest challenge to development and growth is outdated and unenforced development regulations. An update of development regulation and then adherence and enforcement is vital to achieve desirable and sustainable development. Coupled along with stronger development regulations is the need for infrastructure improvements. Portions of the city are without connections to the sanitary sewer system and portions of the city’s water and sewer systems are under constant repair.

Upgrades to both the water and sewer system will improve conditions for current residents and provide the facilities needed for additional growth. Resolving repair issues with both the water and sewer systems will help improve road conditions. The city relies on Clarke County to maintain a small portion of its road annually. Without infrastructure improvements you can build the best and most up to date housing but no one will live in it because of poor roads and water and sewer service. The City is currently in the process of making infrastructure improvements by working with C-Spire to bring high speed internet to the area.

The Quitman Police and Fire Departments often go unnoticed on a day to day basis unless you have an emergency and require their assistance. These public servants are on duty seven days a week twenty-four hours a day. The city should continue to outfit both the police and fire department with all the equipment they need to ensure the safety of the general public. Improvement of the city’s fire rating coupled with infrastructure improvements will improve citizen quality of life and decrease their insurance premium.

Quitman School District is a major asset that could be the catalyst to attract new business and industry to the city. The school district has recently opened a Ben Carson Reading Room, is

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | iii

working to add a crime scene investigation course, is adding a television station and is in the process of beginning work on a new gymnasium to name a few of its recent accomplishments. Dr. Hawley put it best when she said, “The condition of our school is a direct reflection of what we think of our children.” It is easily discernible to outsiders that Quitman cares about its children.

Quitman will have many challenges to face in the next twenty to twenty-five years. The citizens coupled with an eager administration can make the goals outlined in this Comprehensive Plan a reality. This Comprehensive Plan provides policy guidance for addressing future issues within the context of the framework of the Plan, including population, housing and land use, transportation, community safety, community services and implementation. Further details about these topics can be found in the respective chapters. Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan A Comprehensive Plan is used by cities and counties to establish a vision for the community. Communities are constantly evolving; economic conditions and consumer development patterns have the means to transform, sometimes so fast the communities do not realize it is happening. This document, if adopted and put into action, can be a proactive measure that clearly defines where and how a community progresses.

Comprehensive planning is also a tool used to anticipate future growth and development and to strategize for future decisions and resources in response to this growth. This document can serve as a reference for zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and any maps or official amendments that accompany these ordinances. When major changes are occurring or are requested within a community, the Comprehensive Plan should assist elected officials in a direction they are prepared and excited to move towards. Components of a Comprehensive Plan The State of Mississippi Legislature defines minimum requirements for a Comprehensive Plan (Mississippi Code § 17-1-1). The City of Quitman’s Comprehensive Plan addresses each of the following and elaborates further in the chapters to come.

 Goals and Objectives are prepared for a long range planning period of 20 to 25 years. They should include but are not limited to matters regarding residential, commercial and industrial development; open space and recreation; street or road improvements; and community facilities.

 Land Use Plan, either in map or policy form, outlines the proposed distribution of land uses for residences, commerce, industry, recreation, and public/quasi-public facilities. Further information should be included to clearly define each proposed land use.

 Transportation Plan should be represented in map form and identify the proposed functional classifications for existing and proposed roadways. This plan should cover the

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | iv

same land area as defined by the Land Use Plan and cover the same planning period as the Goals and Objectives. Functional classifications for roadways include arterial, collector, and local.

 Community Facilities Plan addresses issues such as the following: housing, schools, public safety, parks and recreation, public buildings and facilities, utilities, and drainage. Findings and Goals 1) Significant Finding – The City should be consistent and diligent in enforcing regulations. Recommendations:  Adopt new building codes and development regulations.  Ensure that building code enforcement and development regulations are under the direction of a properly trained building inspector or zoning administrator.  Set measurable goals and objectives for each budget year.  Increase fees, if needed, to offset cost of training staff.

2) Significant Finding – The City needs better infrastructure. Recommendations:  Identify infrastructure in need of upgrade and/or replacement.  Set up a replacement schedule for infrastructure and budget.  Set up a capital improvements program to fund infrastructure projects going forward.

3) Significant Finding – The City should improve it curb appeal. Recommendations:  Adopt and enforce Unkempt Property Ordinance.  Adopt and enforce Architectural Design Guidelines for commercial structures.  Adopt and enforce Minimum Rental Property Standards Ordinance.  Adopt and enforce Sign Ordinance.  Strictly enforce new building codes and development regulations.

4) Significant Finding – The City should look at zoning on map and in text. Recommendations:  Update Zoning Ordinance and Map.  Add Medical District Zone to reflect Health Care Zone Plan.  Add a zoning district that encourages mixed use development.  Possibly rezone areas to encourage redevelopment or new development.

5) Significant Finding – Public facilities improvements are needed. Recommendations:  Make necessary infrastructure improvements to streets and water and sewer systems.  Work with Clarke County and Quitman School District to make improvements to City Recreational Park.  Hire architect to expand city hall.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | v

 Make improvements to city parks as budget allows.

6) Significant Finding – The City should encourage development of affordable rental and owner occupied housing. Recommendations:  Identify and log all vacant or abandoned buildings and vacant or abandoned lots and encourage their reuse or redevelopment.  Encourage the establishment of neighborhood associations and/or home owners associations to promote redevelopment and property upkeep.  Pursue developers that construct affordable housing.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | vi

Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162

C 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B o d m Cedar Crk 1 an L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139 W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 S t Co Rd 678 1 G a y 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br S t Underwood Ln l in n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd r B K a t h y D e t B k m a n S t e c t y

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv

CoRd 686

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0

White O a k 18 2

Co Rd 123 1

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln Legend21 22 o 20 22 23 24 19 21 C Gas Pipelines 145 Electrical Transmission Lines Sections Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 QuitmanC o C R 115

Black Crk Comprehensived Planning Area

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 Clarkco State0 Park R15 E R16 E Co R 116 Covington Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map Preface.1 Co

Co Rd 1141 Co Rd 1151 Comprehensive Planning Area

Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Information City of Quitman, Mississippi System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. Date: January 14, 2013 2014 Comprehensive Planvii Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter One: Introduction Location Quitman is the county seat of Clarke County, Mississippi, and is located in the East Central portion of Mississippi. Quitman is approximately 24 miles south of Meridian, Mississippi; 70 miles northeast of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and 115 miles east of Jackson, Mississippi. It is also within in a few hours’ drive of Mobile, Alabama, and Birmingham, Alabama; both major metropolitan areas. Figure 1.1 Quitman's Location

Natural Features The city has a total area of 5.9 square miles, of which 5.2 square miles is land (87.7%) and 0.7 square miles of it is water (12.3 %). The City of Quitman is home to Archusa Creek Water Park, and the Chickasawhay River forms a portion of the cities boundary to the west. Clarkco State Park lies approximately two miles northeast of the city.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Transportation Network United States Highway 45 is a major north/south corridor connecting Mississippi and Alabama. It passes just east of the city of Quitman and is a regional transportation network. Upgrades to the route make U.S. Highway 45 a four-lane from the Alabama state line to the Tennessee state line. U.S. Highway 45 connects Quitman to Mobile, Alabama, and the State Capital, Jackson, Mississippi, via Interstate Highway 20. Mississippi Highway 18 also provides a link to the State Capital. Figure 1.2 Quitman’s Transportation Network

History Quitman started as an Indian settlement and evolved into the county seat of government. On February 13, 1839 Quitman was official recognized as municipality by the State of Mississippi. The land that Quitman sits on was added to Mississippi as part of the 1930 Choctaw Cessions. Quitman was named for General John A. Quitman. General Quitman served in the Mexican- American War, in the Mississippi House of Representatives, as Chancellor of the state, twice as Governor, in the Mississippi Senate, and in the United States House of Representatives.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 2

Chapter 1: Introduction

Quitman Culture As a small town Quitman has many several annual festivals, parades and activities every year and new events spring up every year. The Annual Juneteenth Celebration of "FREEDOM" is held at Sumrall Park and includes music, dance, arts & crafts, vendors, and a one-on-one basketball competition. An annual Christmas Parade is held downtown during the month of December. Archusa Water Park also holds an annual fireworks display to celebrate the 4th of July and the Clark County Forestry and Wildlife Festival. The Clark County Forestry and Wildlife Festival features Gospel, country and bluegrass music, and other day-long entertainment: arts and crafts, children’s activities, food, exhibits, motorcycles, and lots more. Arts in the Park is a new event for Quitman started in 2014. The event included a talent contest, Easter egg hunt, children’s activities, artist painting, pottery making, food, and handmade arts and crafts vendors.

Media & Newspaper Quitman is a small community of less than 2,500 people in a county of less than 17,000 people. This means that they rely heavily on media sources from outside of the local community. Local Television News comes from ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates located in Meridian. Quitman does have both a local newspaper and two radio stations.

Newspaper  Clarke County Tribune

Radio  WMSO, 98.9 FM (Contemporary Christian)  WQMS, 1500 AM

Education

Post-Secondary Educational Institution  Clarke County Vocation Center  Jones County Junior College Clarke County Center (10 minutes away in Stonewall)

Quitman Public School  Quitman Lower Elementary School (K-2)  Quitman Upper Elementary School (3-5)  Quitman Junior High School  Quitman High School  Clarke County Career and Technology Center

Transportation Quitman may be a small community but it has access to the three main modes of transportations: air, auto and rail. Pedestrians also have sidewalks to travel on in downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 3

Chapter 1: Introduction

Railroads Quitman is served by the Meridian Southern Railway. The Meridian Southern Railway is a short line freight line connecting to Norfolk Southern in Meridian. It serves Meridian, Quitman, and Waynesboro. The nearest existing passenger is available via Amtrak in Meridian, Mississippi.

Air Transportation Clarke County Airport is located at 429 County Road 153, approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Quitman. Clarke County Airport handles approximately 5,000 aircraft annually and is home to 12 aircraft. Meridian Regional Airport is the nearest airport with limited commercial service.

Highways United States Highway 45 runs through Quitman on its way from Ontonagon, Michigan, to Mobile, Alabama, and connects to Interstates 20 and 59, 26 miles north of Quitman. Mississippi Highway 18 connects Grand Gulf, Mississippi, to the Alabama State Line and County Road 20, 19 miles east of Quitman. Mississippi Highway 18 also connects Quitman to Interstates 59, 12 miles west of the city.

Sidewalks and Trails Quitman has a good system of sidewalks along Archusa Avenue and extending one block in either direction. These sidewalks follow the traditional grid pattern of the street network in the Central Business District. Sidewalks become scarce and not existent in many of the city’s residential area. Those sidewalks that exist in the residential areas are in various conditions ranging from new to deteriorated.

Sidewalks were of lesser importance after World War II when automobile mass production made automobiles readily available and affordable. The automobile-centric society has continued to move forward and leave sidewalks behind in many areas. The addition of sidewalks would allow residents another mode of transportation and provide exercise space for citizens, who have become more and more affected by the obesity crises in the United States and Mississippi.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 4

Chapter 2: City Profile

Chapter Two: City of Quitman Profile This chapter compiles information, such as population, race, age, housing, and economics, to establish a community profile of Quitman. The majority of this information is recorded by the United States Census Bureau every ten years. However, some detailed data from the Census Bureau is updated yearly via estimates and the American Community Surveys. These additional sources and estimates were used to include valuable data where appropriate. Establishing a current community profile is useful in order to understand how the City has evolved over time and how it might continue to evolve into the future. Population Analysis

City of Quitman Since 1900, the City of Quitman has experienced a general increase in population, as would be expected. From 1900 to 1990, Quitman never experienced two census periods with a decrease in population; it did experience losses in population in 1940 and 1980. During that ninety year period the average growth rate of Quitman was 24%, every ten years, with the highest growth rate being 91% in 1910 and the lowest rate being -21% in 1940. In 2000 and 2010, Quitman experienced decreases in population, with negative growth rates of approximately -10% and - 6%. Quitman has gained approximately 1,300 people over the past 100 years, increasing from 950 to over 2,300 residents. Chart 2.1 Quitman's Historic Population 2010 2,323 2000 2,463 1990 2,736 1980 2,632 1970 2,702 1960 2,030 1950 1,817 1940 1,471 1930 1,872 1920 1,375 1910 950 1900 498 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 Source: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data

The following map illustrates population concentration by the 2010 Census Blocks. The darker the color the more people living in the census block. The concentration seems to be evenly spread throughout the city. The planning area is most heavily populated in the northern and eastern sections.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 5

Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162

C 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B o d m Cedar Crk 1 an L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv Legend

CoRd 686

d Gas Pipelines

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0 Electrical Transmission Lines Sections White O a Quitman k 18 Comprehensive Planning Area 2

Co Rd 123 1 Clarkco State Park

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 21 22 o 20 22 23 24 19 2010 Population Concentration 21 C P0120001Number of Residents 145 0 1 - 29 Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 30 - 62 C o C R 115

Black Crk 63 - 125 d

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 126 - 277 0 R15 E R16 E Co R 116 Covington Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 2.1 Co

Co Rd 1141 Co Rd 1151 2010 Population Concentration Map City of Quitman, Mississippi Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan6 Date: January 14, 2013 Chapter 2: City Profile

Other Clarke County Communities Historically, the City of Quitman has been the largest incorporated place in Clarke County. In 2010 Quitman represented 14% of the county’s population. There are four other incorporated areas in Clarke County; they are Enterprise, Pachuta, Shubuta and Stonewall. Enterprise makes up 3% of the county, Pachuta 2%, Shubuta 3% and Stonewall 6%. Chart 2.2 shows, how the City of Quitman stacks up to other communities and the unincorporated portion of Clarke County. It is possible that some of Quitman’s losses in population can be attributed to growth in other Clarke County municipalities and incorporated areas. Between 2000 and 2010, 1990 and 2000, and 1970 and 1980 when Quitman experienced a decrease in population; other incorporated areas experienced an increase in population. These increases were not equal to the losses that Quitman experienced, so it’s safe to say part of the population was lost to areas outside of Clarke County. The population lost from 2000 to 2010 was most likely to areas outside of Clarke County. Chart 2.2: Clarke County 2010 Population Distribution

72%

14%

3% 2% 3%

City of Quitman Enterprise Pachuta Shubuta Stonewall Unincorporated Clark County Source: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data

Table 2.3: Clarke County Historic Population Decennial Census for Places in Clarke County 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 City of Quitman 498 950 1,375 1,872 1,471 1,817 2,030 2,702 2,632 2,736 2,463 2,323 City's change overtime 452 425 497 -401 346 213 672 -70 104 -273 -140

Enterprise 739 877 700 691 757 691 532 458 607 477 474 526 Pachuta 131 187 332 273 313 273 271 271 256 268 245 261 Shubuta 451 1,168 912 720 756 782 718 602 626 577 651 441 Stonewall Unincorporated 1,015 1,126 1,161 1,345 1,148 1,149 1,088

Incorporated Clarke County 1,819 3,182 3,319 3,556 3,297 4,578 4,677 5,194 5,466 5,206 4,982 4,639 Unincorporated Clark County 15,922 18,448 14,608 16,123 17,299 14,784 11,816 9,855 11,479 12,107 12,973 12,093

Clarke County 17,741 21,630 17,927 19,679 20,596 19,362 16,493 15,049 16,945 17,313 17,955 16,732 County's change overtime 3,889 -3,703 1,752 917 -1,234 -2,869 -1,444 1,896 368 642 -1,223 Sources: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 7

Chapter 2: City Profile

Comparative Population Growth Most cities of comparable size experienced a decrease in population between 2000 and 2010. Belzoni, Drew, Moorhead, Rolling Fork and Rosedale all experienced population decreases greater that Quitman’s 5.7% between 2000 and 2010. Mendenahall also experienced a decrease of-2%. Florence, Lucedale, Macon and Poplarville all experienced grown of more than 10% in the last census period. When you look at a forty year time frame (from 1970 to 2010), Quitman doesn’t fair as well as its cohorts. Only three (Belzoni, Drew and Rosedale) of the comparison cities experienced a negative growth rate, from 1970 to 2010. These three cites all had growth rates of -25% or more and Quitman’s was -14%. The remaining cities experienced some increase in population over the forty year period, ranging from 4% to 925%. The two cities that experienced the largest growth, from 1970 to 2010 and 2000 to 2010, are located in two of the State of Mississippi’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The other two cities, that experienced growth in both periods, are located in rural areas of Mississippi. Table 2.4: Comparative Population Growth for Quitman and Like-Size Mississippi Communities, 1970 - 2010 Population % Change % Change City County 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 70-10 00-10 Quitman Clarke 2,702 2,632 2,736 2,463 2,323 -14.0% -5.7% Belzoni Humphreys 3,146 2,982 2,536 2,663 2,235 -29.0% -16.1% Drew Sunflower 2,574 2,528 2,349 2,434 1,927 -25.1% -20.8% Florence Rankin 404 1,111 1,831 2,396 4,141 925.0% 72.8% Lucedale George 2,083 2,429 2,592 2,458 2,923 40.3% 18.9% Macon Noxubee 2,612 2,396 2,256 2,461 2,768 6.0% 12.5% Mendenhall Simpson 2,402 2,533 2,463 2,555 2,504 4.2% -2.0% Moorhead Sunflower 2,284 2,358 2,417 2,573 2,405 5.3% -6.5% Poplarville Pearl River 2,312 2,562 2,561 2,601 2,894 25.2% 11.3% Rolling Fork Sharkey 2,034 2,590 2,444 2,486 2,143 5.4% -13.8% Rosedale Bolivar 2,599 2,793 2,595 2,414 1,873 -27.9% -22.4% Sources: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data Natural Decrease and Migration Over the last ten years, Quitman’s population decline can be attributed to both a natural decrease and an out-migration. However, the natural decrease contributes more heavily to the city’s population decline than out-migration. 122 more deaths occurred in Quitman than births, while eighteen more residents moved out of Quitman than it attracted. Table 2.5: Natural Decrease and Migration Components 2010 Population 2,323 2000 Population 2,463 Difference -140 Growth due to natural increase (Births minus deaths) -122 Total Births (2000-2010) 422 Total Deaths (2000-2010) 544 Loss due to out-migration (2000-2010) -18 Sources: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data and Mississippi Department of Health - Statistics

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 8

Chapter 2: City Profile

Population Projections Population projections determine the population of Quitman at some point in the future. There are numerous methods for calculating these projections. This analysis briefly compares three alternative projection methods and forecasts Quitman’s population into 2040, twenty-five to thirty years down the road.

The first method is a proportional method which forecasts city population based on a proportion percentage of the City’s population to the County’s population. The Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning publishes population projections for all counties in the state. The most recent report was published in 2012 and is based on the 2010 Census. This report only extends projections into the year 2025 which is too short for the planning period of this Comprehensive Plan, but the analysis, for comparison purposes, is helpful.

As discussed previously, Quitman represents approximately 12% to 15% of Clarke County’s population. This is a similar trend prior to the 2010 Census as well. According to Chart 2.6, the proportional method shows a continued decrease in Quitman’s population. However, it does show a slow in the population decrease between 2020 and 2025.

Calculating the growth rate for the City of Quitman over the past forty years produces an average over time which can be used to project future population. As mentioned previously, Quitman historical growth rates range from -10 to 33%. The highest growth rate, at 33%, seems to be a onetime spike in 1970. An average of the other growth rates is -3.6% for a ten year period (or 1 to 2% every five years). The chart below shows this method as the lowest population over the planning period. The population is projected to be below 2,100 residents by the year 2040. In actuality, the City of Quitman will not lose or grow at a constant rate over this timeframe; some years may have higher growth rates than others. It is the goal of this Plan to address issues that are driving the current and projected population decline.

The least-squared method projects a future population based on a linear trend established by a historic timeframe. This trend produces a population projection that is more aggressive than the previous two methods. By 2040, this method projects a population for Quitman just over 2,600 people. According to this population projection most of this growth will occur by 2015, with the population in 2015 being approximately 2,550. This projection method increases drastically (by 10%) in the first five years and then increases very slowly (0.47%) for the next 25 years. Unfortunately, Quitman is unlikely to see the growth this projection show. This growth is unlikely to occur because the Census Bureau estimates Quitman’s population to be 2,299 in 2012 and 2,282 in 2013. The trend that is beginning to show in the Census estimates better reflects the average growth rate and least squared methods.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 9

Chapter 2: City Profile

Chart 2.6: Population Forecast Comparison 2,800 2,700 2,600 2,500 2,400 2,300 2,200 2,100 2,000 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 IHL Proportional Method Average Growth Rate Least Squared Method Source: Slaughter & Associates Calculations The Proportional and Growth Rate methods vary greatly from the Least Squared Method. Quitman has seen an increase of approximately 300 people since 1960, but a loss of approximately 400 people since 1970. Given this information it is possible that Quitman could see either an increase or decrease of 180 to 300 residents over the next thirty years. National, regional and local circumstances can all impact the future growth of and the rate of growth for the City of Quitman.

Racial Composition The racial composition for the City of Quitman has experienced some significant changes over the last ten years. In 2000, the Census reported the City of Quitman racial breakdown as follow: 66% White, 33% Black and less than 1% of American Indian and Other races. The 2010 Census reflects a significant decrease in the White population, dropping by nine percentage points or about 300 residents. The Black, American Indian and Other races saw significant increases, comparatively. The Black population increased by 8%. The American Indian population increased by eight times its’ 2000 population and the other races population increased by approximately three times its’ 2000 population. In comparison, Clarke County’s racial composition remained steady from 2000 to 2010. Clarke County’s racial composition was as follows in both 2000 and 2010: White 64%, Black 34%, American Indian less than 1% and other 1%. Table 2.7: Quitman Racial Composition between 2000 and 2010

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 10

Chapter 2: City Profile

Chart 2.8: Quitman Racial Composition 2010

41%

57%

1% 1%

White Black American Indian Other

Source: United States Bureau Decennial Census Data

Age Characteristics Quitman’s median age (41.1) is slightly higher than the median age (40.5) of Clarke County and considerably higher than the median age (36) of Mississippi. Approximately 51% of Quitman’s population is over the age of 40; this is reflected in the median age. About 28% of the population is school age. Chart 2.9: Quitman 2010 Age Distribution

5% 0 to 9 14% 9% 10 to 19 20 to 29 12% 14% 30 to 39 40 to 49 14% 12% 50 to 59 60 to 69 11% 9% 70 to 79 80 and older Source: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data Chart 2.10 shows that from 2000 to 2010 both the 0 to 9 and 10 to 19 age ranges saw a decline in population as did the 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 age ranges. This combined tells us that families with children are leaving Quitman for some reason. The 50 to 59 age range experienced growth over the ten year period. This age group is particularly important since they are nearing or are in their peak earning potential which can affect the areas potential to attract new amenities. The 60 to 69 age range experienced growth, as well. This is an area that could yield some concern as this age group is retirement age or nearing. If this increase continues over the next thirty years providing health care and amenities for an ageing population is essential for the City of Quitman.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 11

Chapter 2: City Profile

Chart 2.10: Quitman Age Structure between 2000 and 2010 400 41.1 Median Age 2000 & 2010 350

300

250

200

150

100

0 0 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 49 50 to 59 60 to 69 70 to 79 80 and older 2000 2010

Source: U.S Census Bureau Decennial Census Data Composition by Sex Table 2.11 indicates that Quitman is comprised of a larger percentage of females, than Clarke County and the State. However, Quitman did see a slight decrease in the percentage of women from 2000 to 2010. Typically having a greater percentage of females than males would mean there are more children born in the community. As the Natural Decrease and Migration Study above shows that births are not occurring a rate that keeps the population from naturally decreasing due to deaths. Table 2.11: Composition of Population by Sex, 2000-2010

Educational Attainment The City of Quitman’s educational attainment levels are almost equal to those of the State of Mississippi. However, they do differ with Clarke County. Quitman contains a greater concentration of the population that has a Bachelors Degree and a Graduate Degree or Higher with 11% and 5%, respectively. 6% of the population of Clarke County has a Bachelors Degree and 2% have Graduate Degree or Higher. When looking at the the larger educational picture, approximately 77% of Quitman has at least a high school diploma, which can be compared to 74% in Clarke County, 81% in Mississippi, and 85% in the United States.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 12

Chapter 2: City Profile

Chart 2.12: Educational Attainment for Quitman, Clarke County and Mississippi for 2010 100% 2% 5% 6% 7% 90% 11% 7% 13% 80% 6% 21% 8% 70% 24% 60% 22% 50% 38% 40% 31% 31% 30% 20% 10% 22% 25% 20% 0% Quitman Clarke County Mississippi No diploma High School diploma Some college Associates Bachelors Graduate Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2006-2010

Housing Characteristics The Census Bureau documents numerous housing characteristics that provides insight into the distribution of owner versus renter occupied units, the vacancy rate of units, the types of units, the year units were built, etc. While the residential land use analysis in Chapter 3 presents general information regarding the types of units, the Census information is more detailed.

Households and Families While many changes have occurred in housing trends, household and family size has not seen much of a change in Quitman. First, we will take a look at the census definitions for a family and a household; this will give a better idea of what the census data says. The United States Bureau of the Census defines a household as follows, “A household consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit.” A family is defined as follows, “A family is a group of two people or more related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together.” The average household size for Quitman in 2000 was 2.37 and 2.38 in 2010, essential remaining the same. The average family size for Quitman in 2000 was 2.87 and 2.90 in 2010, a very slight increase. One, Two, Three, Four and Over Five households all decreased in Quitman, between 2000 and 2010. This would be consistent with the city’s loss of residents. However, the number of five person households did increase by about 32% over the ten year period.

Housing Occupancy Over the past ten years, there was a decrease in overall housing units. In 2010, the Census reported 1,065 housing units within the City of Quitman. Only 10% of these units were vacant, which is down 3% from the vacancy rate in 2000. The vacancy rate for owner occupied units has decreased since 2000, from 3.7% in 2000 to 1.2% in 2010. The vacancy rate for renter occupied units has decreased, as well, from 11% in 2000 to 6% in 2010.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 13

Chapter 2: City Profile

Since 2000, the number of renter occupied units has increased by 18%. Quitman now has 33% renter occupied units and 67% owner occupied units. The percentage of renter occupied units is above both the State and Clarke County percentages, 29% and 19% respectively. As discussed in more detail below, there has actually been a decrease in multi-family units. Therefore, this rise in renter occupancy may be related to the recent economic downturn and the rental of single family or manufactured homes.

Housing Unit Type and Age The 2010 and the 2000 composition of residential units has experienced some changes. The census estimates 70% of all residential units are detached single family homes. Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, represent 17% of the housing stock, which has nearly doubled since 2000. Multi-family units still account for 10% of all housing units. Multi-family structures are where the most change has occurred since 2000. Multi-family structures with 5 or more units now account for 2% of residential units; this is down from 5% or about 40 units. Duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes increased by about 20 units; or increases of 2% for duplexes and 1% for triplexes and quadplexes. Chart 2.13: Quitman 2010 Housing Unity Types

1% 17% 2% 1-unit, detached Mobile Home 10% 5% 1-unit, attached 73% 2-unit 2% 3 to 4 units 5 or more units Source: 2006-2010 Ammerican Community Survey 5-Year Estimates The age of housing units in Quitman is probably reflective of most other small towns in Mississippi. About 74% of the housing stock was built prior to 1980. About 15% was built in the 1980s; approximately 11% was built in the 1990s; and less than 1% was built after 2000. This differs with the age of homes in Clark County. About 57% of Clarks County’s housing was built before 1980. About 18% was built in the 1980s; approximately 17% was built in the 1990s; and less than 9% was built after 2000. This shows that Quitman’s housing stock leans heavily toward older housing units. Older housing usually requires a higher level of maintenance to remain in good condition. The City of Quitman may need to consider housing ordinances or maintenance ordinances in order to ensure properties are well maintained. Economic Analysis

Retail Market Pull Factor is a measure of the size of local retail and its relation to the customers that the retail sector serves. The pull factor is derived by using a mixture of State and local variables that include population, per capita income and gross retail sales. The first step in determining the City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 14

Chapter 2: City Profile pull factor is to determine the trade capture area or the number of costumers a retail sector serves. The following formula is used to determine the trade capture area:

From here the calculation of the pull factor is relatively easy:

This will produce a number that can help determine if the community is getting their retail goods locally or elsewhere, and it will also indicate if people are coming into the community for some retail goods. If the pull factor is less than one it tells us that the community is going outside of the community to purchase retail goods in that sector. Conversely, a pull factor greater than one tells us that that retail sector is bringing in customers from outside the community.

Table 2.14 shows, that overall Quitman is selling retail good to those outside the city limits. Automotive, Food and Beverage, Apparel and General Merchandise, Miscellaneous Retail, and Miscellaneous Services all have customers outside the City of Quitman. Food and Beverage is the largest retail segment being used by those from outside the community. This is likely due to tourism generated by the Archusa Water Park. Lumber and Building Materials is the one sector that Quitman provides retail for but at least some citizens in the community go elsewhere to purchase. There are several sectors that do not have any sales in the City of Quitman. Table 2.14: Pull Factor for Gross Retail Sales in Mississippi and Quitman 2010 FY 2010 Gross 2010 Per Trade Pull Population Retail Sales Capita Income Capture Area Factor Mississippi 2,967,297 42,290,833,603 $ 19,977 2,967,297 1.00 Quitman 2,323 $ 40,186,949 $ 17,619 3197 1.38 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census Data, Mississippi Department of Revenue, & Slaughter and Associates Calculation Table 2.15: Pull Factor for Gross Retail Sales for Each Retail Sector FY 2010 Retail Sales Trade Pull Factor Quitman Mississippi Capture Area Total $40,186,949 $42,290,833,503 3,197 1.38 Automotive $4,156,864 $4,864,020,540 2,875 1.24 Machinery, Equipment and Supplies $0 $2,380,928,455 0 0.00 Food and Beverage $16,592,494 $7,712,477,340 7,238 3.12 Furniture and Fixtures $0 $874,401,484 0 0.00 Public Utilities $0 $4,299,562,194 0 0.00 Apparel and General Merchandise $6,048,299 $7,496,027,042 2,715 1.17 Lumber and Building Materials $529,764 $2,510,439,158 710 0.31 Miscellaneous Retail $4,162,346 $3,339,710,108 4,193 1.81 Miscellaneous Services $1,981,808 $2,580,110,597 2,584 1.11 Wholesale $0 $756,599,485 0 0.00 Contracting $0 $6,088,260,443 0 0.00 Recreation $0 $144,896,142 0 0.00 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census Data, Mississippi Department of Revenue, & Slaughter and Associates Calculation

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 15

Chapter 2: City Profile

Income Characteristics The American Community Survey 5-year estimates that 17.2% of the families and 23.6% of all people in Quitman were living below the poverty level in 2010. This means that a family of three (Quitman’s average family size is 2.87) lives on less than $18,310 a year. The median income for 2010 is $29,155, and approximately half of Quitman earns less than the median income. One-third of households had an income over $50,000. The following table shows a complete breakdown of household income in Quitman. Table 2.16: City of Quitman Household Income and Poverty Level 2000 2010 City of Quitman Number PercentNumber Percent Total Households1,006 929 Less than $10,000 21822%11612% $10 - $14,999 596%799% $15 - $24,999 15415%22724% $25 - 34,999 13213%10712% $35 - 49,999 17117%9010% $50 - 74,999 15716%17319% Over $75,000 11511%13715% Median Income30,469$ 29,155$ Mean Income37,705$ 41,572$ Per Capita Income14,789$ 17,619$ Below Poverty Level Families 16.9% 17.2% All People 23.3% 23.6% Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2006-2010 The following statistics represent the percentage of income homeowners or renters spend on monthly housing costs. A generally accepted standard is those that spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs are cost-burdened. Since 2000 those residents that own their residences have seen their mortgage take a greater percent of their income. The number of homeowners that pay over 35% of their income toward their mortgage has increased from 10% in 2000 to 44% in 2010. Homeowners that pay from 30% to 34.9% of their income toward their mortgage have increased from 3% in 2000 to 14% in 2010. Homeowners that pay from 25% to 29.9% of their income toward their mortgage have increased from 6% in 2000 to 13% in 2010. Homeowners that pay from 20% to 24.9% of their income toward their mortgage have decreased from 10% in 2000 to 4% in 2010. Homeowners that pay less than 20% of their income toward their mortgage have decreased from 71% in 2000 to 25% in 2010.

Since 2000 those residents that rent their residences have fared much better than homeowners. Renters have seen their rent, for the most part, remain the same percentage of their income. The number of renters that pay over 35% of their income toward their rent has increased from 32% in 2000 to 36% in 2010. Renters that pay from 30% to 34.9% of their

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 16

Chapter 2: City Profile income toward their rent have decreased from 6% in 2000 to 4% in 2010. Renters that pay from 25% to 29.9% of their income toward their rent have decreased from 11% in 2000 to 6% in 2010. Renters that pay from 20% to 24.9% of their income toward their rent have remained the same at 8%. Renters that pay less than 20% of their income toward their rent have increased from 43% in 2000 to 47% in 2010.

As table 2.16 shows, the median income, no matter education attainment, is lower in the City of Quitman. As would be expected the median income of a person improves as their level of education improves. The one segment that is important to point out is the median earnings of those that have less than a high school diploma. Those that do not have a high school diploma in Quitman earn a third of what their counterparts do in Clarke County and Mississippi. Table 2.17: Median Earnings and Education Relationship

Employment Base The City of Quitman’s labor force (those over 16 years of age and below retirement age) has decreased 16%, from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, 50% of those over 16 years of age were in the labor force, while in 2010 only 42% was in the labor force. Quitman has seen its unemployment increase from 7% in 2000 to 13% in 2010. Clarke County’s unemployment is 12% in 2010 so Quitman has a slightly higher percentage of unemployed people.

The three top employment industries for the City of Quitman labor force are manufacturing (27%), educational (19%), and retail (15%). These three industries were also the top employment industries in 2000 as well. These industries made up 60% of Quitman’s employment industries in 2000 and 61% in 2010.

The Mississippi Development Authority documents two leading employers in the City of Quitman: Dart Container Corporation with 330 employees and F.C. Meyer Packaging with 40 employees.

Retail Sales The Mississippi Department of Revenue tracks all retail sales for counties and cities. The chart below represents the gross retail sales for the City of Quitman and the gross retail sales outside of Quitman (other towns in Clarke County and unincorporated Clarke County). This chart illustrates the importance of the economy and business in the City of Quitman. Since 2003, Quitman accounts for 27% to 51% of the gross retail sales in Clarke County. Quitman also makes 32% to 37% of the total retail establishments in the County. Between 2009 and 2011, the

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 17

Chapter 2: City Profile

City experienced decreases or an increase of less than 0.5% in gross sales; however, 2012 reflects an increase of more than 0.5% in sales for the first time since 2008. Chart 2.18: Clarke County Annual Gross Retail Sales $200,000,000

$160,000,000

$120,000,000

$80,000,000

$40,000,000

$- 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Quitman Outside of Quitman Source: Mississippi Department of Revenue The City of Quitman receives annual diversions from sales tax purchases made in the city limits. About half a million dollars every year comes from these diversions. Sales tax diversions were at the lowest in 2003 ($430,806). In 2009, the City experienced a peak in sales tax diversions ($560,829). With the downturn in the economy, these sales tax diversions decreased between 2009 and 2010. However, 2011 sales were up; therefore, sales tax diversions increased by 2.5%. Chart 2.19: Quitman Sales Tax Diversion $580,000 $560,000 $540,000 $520,000 $500,000 $480,000 $460,000 $440,000 $420,000 $400,000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Source: Mississppi Department of Revenue

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 18

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Chapter Three: Goals, Objectives and Policy Recommendations Introduction This is an important portion of the Comprehensive Plan in order to identify a variety of future goals for residential, commercial and industrial development; parks and recreation; transportation improvements; and schools and other community facilities. Information within this Chapter was gathered from one-on-one meetings with City Aldermen and City departments as well as from a public meeting including a wide range of community representatives and city residents.

The City of Quitman is thinking progressively in terms of their future whether its land development, population growth, resident amenities, or public safety. City leadership and residents have direct concern for quality of life and how their actions today affect the future of their home and their children’s home. Every comment, concern, or goal expressed throughout this process was based on the desire to change today’s actions in order to better the City of Quitman. This Chapter further documents each of these desires in detail. Land Use Goals

Overall Land Use and Development Findings Quitman’s land use and development is what one would expect to find in a rural area that has become a commuter town for larger nearby municipalities. The development and building codes are antiquated or unenforced, if they even exist. However, this can be overcome. Quitman also lacks quality rental housing whether it apartments or single family housing. The area is also lacking both commercial and industrial opportunity. This is due to the “bedroom” community nature of Quitman. While residents are at work in Meridian or Laurel they are shopping and eating out there as well.

Residential Goals Goal 1: Promote an environment that provides the citizens of Quitman with affordable, attractive and sustainable rental housing. Objective 1a: Adopt and enforce a Minimum Rental Standards Ordinance. Objective 1b: Identify parcels of land suitable for development as apartments. Objective 1c: Identify parcels of land suitable for development as single family rental homes. Objective 1d: Provide water and sewer service to all areas of the city that have potential to develop as apartment or single family housing. Objective 1e: Research and consider offering incentive packages to attract quality apartments and single family housing with amenities. Objective 1f: Adopt and enforce proper building codes. Objective 1g: Adopt and enforce proper zoning ordinance. City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 19

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Objective 1h: Adopt and enforce proper subdivision regulations.

Goal 2: Promote an environment that provides the citizens of Quitman with affordable, attractive and sustainable housing. Objective 2a: Identify parcels of land suitable for development as single family. Objective 2b: Provide water and sewer service to all areas of the city that have potential to develop as apartment or single family housing. Objective 2c: Research and consider offering incentive packages to attract quality apartments and single family housing with amenities. Objective 2d: Adopt and enforce proper building codes. Objective 2e: Adopt and enforce proper zoning ordinance. Objective 2f: Adopt and enforce proper subdivision regulations.

Commercial Goals Goal 1: Promote an environment that provides Quitman with the best possible commercial opportunities. Objective 1a: Adopt and enforce architectural design standards for commercial establishments. Objective 1b: Offer incentives to place businesses in the central business district. Objective 1c: Setup and offer façade grant program to incentivize improvements in the central business district. Objective 1d: Identify gaps in retail offerings. Objective 1e: Market and, if needed, offer incentives to retailer that will fill the retail gaps that are identified.

Industrial Goals Goal 1: Promote an environment that provides Quitman with an array (different types, sizes and pay scales) of industrial uses. Objective 1a: Work with Clarke County and Clarke County Chamber of Commerce to list available industrial buildings and land on both County and City websites. Objective 1b: Work with Clarke County to attract industry to Quitman/Clarke County Industrial Park. Objective 1c: Work with Quitman School District and Jones County Junior College to provide technical training to both high school students and adults, making integration into the local workforce easier. Transportation Goals

Overall Transportation Findings Quitman’s transportation network is a patchwork of aging and non-existent transportation options. The streets budget has been trimmed back so that the city depends on a limited paving work from Clarke County. Constant repair of water and sewer leaks create patchworked streets. This problem cannot be addressed until water and sewer infrastructure has been properly

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 20

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

upgraded and maintained. The city does have a limited network of sidewalks that are mostly in the central business district and are in poor condition as well. Currently, no bike lanes exist in the city limits for cycling.

Goal 1: Maintain City roads to the highest standard possible to adequately serve residents. Objective 1a: Work with the Public Works department and the City Engineer to determine road and bridge improvements needed. Objective 1b: Establish and adopt current roadway design, subgrade, and paving standards. Objective 1c: Add a turn lane to Archusa Avenue to improve traffic flow on to Hickory Street and into the Industrial Park. Objective 1d: Add a loop road south of the Lake to improve access by citizens and emergency personnel if the Franklin Street is impassable. Objective 1e: Extend Railroad Avenue southerly to add an alternative tractor trailer route out of city.

Goal 2: Encourage and promote quality road and bridge construction. Objective 2a: Evaluate options and alternatives for roadway design, subgrade, and paving regulations that standardize construction and also protect the public health, safety, and general welfare. Objective 2b: Publicize and endorse roadway standards as a united administration to ensure the County’s best interest in advance. Objective 2c: Adopt current roadway design, subgrade, and paving standards. Objective 2d: Form cooperative and collaborative relationships with developers to further promote quality private construction. Objective 2e: Build county roads with an adequate subgrade to address soil conditions, vehicle loads, and traffic intensity. Objective 2f: Ensure developers built new roads to appropriate standards before the County approves the final plat and takes over the maintenance. Community Facilities and Services Goals

Overall Community Facilities and Services Findings Quitman’s infrastructure is in need of upgrades and improvements. Improvements to both the water and sewer will improve conditions in the fire protection and street conditions. The streets have been in constant state of repair due to issues with water and sewer lines. Once the water and sewer lines are not in a continually state of repair; street conditions need to be addressed. Currently, streets are not on a pavement cycle and the city has gone several years without resurfacing projects on local streets. Besides infrastructure improvements the city is in need of an expanded city hall and a new or remodeled fire station. The city has also considered expanding the recreational park to include more activity fields and other amenities.

City Administration Goals

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 21

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Goal 1: Continue to provide for residents of Quitman at the highest service level possible. Objective 1a: Upgrade current computer system to better serve the citizens of Quitman. Objective 1b: Assess and address American for Disability Act compliance for City buildings. Objective 1c: Hire an architect to plan an expansion of City Hall using the neighboring building, that includes blueprints and cost estimate for project. Objective 1d: Annually assess all City administration facilities to determine if growth or expansion is needed. Objective 1e: Annually assess all City administration equipment to determine if improvements, repairs or replacements are needed.

Fire Department Goals Goal 1: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of public fire protection as possible. Objective 1a: Support and encourage citizen involvement and service through the volunteer fire department. Objective 1b: Improve water volume and fire protection on east side of Archusa Water Park by adding a water storage tank. Objective 1c: Purchase and install new public protection siren and address system to notify citizens during an emergency situation. Objective 1d: Purchase and install red light hold system to ensure safety of citizens and emergency personal during an emergency situation. Objective 1e: Promote and encourage training and certification for volunteer fire fighters. Objective 1f: At least annually assess the fire department’s vehicles and equipment, as well as the need for upgrades or replacements. Objective 1g: Work with the public works and water departments to paint fire hydrants based on water pressure and volume to better inform firefighters during Reponses. Objective 1h: Inspect the current fire station and determine if current station can be upgraded to meet the future needs of the community or if a new station is needed. Objective 1i: Depending on the outcome of the inspection, hire an architect to design blueprints of remodeled or new station, including cost estimate of needed construction. Objective 1j: Purchase new SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment for department.

Goal 2: Work with the Mississippi State Ratings Bureau to lower the city’s fire rating from Class 7 to Class 6. Objective 2a: Strength the water distribution system so that 2,500 gallons per minute with a residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in commercial areas and 1,000 gallons per minute with a residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in residential areas. Objective 2b: Maintain an annual inspection and operation program of all gate valves in the water distribution system. Objective 2c: Provide an additional fire department pumper of at least 1,250 gallons per minute capacity. This pumper should be properly equipped according to current NFPA standards.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 22

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Objective 2d: The city should provide two (2) full time firefighters on duty twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week supplemented by a volunteer force of firefighters. Objective 2e: Continue to maintain a training program for all firefighters. Objective 2f: Establish a Fire Prevention Bureau. With the Bureau, provide a certified Fire Prevention Officer to provide strict enforcement of a modern fire prevention code. Objective 2g: Adopt and provide for the strict enforcement of a modern Building Code, Gas Code, Electric Code and Fire Prevention Code.

Garbage Department Goals Goal 1: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of solid waste and recycling possible while moving toward becoming a more visible green City. Objective 1a: Continue to provide and promote the recycling program to reduce landfill waste being produced. Objective 1b: Replace knuckle boom truck and trailer to continue weekly rubbish removal service. Objective 1c: Evaluate and add new personnel to the Garbage and Streets Department as necessary. Objective 1d: Consider alternative fuel garbage trucks as equipment is replaced. Objective 1e: Work with Clarke County to begin a composting program to reduce landfill waste being produced.

Parks and Recreation Department Goals Goal 1: Encourage citywide recreational activity. Objective 1a: Work with Clarke County and Quitman School District to expand Sumrail Park into larger more diverse and attractive park for both city and county residents. Objective 1b: Identify recreational needs and interests. Objective 1c: Upgrade and maintain pavilions and/or enclosed buildings that could serve as community gathering places. Objective 1d: Identify and address, in a timely fashion, upgrading and maintaining current park playground equipment and park grounds. Objective 1f: Identify equipment needed to improve and enhance overall experience of park users.

Goal 2: Take advantage of and support recreational opportunities within the Archusa Creek Water Park. Objective 2a: Maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with Archusa Creek Water Park and Pat Harrison Water District. Objective 2b: Continue to support, in anyway possible, festivals and celebrations held at Archusa Creek Water Park Objective 2c: Work with Archusa Creek Water Park to expand recreational opportunities in and around the Park.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 23

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Goal 3: Take advantage of and support recreational opportunities within the Clarkco State Park. Objective 3a: Maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with Clarkco State Park.

Police Department Goals Goal 1: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of public police protection as possible. Objective 1a: Perform routine maintenance to keep patrol cars in proper working order and replace, as necessary. Objective 1b: Work with county to upgrade to MissWin Radio System at a cost of $40,000 or make necessary repairs/upgrades to current system. Objective 1c: Work with schools to purchase a digital finger printing system at a cost of $20,000 to $25,000. Objective 1d: Work with E-911 office to obtain GPS support for received emergency calls. Objective 1e: Seek state, federal and private grant mechanisms to help fund various training, equipment, or facility needs. Objective 1f: Work with county to design training relevant to both Quitman and Clarke County policing issues. Objective 1g: Upgrade radar detection system to a more current version at a cost of $6,000 to $10,000 for four units. Objective 1h: Upgrade number of patrol rifles to a 1:1 ratio at cost of $20,000 to $24,000 for ten to twelve units. Objective 1i: Hire a part-time Animal Control Officer at a minimum and evaluate, at least annually, if a full time Animal Control Officer is needed to enforce animal control ordinances.

Public Education Goals Goal 1: Support the Quitman school system in all ways that best serves the citizens of Quitman. Objective 1a: Encourage high performance through State test scores. Objective 1b: Encourage the variety of and future expansion of the extracurricular activities provided. Objective 1c: Continue to work with C-Spire to improve internet bandwidth available at local schools and in the community. Objective 1d: Continue to be proactive in discussing classroom practices with parents to improve students’ learning opportunities at school and home. Objective 1e: Continue to provide teacher with training and information on most current teaching methods and resources. Objective 1f: Explore alternative funding options to continue to provide students and teachers with the most important and relative technology. Objective 1g: Work with school board to ensure all future facilities are located in Quitman or within proximity of the city limits.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 24

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Public Works Department Goals Goal 1: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of Code Enforcement and Zoning Administration. Objective 1a: Hire a part-time/contract building inspector at a minimum and evaluate, at least annually, if a full-time building inspector is needed. Objective 1b: Hire a part-time/contract code enforcement officer at a minimum and evaluate, at least annually, if a full-time code enforcement officer is needed.

Streets Department Goals Goal 1: Maintain City roads to the highest standard possible to adequately serve residents. Objective 1a: Upon a resolution of water and sewer line concerns, establish a routine maintenance cycle (ten to twelve years) for all roadway improvements such as resurfacing, striping, etc. Objective 1b: Purchase a street sweeper to help improve the overall visual appeal of Quitman’s road network. Objective 1c: Identify and obtain equipment needed to adequately maintain road network within the city.

Goal 2: Maintain and improve the City’s drainage network to decrease road and private property flooding issues. Objective 2a: Identify and fix the issues with erosion compromising the culvert on Mississippi 512. Objective 2b: Replace two sets of double barrel culverts on Harris Avenue. Objective 2c: Evaluate and clean and flush all culverts, as needed, within Quitman. Objective 2d: Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Back Street (North Church Street) flooding issue to include a solution and cost estimate. Objective 2e: Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Water Street flooding issue to include a solution and cost estimate. Objective 2f: Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Anderson Street flooding issue to include a solution and cost estimate.

Goal 3: Provide the citizens of Quitman with the best forms of alternative transportation for school, work and recreation. Objective 3a: Work with Parks and Recreation Department to gauge interest in pedestrian, bicycle and multiuse paths. Objective 3b: Evaluate the current conditions of Quitman’s sidewalks and identify needed repairs, upgrades and new construction. Objective 3c: Evaluate which city streets will best support on street bike lanes.

Water and Sewer Department Goals Goal 1: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of safe potable water possible. Objective 1a: Began exploring and identifying alternative to Lower Wilcox Aquifer for drinking water source.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 25

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives & Policy Recommendations

Objective 1b: Began exploring and identifying water sources for drinking water, with future expansion in mind. Objective 1c: Improve water volume on east of Archusa Water Park by adding a water well and storage tank to improve fire protection on the east side of the lake. Objective 1d: Develop, adopt and implement a plan to replace all cast iron and asbestos pipes over a specified and realistic time period.

Goal 2: Provide and serve Quitman with the highest level of waste water disposal possible. Objective 2a: Maintain and upgrade equipment as needed to ensure and facilitate speedy repairs when called for. Objective 2b: Study and develop a plan to provide a sanitary sewer to any residents within the city limits that do not have one. Objective 2c: Review City sewer lagoon to prepare for requirements for the removal of nutrients and nitrogen. Objective 2d: Educate citizenry on the hazard of pouring grease into the sewer system and require grease traps in non-residential structures. Objective 2e: Identify and replace older masonry manholes.

Goal 3: Annually review and adjust water and sewer rates to ensure adequate funding for extension, repair and routine maintenance of water and sewer lines. Objective 3a: Annually review water and sewer rates and reserve funds to ensure that adequate funds are available for extension, repair and maintenance. Objective 3b: Prepare a Capital Improvements Plan that includes budgeting for the maintenance of water and sewer systems. Plan Implementation Goals

Overall Plan Implementation Findings Goal 1: Create a forum in which the City receives comments and feedback regarding the implications of this plan. Objective 1a: Following the adoption of this plan, the City will establish a means to measure the effectiveness and implementation of this plan. This task may be accomplished by the planning commission or some other established committee. Objective 1b: The City of Quitman will utilize this plan as a guide when making land use and development decisions.

Goal 2: Facilitate future revisions and updates to this comprehensive plan as needed and increase the comprehensiveness of this plan as activity in Quitman increases. Objective 2a: Quitman should implement a permitting system to track and quantify development activity. This system should not only be for the purpose of determining compliance with regulations, but also to gather statistical information regarding development activity.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 26

Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints

Chapter Four: Existing Conditions and Constraints

Taking inventory of all existing land uses and potential land constraints is an important step in the planning process and directly relates to the future development of the City of Quitman. Further analysis of this inventory will identify growth patterns and opportunities and constraints which will form the basis for a future land use plan for the City. This chapter addresses the City of Quitman as well as a planning area outside the City.

An inventory of land uses was gathered through a windshield survey conducted in March of 2014. City parcel data was available from an outside source and was used for inventory and mapping purposes. Google Maps, Google Street View and Imagery from the 2012 National Agricultural Imagery Program was used to land use the development in the planning area. Collecting data in Quitman by parcel allows further analysis opportunities to study land use patterns by acreage and comparable percentages.

In addition to existing land uses, development constraints are also associated with future development. A number of constraints are documented and discussed within this chapter in order to provide a true picture of the development potential of the vacant land. Existing Land Use Categories and Inventory [See Map 4.1] The existing land uses determined during the windshield survey are divided into residential, commercial, industrial, public & semi-public, and vacant categories. This survey not only determines the land use in the City of Quitman and Planning Area, but it also allows for a detailed analysis of the land use distribution in the City of Quitman. Unfortunately without parcel data the same analysis is not available in the planning area but the provided map does show where the land uses are located in the Planning Area.

Residential Land Use The City of Quitman and Planning Area is composed of three main types of residential uses: single family, multi-family, and manufactured homes. Single family homes are the most prevalent land in the City and Planning Area, composing approximately 15.99% of the City’s total area. Manufactured homes are the second most prevalent type of land use, composing approximately 1.3% of the total. Manufactured homes are more abundant in the planning area and along the city fringe. Multi-family are the least frequent residential type in Quitman and the planning area. Only 0.7% of Quitman is multi-family residential. About 67% of the homes in Quitman are occupied by the owner; typically more owner occupied housing units leads to more stable communities.

This land use survey also identified types of residential units in addition to the distribution of land. Approximately 87% of all residential units in Quitman are single family homes. Only 8% of units are mobile homes or manufactured homes. Multi-family units (ranging from duplexes to

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 27

! !

Co Rd 1151 !

Co Rd 166 Rd Co

Co Rd 138 Rd Co C

! Co Rd 1662

Co Rd 1661 Rd Co

Co Rd 1231 Rd Co

C R 130 !

! 21 !

TN 3 TN 2 !

Gates Ln Gates 0 16 21 9 33 28

16 28

! Souinlovey Crk Souinlovey

! Co Rd 169 0.375 UV

512

27 ! Co Rd 114 Rd Co

Co Rd 123 22

Rocky Crk !

W 162 Rd Co 15

t e

34 1581 Rd Co

0.75 O 158 CoRd

3 !

a k 27 10 15 22

UV !

513

C R 1601 R C Co Rd 1141 !

Chickasawhay Riv Chickasawhay o !

C d

R 6

C C

d 1

Co Rd 139

o 1

6 1

! Co Rd 1511

R R

d d

1 St Donald W 2 2 1.5 2 C

5 Mile ! R 26 UV

B 1

18 5 35 23

e 1

c !

WLynda St

m 14 11 23 11 14

G 26

Box Ln a

y C S Harris Ave

t SystemBureauLine USCensusTIGER (MARIS); Files. ResourceAutomated Mississippi Informaton Date: Disclaimer: Source(s):

t Existing Land Use Land Existing Map4.1

Co Rd 129 !

Co Rd 141 Rd Co d

¤ £ ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! 145 Railroad Ave L

! 1

Thompson Ave o 4

o !

r e t 1

Long Blvd Long

August2014 5, t

N Jackson Ave Jackson N Ln Moore a

2 D

S Archusa Ave N Archusa Ave R ! r

Co Rd 1411 d

Co Rd 128

! St E Church

1 5

G 12

Hwy 145 S 145 Hwy 13 !

25 9 Co r

! !

! Chickasawhay Riv

! S Ferrill Ave R

Carter St Carter e

! Thismapisaccurate planningpurposesonly.for

d 156 R C

! !

! y 1

o 5 ! c

Co Rd 1402 Rd Co

Kirkland Ave Crk Archusa 5 !

24 R i

12 13

! m Bailey Ave Bailey ! !

! a

C R 150 R C

! !

! e 1 E r

t L y F

Dogwood Ave Dogwood

C K r 4

r a 0 a Chickasaway Riv Chickasaway n 1

Co1541 Rd t 24 36

h k Kelly Ln Kelly 25 l Meadow Ave

y i Archusa Creek Water Parkn

D o R S d

r 1 t 54

Co Rd 143 C

Co Rd 111 Rd Co Ridgewood Dr 1

Covington Ln Covington Moore Mill Crk 0 18 R 15 E R 15 E 7 Co Rd 1422 R 16 E

R 16 E 6 Co Rd 1431

Co R 110 D

! u

19 e

18 n Welborn Ln Welborn

! 19 30 7 31 30

! C City of Quitman, Mississippi Quitman, of City 679 Rd Co l C a r

o R 112 k

! Park State Clarkco

R C d o

1 1

0 u

Co Rd 680 Rd Co o B Ivy Lk n o 2014 Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive 2014 R t y

m d Co Rd 682 R 29

5 11432 Rd Co 17 a

4 d

Co Rd 687 n 0

Underwood Ln L

! C n Co o

R R Co Rd 678 Rd Co

d 20

d ! 4

4 1 32 4 ¤ £

45 7 C

20 o 8

! R

Co Rd 676

1 Peach Tree Crk

4 Co Rd 686 Rd Co 2

! C o R C d 68 o

5 R

! UV Co Rd 675 Rd Co d

Co Rd 683 18 1 C 4 Fallen Crk

C o 6

o ! R

! Cedar Creek Rd

Existing Land Use Land Existing Legend

6 R 9

d 1

! ClarkcoPark State ComprehensivePlanning Area Quitman Sections GasPipelines ElectricalTransmission Lines 7 52 28 Vacant 33 Industrial ParksRecreation and Commercial Churchor Instiution PublicFacilityor Semi-Public Manufactured Home or Mobile MultiFamily SingleFamily 16 21 9 28 ! 16 21 9 4

Co Rd 685 C

! o

d Co Rd 444

6 5

8 1

! 1

0 Cedar Crk Crk Mill Ivy !

Co Rd 6801 10

C R

! Br Long

R Ln Scrimpshire 1

d 4

0 6 3

10 9 15

22 27

Neal Ln Neal

! 0 15

22 27

TN 3 TN 2 R

Linton Rd Linton

5 Co Rd 6714 Rd Co

Co Rd 442 !

Co Rd 6713 Rd Co 143 R C C

C R 144 R C C 670 Rd Co ! R

o Co Rd 671 1

Co Rd 673 Rd Co 440 Rd Co R 4

5 6 C 1

! 9 Ivy Ln 1 Ln Stevie o

Co Rd 674 Co Rd 6713 R Co Rd 441 d

1 ! 4 41

! ! Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints apartments) account for roughly 4% of all units. These calculations may vary from the 2010 Census information presented in Chapter 1 due to survey methods. The comprehensive planning area is 75% single family units and 25% manufactured homes; the higher percentage of manufactured homes is due to the lack of multi-family units in the planning area.

Commercial Land Use Commercial establishments are considered to be those that operate privately, for profit, and provide merchandise or services. Examples include banks, restaurants, medical offices, law offices and insurance offices. 3.2% of Quitman is composed of commercial land uses. Most of the commercial uses in Quitman are concentrated in the Central Business District between Sycamore and McArthur Street and Ferrill and Harris Avenue. Commercial strips exist on Mississippi 145 both north and south of the Central Business District. Some commercial use is scattered throughout the residential portions of the City and a cluster of commercial exists just east of Archusa Creek Water Park. The commercial land uses are more scattered in the planning area and mostly concentrated along major thoroughfares. A few vacant parcels exist in the commercial core of Quitman and offer opportunities for commercial infill development in the future.

Industrial Land Use Industrial land uses in Quitman are few and scattered through the city. The industrial uses are mostly small light industrial uses with the exception of some logging and container manufacturing sites. 2.9% of Quitman’s area falls into industrial land use category. In the planning area, just northeast of the City Limits of Quitman, there are numerous oil wells that account for all of the industrial land uses in the planning area.

Public/Semi-public Land Use Public and semi-public land uses make up a large portion of land in the City of Quitman. Public and semi-public land uses included government facilities, parks and recreation, churches, cemeteries, private clubs, and utilities. 25.9% of Quitman’s area falls into Public and Semi- public land use category, with the majority being Archusa Creek Water Park. The City of Quitman and Clarke County government facilities also make up a large portion of this category. Public and Semi-public land uses in the planning area are devoted to one of three uses churches, cemeteries, or utilities.

Vacant Land Use Vacant land indicates any property that is undeveloped or being used for agricultural purposes. Most of the vacant land in Quitman is on the city’s fringe with the planning area. However some opportunity does exist for infill development in both the commercial core and neighborhoods of Quitman. 44.9% of Quitman’s land falls into the vacant category.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 29

Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints

Table 4. 1: Land Use Analysis Land Use Category - City of Percent Land Use Category - Planning Percent Acres Count Quitman of Total Area of Total Residential 599 15.9% Residential 543 88.7% Single Family 524 13.9% Single Family 409 66.8% Manufactured Home 50 1.3% Manufactured Home 134 21.9% Multi-family 25 0.7% Multi-family 0 0.0%

Commercial 121 3.2% Commercial 26 4.2%

Industrial 108 2.9% Industrial 28 4.6%

Public/Semi-public 977 25.9% Public/Semi-public 15 2.5% Church/Cemetery/Institutional 36 1.0% Church/Cemetery/Institutional 8 1.3% Public/Semi-public 135 3.6% Public/Semi-public 5 0.8% Recreational 806 21.3% Recreational 2 0.3%

Vacant 1695 44.9% Vacant 0 0.0%

Total City parcel Acreage 3500 92.7% Total Planning Area Land Use 612 Total City ROW Acreage 276 7.3%

Total City Acreage 3776 Source: Slaughter & Associates Field Survey and Calculations

Development Constraints and Restrictions There are numerous constraints that may be of concern when discussing the development potential of vacant land. Not all constraints have the ability to be documented on a map or discussed within this plan. Some constraints may be purely based on the effects of human preferences or decision making. For the purpose of this analysis, constraints to development are divided into locational constraints and environmental constraints. It is important to note that not all constraints are negative; they may be restrictive but have a positive or beneficial outcome. The constraints discussed on the following pages affect growth within and outside of the City of Quitman; they also set parameters for identifying a comprehensive planning area.

Location Constraints Location constraints consist of areas of the City or unincorporated areas that may have certain rules or regulations impacting future development such as Indian Reservations or Historic Districts. Currently none of these exist in the City of Quitman or the Planning Area.

Environmental Constraints Environmental constraints represent specific land qualities that affect future building such as flood zones, steep slopes, wetlands, and soil suitability for sewage disposal. These constraints will be discussed in detail on the following pages.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 30

Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints

Septic Tank Suitability Quitman and the planning area as a whole primarily consists of soil types where the use of septic tank absorption fields is unfavorable or should be limited (Map 4.2). The soil survey produced NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) rates each soil type based on certain characteristics that are needed for adequate performance of alternative sewage disposal systems. Some limitations may be overcome but can be costly. County Health Departments are typically the entities that inspect and regulate the construction of absorption fields. However, the best way to regulate sewage disposal is through a centralized sewer system and to overcome any future constraints is to require a connection to municipal sewer service.

Wetlands The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a National Wetlands Inventory mapping system. The City of Quitman and the planning area is not significantly impacted by wetlands. About 82% is considered non-wetlands and about 2% is lakes. However, about 15% of the city and planning area is documented by the National Wetlands Inventory as forest/shrub wetlands or emergent wetland. Most of the wetlands are located in the southeastern quarter of the city and planning area. The majority of forest/shrub wetlands and emergent wetland are contained along the banks of the Chickasawhay River. See Map 4.3.

Severe Slopes Defining severe slopes can vary depending on the community and location. For Quitman and the Planning Area, severe slopes have been defined as slopes above 15%. This is based on the soil category break down by NRCS. The map does not represent the exact slopes of land but representative soils with qualities that produce specific slope ranges. See Map 4.4. Approximately 10% of the existing city and 20% of the planning area has a slope above 15%.

100 Year Floodplain The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released digital flood zones (DFIRM) for the State of Mississippi. Map 4.5 portrays the most current mapping of flood potential areas in the City of Quitman and the planning area. The City of Quitman and the planning area is hardly affected by the floodway zone which consists of the stream channel and adjacent areas that actively carry flood downstream.

The 100 year floodplain is the most common flood zone used for analysis purposes as opposed to the 500 year floodplain. The floodplain is defined as any land area susceptible to being inundated by flood waters. The 100 year floodplain area has a 1% chance of flooding in any given year; the 500 year floodplain area has a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year.

Approximately 30% of the City of Quitman and 19% of the planning area (21% total) is within the 100 year floodplain or the floodway. In the western half of the City and planning area, areas along the Chickasawhay River are exposed to flooding potential. North of Archusa Creek Water Park, along Archusa Creek are also exposed to flooding potential. The majority of land affected by the 100 year floodplain and floodway is vacant land. Only 9% of the parcels within these zones are currently developed, as commercial, industrial, public/semi-public, and residential City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 31

Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162

C 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B o d m Cedar Crk 1 an L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv

CoRd 686

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0 Legend White O a Gas Pipelines k 18 Electrical Transmission Lines 2

Co Rd 123 1 Sections

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 21Quitman 22 o 20 22 23 24 19 21 C Comprehensive Planning Area 145 Clarkco State Park

Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Septic Tank Suitablity Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Not ratedC o C R 115

Black Crk Somewhatd limited

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 Very limited0 CovingtonR15 E R16 E Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 4.2 Co Co Rd 1141 Septic Tank Suitablity

Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Information City of Quitman, Mississippi System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files; USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: January 14, 2013 32 Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162

C 146 R d Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 11 16 d Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d 1 C R 50 o R o d C Co Rd 1 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 13 o lark 513 14 C C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 Co Rd 14 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 12 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C

Co Co Rd 1411 o Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 46

e 4

r d R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow

R B o d m Cedar Crk an 1 D Ln 3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139 W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Long Br Underwood Ln n S t k l i n r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd B a t h y D r e K t B e c k m a n S t t

y Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS KirklandAve Co R 110

Box Ln Souinlovey Crk 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7 8

Legend Ridgewood Dr Gas Pipelines Electrical Transmission Lines tl_2010_28023_roads 17 5 8

6 RTTYP 13 d R I 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv U

CoRd 686

d S

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0 M; C Sections White O a Quitman k Comprehensive Planning Area

18 2

Co Rd 123 1 Clarkco State Park

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 20 21 22 22 23 24 19 o Mississippi Wetlands 21 C Wetland Type 145 Freshwater Emergent Wetland Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Freshwater PondC o C R 115

Black Crk Lake d

6 29 28 8 27 28 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 Riverine 0

R15 E R16 E 30 Covington Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 Map 4.3 o R C Co Rd 1141 Wetlands City of Quitman, Mississippi Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: January 13, 2014 33 Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162

C 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B o d m Cedar Crk 1 an L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv

CoRd 686

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0

White O a Legend k 18 Gas Pipelines 2

Co Rd 123 1 Electrical Transmission Lines

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 21Sections 22 o 20 22 23 24 19 21 C Quitman 145 Comprehensive Planning Area Clarkco State Park Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111

Co Rd 129 C

Slope Percentageo C R 115

Black Crk 5 to 15%d Slope

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 Above 15%0 Slope CovingtonR15 E R16 E Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 4.4 Co Co Rd 1141 Severe Slopes

Co Rd 162

C 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5

C R 156 C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B o d m Cedar Crk 1 an L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv

CoRd 686

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0

White O a k 18 2

Co Rd 123 1 Legend

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 21Gas Pipelines 22 o 20 22 23 24 19 21 C Electrical Transmission Lines 145 Sections Quitman Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 ComprehensiveC Planning Area o C R 115

Black Crk Clarkco Stated Park

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 100 Year Floodplain0 CovingtonR15 E R16 E Ln

Co Rd 114 0 0.35 0.7 1.4 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 4.5 Co Co Rd 1141 100 Year Floodplain City of Quitman, Mississippi Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: January 13, 2014 35 Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints

uses. Approximately 22% remainder is recreational use with limited structures on the site and the remaining 69% percent is vacant land.

Vacant Land Analysis The land use analysis reported the City of Quitman to have 44.9% vacant land. While this seems to be a large percentage, the previous analysis does not take in to account any constraints on future development. This section will take a look at the aforementioned constraints and how they affect the availability of unconstrained vacant land. The following charts and analysis identifies the amount of land impacted by some of the development constraints discussed in this chapter. The septic tank suitability development constraint is not taken into account in this analysis. As any additional development taking place on vacant land should be tied into the central sewer system. The remaining restrictions prohibit or strongly regulate future development in the areas that may negatively impact the environment. Map 4.6 shows how these constrains are geographically distributed throughout the city.

Chart 4.2 shows, that Quitman has roughly 949 acres of unconstrained vacant land. This analysis portrays the unconstrained vacant land at about 25% of the city versus the 44.9% that the previous analysis presented. Roughly 746 acres of Quitman’s vacant land is constrained in some fashion. The largest constrain on Quitman’s vacant land is the 100 year floodplain that accounts for about 464 acres of the 1,695 vacant acres. Severe slopes also account for 234 acres of vacant constrained land. Wetlands and Utility easement also account for a small portion, less than 2%, of the vacant constrained land. Chart 4.2: Vacant Land Analysis

464ac. 12.3% 949ac. 25.1%

464ac. 12.3%

1,341ac. 35.5% 234ac. 6.2% 276ac. 7.3% 46ac. 1.2%

2ac. 0.1% Right of Way Developed Land Water Vacant Unconstrained Land Vacant Land Constrained by Floodplain Vacant Land Constrained by Wetlands Vacant Land Constrained by Severe Slope Vacant Land Constrained by Utility Line Easement Source: Clarke County Tax Assesor Office, Land Use Survey conducted 3/2/2014, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Serve National Wetlands Inventory, Clarke County NAIP Imagery 2012 City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 36

Co Rd 1402

Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143

Peach Tree Crk C Co Rd 1511 Legend

Co Rd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 25 R 30 27 26 0 Gas Pipelines d 1 4 Electrical Transmission Lines Sections Quitman Vacant Land Analysis Right of Way Water

Archusa Crk Developed Land Vacant Land Unconstrained Vacant Land Constrained by Floodplain Vacant Land Constrained by Wetlands Vacant Land Constrained by Sever Slope Vacant Land Constrained31 by Utility Line Easement 34 35 r 36

Chickasawhay Riv a t t Moore Ln R15 E R16 E

o N Jackson Ave L

W Lynda St T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo T 2 N T 3 N T 3 N

Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow B o m an D Ln

Bailey Ave Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln k e

N ArchusaN Ave

ThompsonAve L n 6

3 2 1 HarrisAve Co Rd 139 W Donald St Long Blvd G a y S t E Church St S t l i n n k r a F RailroadAve E

B a t h y D r e K t B k m a n S t e c t y Archusa Creek Water Park

S FerrillS Ave KirklandAve Co R 110

Cedar Crk

Box Ln S ArchusaS Ave

12 7 10 11

Ridgewood Dr

Chickasawhay Riv

15 14 13 18 R15 E R16 E

0 0.15 0.3 0.6 Mile Map 4.6 Vacant Land Analysis Co Rd 682 Source(s): City of Quitman; Clarke County NAIP Imagery 2012; Clarke County Tax Assesor Office; Land Use Survey conducted 3/2/2014; Mississippi Automated Resource City of Quitman, Mississippi Information System (MARIS); US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files; US Fish and Wildlife Serve National Wetlands Inventory; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey 2014 Comprehensive Plan Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 37 Date: May 2, 2014 Chapter 4: Existing Conditions and Constraints

Table 4.3: Quitman's Vacant Land Use Analysis Percent Acres Sq. Miles of Total Total City Limits Area: 3,776 5.9 Total Available Parcel Area: 3,500 5.5 92.7% Total Right of Way: 276 0.4 7.3% Total Developed Land: 1,341 2.1 35.5% Total Water: 464 0.7 12.3%

Total Vacant Land: 1,695 2.6 44.9% Vacant Constrained Land1: 746 1.2 19.8% Floodplain/Floodway Area: 464 0.7 12.3% Wetlands (Outside FP/FW): 46 0.1 1.2% Severe Slope (Outside FP/FW/Wetlands) 234 0.4 6.2% Utility Line Easements (Outside FP/FW/Wetlands/Severe Slope): 2 0.0 0.1% Vacant Unconstrained Land: 949 1.5 25.1% 1 Other constraints to development may exist that may not have been quantified (i.e. ownership constraints, location constraints, et cetera) Source: Clarke County Tax Assesor Office, Land Use Survey conducted 3/2/2014, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Serve National Wetlands Inventory, Clarke County NAIP Imagery 2012

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 38

Chapter 5: Future Land Use

Chapter Five: Future Land Use Plan Introduction and Methodology In order to comply with Mississippi enabling legislation, the Future Land Use Plan must designate in map or policy form the proposed general distribution and extent of the proposed land uses. The Future Land Use Plan serves two purposes. First, it provides for the general physical location of expected future development. The second purpose is to create order among the existing land uses.

In preparing a Future Land Use Plan, a necessary and responsible step is that of considering environmentally sensitive areas. Some may see these areas as worthy of some degree of preservation, while other may see them as a constraint to development. Through the use of good design techniques, some of these environmentally constrained areas may be developed while preserving the sensitive areas at the same time. The existing land use chapter talks in detail about specific constraints which assisted in the preparation of this Future Land Use Plan. Also considering existing and planned infrastructure, projected future growth, as well as environmental constraints will help to inform the future land use plan and insure development happens in an orderly way, which will be cost effective for the city.

This section establishes policies that will shape how and where future development occurs. These policies cannot prevent all negative things or incompatible uses from happening, but they will introduce some control and guide future decisions. This section, along with the entire Comprehensive Plan, can promote these ideals even further. This chapter focuses on the ideal location for certain land uses, the ideal mixture of land uses, and the ideal intensity of land uses by translating portions of the previous chapter into map form.

Even though Quitman is a rural city with lots of agriculture and open space within its city limits and surrounding, there are a number of potentially undesirable or “obnoxious neighbor” land uses that need to be addressed by specific policies that define and control these uses. Some of these uses overburden the City resources such as heavy-haul trucking, and other uses inconvenience adjacent neighbors or cause potentially hazardous conditions, such as junkyards, gravel pits, or concrete plants. When activities on one property “spillover” and cause a burden and danger to adjacent property owners, then the government is authorized and required to regulate it. This is not “taking away” property rights, it is requiring accountability for land use activities. For example, regulating junkyards protects the safety and welfare of the citizens by defining a junkyard as a place with 10 or more cars that are inoperable, by requiring such places build a fence, and by requiring that the property be mowed if there are residences within 500 feet of it. Quitman must identify and regulate potentially hazardous land uses.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 39

Chapter 5: Future Land Use

Future Land Use Categories [See Map 5.1] The Future Land Use Map illustrates different land use categories. These categories are color- coded according to the key the map and as represented by the descriptions below.

The Quitman’s Land Use Plan categories future land uses in the following manner: 1. Agricultural Residential 2. Low Density Residential 3. Medium Density Residential 4. High Density Residential 5. Central Business District 6. Highway Commercial 7. Neighborhood Commercial 8. Industrial

The following is an explanation of the specific meaning of land use colors codes depicted on Maps 5.1 contained in this chapter:

Agricultural-Residential Maximum density of one (1) single family detached residential unit per two (2) acres.

This land use classification is intended to describe those areas that are rural in character and sparsely developed. The primary intent for this category is to remain rural and in its natural state as much as possible due to environmentally sensitive characteristics or rural preservation. Most of the agricultural land is located near or around the floodplain and wetlands. These areas are primarily located in the planning area or near the floodplain areas in order to provide a transition of density.

Low Density Residential Maximum density of one (1) to three (3) residential unit per one (1) acre. Lot size could range from one-third of an acre to one acre.

Low density residential serves a transitional use between higher density residential and commercial uses and agricultural uses. This category covers some existing neighborhoods but also applies to vacant land where future low density subdivisions should concentrate.

Medium Density Residential Maximum density of three (3) to six (6) residential unit per one (1) acre. Lot sizes as small as 8,000 square feet are permissible.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 40

Chapter 5: Future Land Use

Medium density residential includes smaller single family lots with detached units and possibly single family attached units or duplexes. This classification is primarily located around the core of downtown where existing development illustrates this pattern of density.

High Density Residential Maximum density of six (6) to twelve (12) dwellings per acre.

High density residential is intended for multi-family units which could range from duplexes, triplexes, and quadraplexes to apartments. This classification is primarily used as a buffer between commercial uses and lower density residential uses. Allowable density range from six (6) to twelve (12) dwellings per acre.

Central Business District This land use classification accommodates a variety of commercial and professional land uses in the downtown area of Quitman. It includes uses that cater to the needs of the nearby residents. It is important that the City preserve the mixture of retail and office uses with the public uses. While the Archusa Avenue serves as a center for public services (city, county and the post office), commercial retail and professional office services are essential to create foot traffic during the day and/or after business hours.

Highway Commercial The highway commercial land use category is designed to accommodate a wide variety of commercial uses. As the name suggests, this land use category is located in areas where businesses require high visibility or are dependent upon traffic volume as a portion of its market base which is along Highway 18, Highway 45, Highway 145, Highway 511 and Highway 512.

Neighborhood Commercial The neighborhood commercial land use category is primarily to serve the needs of those individuals living in close proximity and would accommodate such uses to provide convenience retail goods to the residents. Examples might include branch banks, a deli, or a personal service such as a beauty shop or tanning salon. This classification is located at primary intersections within residential districts. Uses and developments within this category would have a more neighborhood character than other commercial uses.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 41

Chapter 5: Future Land Use

Industrial The industrial land use classification is designed to provide for areas suitable for industrial activities. Such activity typically includes manufacturing, storage or assembly of goods or products but may also include the production, alteration, or reduction of goods.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 42

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 162

! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5

! C R 156 C R 150 1 61 ! d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 !

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 d Co Rd 15 ! C R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 ! 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o lark ! 13 513 14 C C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 !

CoRd 1581 !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22

! Peach Tree Crk Co R C ! d 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 ! Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 ! 0 4 51 1 ! 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 ! 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C

Co Rd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0 ! Co Rd 442 d 1 4

! Chickasawhay Riv 18 ! UV 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o

L C ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N ! C T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R B o d m Cedar Crk ! an 1 D Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave

ThompsonAve L n 5 2 ! 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 y S t Co Rd 678 1 G a 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br UV ! Underwood Ln S t l i n n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd

! B K a t h y D r e t m a n S t B e c k t y

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S FerrillS Ave KirklandAve Co R 110

! Box Ln £45

¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveS ! Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

! Ridgewood Dr Legend

! Quitman

! Comprehensive Planning Area 17 5 8

6 13 ! Gas Pipelines d

! R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o Electrical Transmission Lines 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv o

! Railroads Co Rd 686

d 125 1 Sections o R 1 C ! 0 Archusa Clarkco State Park White O ! a k Future Land Use

! Agricultural Residential

18 2

UV 1 Co Rd 123

Co Rd 1231 Low Density Residential Chickasaway Riv

! R Gates Ln 20 21 22 23 24 19 o Medium Density Residential 21 22 C

! High Density Residential 145 Central Business District

¤£ ! Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Neighborhood Commercial Co Rd 111

Co Rd 129 C

o C R 115 ! Highway Commercial

Black Crk d

Industrial 6 28 8 27 Rocky Crk ! 29 28 27 26 25 0

R15 E R16 E 30 !! Covington Ln !

! ! ! Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! R ! ! Map 5.1 Co !

! ! Co Rd 1141 Future Land Use

! Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Informaton City of Quitman, Mississippi System (MARIS); US Census Bureau! TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer:This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. Date: January 14, 2016 2015 Comprehensive Plan 43 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 6: Transportation

Chapter Six: Transportation Plan Transportation is an important component of the comprehensive planning process because future development, economic growth, and quality of life are all tied to and influenced by the transportation system. The transportation system for the City of Quitman consists primarily of vehicular and pedestrian. Vehicular systems in Quitman influence the physical framework of the City more so than others.

Quitman has two main transportation corridors that divide the city and planning area into four quarters. U.S. Highway 145 (Archusa Avenue) runs north and south through the city. Mississippi Highway 18 and 512 (Donald, Depot, and Franklin Street) run east to west through the city. These corridors have formed the basis for land development, they illustrate how the City has grown over the years; and they reveal potential growth areas. The local streets form somewhat of an irregular grid pattern. The central grid connects to linear routes which reach from the City core into the planning areas. Functional Classification [See Map 6.1] According to the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Functional Classification Guidelines, functional classification is a method used to group streets and roadways into categories based on the level of transportation service they provide. The assumption behind functional classification is that no roadway carries traffic independently; rather, roadways work together to form a network of traffic flow. This overall network helps assign classifications to roadways based on the portion of road used for the network traffic flow.

Transportation planners use three main classifications when determining the level of traffic on roadways: arterial, collector, and local. Any of those classifications can have a sub-classification (major and minor) as well depending on the conditions and transportation networks within a city or county. Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) assigns these classifications for rural and urban areas. The roadway classifications in this Plan are based on the MDOT functional classifications for Clarke County.

Arterial Arterials (principal and minor) serve a higher level of trips and travel density that is characteristic of statewide or countywide travel. Principal arterials typically serve and connect the major activity centers and also accommodate the highest volume of traffic. The only principal arterial in Quitman’s planning area is United States Highway 45. Minor arterials work alongside principal arterials to form an intercounty network linking major cities and towns. Quitman’s planning area includes one minor arterial as well, Mississippi Highway 18. Only the stretch of MS Highway 18 west of U.S. Highway 45 is classified as a minor arterial.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 44

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 162

! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5

! C R 156 C R 150 1 61 ! 1 d Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 ! 5 E R 15 E R 16 5 1 d Co R C d 15 ! R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 ! 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o lark ! 13 513 14 C C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22

! Peach Tree Crk Co R C ! d 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 ! Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 ! 0 4 51 1 ! 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 ! 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30 !

Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

! Co Rd 442 d 1 4

! 33

! Chickasawhay Riv 18 ! 34 r UV 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 34 35 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o

L C ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c im a r L n 679 Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N

C T 3 N !

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R B o d Cedar Crk ! m an 1 D Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 4 5 k Co Rd 675

e Co Rd 676

N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L n 5 2 ! 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br UV ! Underwood Ln S t l i n n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd

! a t h y D r B e K t m a n S t B e c k t y Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S FerrillAve S Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

! Box Ln £45

¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S ! Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

! Ridgewood Dr

! 17 5 8

6 13 d

! R 15 18 o 16 14 Co RdCo Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv Legend o

Co Rd 686

R d Electrical Transmission Lines

125 1 o Rd 1 ! C ! 0 Gas Pipelines Sections White ! O a k Quitman

! Comprehensive Planning Area

18 2

Co Rd 123 UV 1

1 Clarkco State Park Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv

! R Gates Ln 21 22 23 24 19 o 20 Functional Classification 21 22 C

! Principal Arterial 145 Minor Arterial ¤£ ! Co Rd 128 Fallen CrkMajor Collector Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Minor CollectorC o C R 115 !

Black Crk Local Streets d

6 29 28 8 27 27 Rocky Crk 26 ! 25 28 30 Future Local Street0 !! Covington E R 15 E R 16 Ln !

! ! ! Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! ! R ! Map 6.1 Co ! ! ! Co Rd 1141 Transportation Plan

! Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated Resource Informaton System ! (MARI S); Missi ssi ppi City of Quitman, Mississippi Department of Transportaton; US Cens us Bur eau TIGER Line Files. !

Disclaimer: This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: December 1, 2014 45 !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 6: Transportation

Collector Where arterials function as statewide connections, collector roads (major and minor) serve the countywide traffic network. They collect and distribute the network of traffic from local roads to arterials. Quitman has major and minor collectors identified. Major collectors play a more significant role in the transportation network than do minor collectors. Major collectors in Quitman include the County Road 511 corridor; the United States Highway 145 corridor, north and south of its junction with Mississippi Highway 18; the Mississippi Highway 512 corridor, west of U.S. Highway 145; the Mississippi Highway 513 corridor; the Mississippi Highway 18 corridor, east of U.S. Highway 45. The only minor collector in Quitman’s planning area is County Road 150.

Local Local roadways connect and carry traffic from adjacent land uses to roadways of higher classification for dispersal of traffic flow. For the City of Quitman and the planning area, these would include all other county and city roadways with less traffic than the collectors. Roadway Design Standards The City of Quitman has developed specific design standards for all roadway classifications. These standards set minimum requirements for right-of-way, pavement and drainage ditches. For detailed information regarding these standards, refer to the City of Quitman Subdivision Regulations. The one item that the subdivision regulation does not address is sidewalks. In an automobile centric city, such as Quitman, sidewalks do not play a heavy role in transportation. Sidewalks do however provide an additional recreational opportunity and an alternative mode of transportation to be discussed later in this chapter. Going forward the City of Quitman should consider adopting a new or amending the currently subdivision regulations to include a requirement for sidewalks going forward. Traffic Counts Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) conducts a series of traffic count surveys in order to produce statewide data for vehicle-miles-traveled. These surveys are conducted yearly but specific survey points in cities or counties may only be updated every three years; MDOT cannot count each traffic survey point every year. MDOT uses the data collected at each survey point to calculate the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT). These are the numbers produced for public use.

There are seventeen survey points in Quitman and the vicinity. They are places along the main transportation corridors which are identified in the Transportation Plan (Map 6.1). For this Comprehensive Plan, traffic counts were analyzed yearly from 2003 to 2012. Eight of the survey points are in the current city limits of Quitman. All of those points saw a loss of traffic volume saw a decrease with the exception of one. Table 6.1 shows, Brown Avenue saw consistent traffic volume over the eight years it was surveyed. Donald Street saw nearly a fifty percent decrease in traffic volume in ten years and Archusa Avenue, south of Franklin, saw nearly a thirty percent decrease in traffic volume. Points on East Franklin Street, East Depot and MS

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 46

Co Rd 167

Co Rd 167 !

! Co Rd 167 Co Rd 167

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 1621Co Rd 162 Co Rd 175Co Rd 166 C R 1601 ! Co Rd 165 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 ! C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 ! 1 d Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 ! 5 E R 15 E R 16 5 1 d Co R C d 15 ! R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 1 !( 4 5 1 ! 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o lark ! 13 513 14 C C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 C R 144 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22 !(2 ! Peach Tree Crk C 1 o 4 R C C 143R ! d 4 o 1 d 1 5 R R 2 d o 1 C ! Co R 4 Stevie Ln d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 ! 0 4 51 1 ! 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 ! 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30 !

Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

4 Co Rd 442 ! d 4 !( 1 !(3

33 Co Rd 441

! Chickasawhay Riv 18 ! 34 Co Rd 440 r UV 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 34 35 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o L C Co Rd 135

C R 137 ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c im a r L n 679 Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N !

C Co Rd 671

Co Rd 137 T 3 N

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R B Taylor Ln o d Cedar Crk ! m 8 an L 1 !( D n 3 Bailey Ave Dogwood Ave 5 0 u Welborn Ln 4 k !( Co Rd 675 5

e Co Rd 676

N ArchusaN Ave 2 9ThompsonAve L n 5 2 !(! 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7 Co Rd 673

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139 7

! !( W Donald10 St Co Rd !( Long Blvd 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk 6 Long Br 11 ! Co Rd 6713 UV Underwood Ln !( t !( i n S l n k r a Co Rd 683 Co Rd 6713 F RailroadAve 12 E Linton Rd ! !( 13 t h y D r a !( B e K Co Rd 670 t m a n S t B e c k t y 14 Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687 S FerrillAve S !( AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln £45 Co Rd 674

¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S ! Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7 ! !(15

! Ridgewood Dr

! 17 5 8

6 13 d

! R 15 18 o 16 14 Co RdCo Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv o

Co Rd 686 16 R !( d Ivy Ln 125 1 o Rd 1 C ! 0 91 6 R

! o White C O a k

Legend !

1817 2

!( 1 Co Rd 123 UV

1 Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv Traffic_Count ! R Gates Ln !( 21 22 23 24 19 o 20 21 22 C ! Gas Pipelines ! 145 Electrical Transmission Lines ¤£ ! Sections Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 QuitmanC o C R 115 !

Black Crk Comprehensived Planning Area

6 29 28 8 27 27 Rocky Crk 26 ! 25 28 30 Clarkco State0 Park Co Rd 116 E R 15 E R 16 !! Co R 116 Covington Ln ! Co R 114 Co Rd 116 ! ! ! Co R 116 Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! ! R ! Map 6.2 Co ! C ! ! o Co Rd 6801 Co Rd 1141 R Co Rd 1151 d 6 Average Daily Traffic Count Locations 90

! Earley Ln Hwy145 S C o R d 6 9 ! City of Quitman,1 Mississippi Co R 115 Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Informaton Co Rd 6911 System (MARIS); US Census Bureau! TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer: This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: December 1, 2013 47 !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 6: Transportation

Highway 18 all saw volume decrease by 14.3%. Archusa Avenue, north of Franklin, saw an approximately ten percent decrease in traffic volume.

Nine other survey points are in the vicinity near Quitman. Two of those points saw an increase in traffic volume. The survey point on southern U.S. Highway 45 saw an increase of over thirty percent, and the survey point on northern U.S. Highway 145 saw an increase of nearly seven percent. Survey points on southern U.S. Highway 145 and County Road 20 have had major decreases in traffic volumes of 33.3% and 39.7%, respectively. MS Highway 18 has saw traffic volume decrease by about ten percent and MS Highway 513 saw volume decrease by about four percent. The decreases in traffic volume in and around Quitman are a reflection of the population decrease shown in Chapter 2: City of Quitman Profile. Two survey points located on U.S. Highway 45 were new collection points in 2012 and yield no valuable data.

Table 6.1 Average Daily Traffic Counts Quitman and Vicinity Average Daily Traffic Count Map #1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2003 2,400 2,700 880 2,500 5,600 7,600 4,000 5,600 5,600 8,800 2,200 8,800 960 2004 2,400 3,500 900 2,500 5,700 7,600 4,000 5,700 5,700 9,000 3,400 9,000 980 2005 2,400 3,500 560 2,500 4,900 5,800 3,600 4,000 90 4,900 4,900 9,100 3,400 9,100 900 2006 2,400 3,600 570 2,100 4,900 5,900 3,600 3,800 90 4,900 4,900 9,200 3,400 9,200 910 2007 2,400 3,100 570 2,100 4,900 5,900 3,700 3,800 90 4,900 4,900 9,200 4,200 9,200 910 2008 2,400 3,000 980 2,200 5,500 6,800 3,600 3,800 90 5,500 5,500 8,900 4,100 8,900 1,100 2009 2,400 3,000 960 2,400 5,300 6,700 3,600 3,400 30 5,300 5,300 6,700 4,000 6,700 1,100 2010 2,400 2,900 970 2,400 5,400 6,800 3,600 3,500 30 5,400 5,400 6,700 4,100 6,700 1,100 2011 2,400 2,900 630 2,400 4,900 6,900 3,600 3,400 30 4,900 4,900 6,600 4,100 6,600 870 2012 2,300 2,900 4,200 630 3,600 2,200 4,900 6,900 3,600 2,700 30 4,900 4,900 6,600 3,200 6,600 870

# Change -100 200 N/A -250 N/A -300 -700 -700 N/A -1,300 N/A -700 -700 -2,200 1,000 -2,200 -90 % Change 0 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 0 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: Mississippi Department of Transporation, Traffic County Application Forms of Transportation

Airports Clarke County Airport is Quitman’s nearest airport. It is located in the northwestern corner of the planning area, off of Mississippi Highway 513. Clarke County Airport is a public airport that is jointly owned by the City of Quitman and Clarke County. The airport has been in operation since the late 1960s. According the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two paved runways are in good condition with the runway markings being in fair condition. As of May 2013, this airport was averaging ninety-one aircrafts operations per week. 75% of that traffic is transit general aviation, 19% is military, and 6% is general aviation. Meridian Regional Airport is the nearest airport with limited commercial service to Atlanta.

Automobile Travel Much of this chapter has already been devoted to automobile travel as it is the most prevalent form of transportation in Quitman. However, improvements to the transportation network in Quitman have not been discussed. The small town nature and the fact that United States Highway 45 lies to the east of the city means that Quitman’s future transportation needs will be local in nature.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 48

Chapter 6: Transportation

The most important of the future transportation project is adding a second road to access the city east of the Archusa Lake. This need is a matter of public safety. Currently, only one route – East Franklin Street- across the lake exists in the city limit. If East Franklin Street were to become impassable a 1.5 mile drive (4 minutes) from the fire station to areas east of the Lake becomes an 8.4 mile drive (15 minutes) on a northern route or an 11.6 mile drive (18 minutes) drive on a southern route. A southern route around the lake would lessen that distance to about a 4 mile drive (8 minutes).

This route could also extend Railroad Avenue south to a junction with unites States Highway 145, redirecting the industrial park’s truck traffic from Archusa Avenue to Railroad Avenue. The cost of this project will vary based on the route chosen, design of the roadway and right-of-way acquisition cost.

Another project that aims to alleviate truck traffic to the industrial park is an Archusa Avenue turning lane. The turning lane would be used to access Hickory Street, which is being used to access the industrial park. This turning lane will keep trucks from making the awkward turn at Archusa Avenue and West Donald Street. This project is expected to cost $440,000.

The final future transportation project focuses on adding new access points for the Quail Run Subdivision and Clark County Villas. Quail Run is located in northern Quitman and is already provided with sewer and water, making it a prime spot for development in the next 20 to 25 years. Quail Run is currently divided into 13 lots but has the potential to be subdivided into more than 40 lots.

However, the only street accessing these parcels is through Clarke County Villas. Clarke County Villas is 60 plus unit apartment complex. This is already too many households with only one access point. Adding 40 more households to a single street would create even more potential public safety issues; if one emergency were to block the road it could prevent or delay help reaching others in the area. Adding a road stretching from Archusa Avenue to Mississippi Highway 513 would create 3 access points for Quail Run and additional access points for Clarke County Villas.

The cost of this project will vary based on the route chosen, design of the roadway and right-of- way acquisition cost. Some of the city’s cost could be off set with an update to the subdivision regulation that would require developers to provide multiple access points. If Quail Run is developed, an additional access point to Archusa Avenue would be sufficient. Provided updated subdivision regulations required any new developments to have multiple access points.

Bicycle Cycling is a transportation mode that is unrepresented in Quitman. From 2000 to 2010 the United States Census reported that cycling had doubled as a primary mode of transportation. This trend is likely to continue as more and more cities invest in cycling infrastructure. Many bicycling improvements can be made with low cost efforts. Bike lanes can be added to many existing streets and “Share the Road” signs can be placed where dedicated bike lanes cannot be

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 49

Chapter 6: Transportation placed. Gauging interest in biking in Quitman would be the first step in determining if bike lanes and signs are needed.

Off-street bike/pedestrian paths or multi-use paths are also becoming more and more popular. These are often extremely expensive and require right-of-way acquisition. Archusa Lake does offer the opportunity for such a trail along the lake on property owned by Pat Williams Waterway District. Partnering with the Waterway District could help defray some of the cost. It could also help bolster tourism to the park and Quitman. Before such a project is started a more extensive study to gauge interest should be conducted as the project would be a multi- million dollar investment.

Pedestrian Quitman has developed as an automobile-centric city. This has caused neglect in its pedestrian systems. Quitman currently has approximately seven miles of sidewalks. Most of these sidewalks are located in the central business district or near schools. The sidewalks in the central business district are in the best condition. Sidewalks in other areas of the city are in various states of disrepair. Some of the sidewalks could easily be repaired, while others need replacement.

Sidewalks and other pedestrian paths have become more popular not necessarily as a transportation option to and from home, school, and work. They have become popular for recreational use for jogging, running and walking. This is one way to help fight the obesity epidemic that is hitting the United States and Mississippi. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 34.6% of Mississippians are obese, which is more than a third of the population. According to this statistic, roughly 804 Quitman residents are obese. Improving the current sidewalks and adding new ones could play roll in Quitman and Mississippi becoming less obese.

Improving the current sidewalks and adding new ones could help fight the obesity problem and provide citizen with a new way to move about Quitman. Even though the central business district contains sidewalks in good condition, they are mainly used by the local businesses’ customers’ to walk to and from their parking spot. Not many people use them as transportation from nearby neighborhoods. This is due to many residential neighborhoods not having sidewalks. Pedestrian travel from most neighborhoods would require walking on the street beside traffic, a situation that is not safe for pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Map 6.3 show Quitman’s existing sidewalks as well as residential areas that could use additional sidewalks. These additions would allow for increased and safer pedestrian traffic in the city.

However, sidewalk construction on existing streets can be expensive and time consuming. Adding sidewalks could require the acquisition of right-of-way, construction of curb and gutter, and construction of sub-terrain drainage, as well as other issues. The expensive cost that would be associated with adding sidewalks makes it imperative that as new development occurs

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 50

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 162

! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5

! C R 156 C R 150 1 61 ! 1 d Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 ! 5 R 15 E R 16 E 5 1 d Co R C d 15 ! R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 ! 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o lark ! 13 513 14 C C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22

Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

! Co Rd 442 d 1 4

! 33

! Chickasawhay Riv 18 ! 34 r UV 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 34 35 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o

L C ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c im a r L n 679 Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N

C T 3 N !

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R B o d Cedar Crk ! m an 1 D Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 4 5 k Co Rd 675

e Co Rd 676

N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L n 5 2 ! 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br UV ! Underwood Ln S t l i n n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd

! a t h y D r B e K t m a n S t B e c k t y Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S FerrillAve S Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

! Box Ln £45

¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S ! Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

! Ridgewood Dr

! 17 5 8

6 13 d

! R 15 18 o 16 14 Co RdCo Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv o

Co Rd 686

125 1 o Rd 1 C ! 0

White ! O a k

Legend !

18 2

Co Rd 123 UV 1 Current Sidewalks

1 Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv

! R Gates Ln 21Recommended Sidewalks22 23 24 19 o 20 21 22 C ! Gas Pipelines ! 145 Electrical Transmission Lines ¤£ ! Sections Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 QuitmanC o C R 115 !

Black Crk Comprehensived Planning Area

6 29 28 8 27 27 Rocky Crk 26 ! 25 28 30 Clarkco State0 Park R 15 E R 16 E !! Co R 116 Covington Ln !

! ! ! Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! ! R ! Map 6.3 Co ! ! !

Co Rd 1141 Co Rd 1151 Current Sidewalks and Recommended Additions

! Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Informaton City of Quitman, Mississippi System (MARIS); US Census Bureau! TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer: This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. Date: December 1, 2014 2014 Comprehensive Plan 51 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 6: Transportation sidewalks be required. Amending or adopting a new subdivision regulation to reflect this would be required. It would also be imperative that the city enforce the new subdivision regulations.

Railroad Corridors The Meridian Southern Railway plays a role in transportation in Quitman. The Meridian Southern Railway is a Class I major line, that generally runs parallel to United States Highway 145 and Mississippi Highway 513. No passenger rail service is available in Quitman; the Meridian Southern Railway transports freight exclusively. The nearest passenger rail service is Amtrak, in Meridian, Mississippi. There are approximately fourteen railroad crossings in city and planning area, thirteen of them are at-grade crossings. Ten of the crossings are equipped with only railroad crossing signs; the remaining include a bridged crossing, a gated and warning lighted crossing, and a warning light only crossing. Drainage [See Map 6.4] The Chickasawhay River and Archusa Creek Lake are main attraction for the city, so it is no surprise that drainage is of particular concern in much of Quitman. Culvert issues exist throughout Quitman, with, for example clogged, deteriorated, or undersized culverts. A culvert along Mississippi 512 has been undermined due to erosion problems and will take $80,000 to $100,000 to replace said culvert. Two sets of double barrel culverts along Harris Avenue are also in need of replacement. These two double barrel culverts will cost an estimated $30,000 each to replace. As of the Spring of 2014, an engineering study was underway on a culvert near the middle school.

Several additional engineering studies need to be performed on drainage issues in Quitman. Anderson Street, Back Street and Water Street both require an engineering study to identify what is causing the drainage issues. These streets flood in heavy rains. Back Street is of particular concern since it is in the heart of Quitman’s Central Business District. On occasion the water reaches local businesses. Anderson Street, Back Street and Water Street all require an engineering study that identifies the problem, proposes a solution and includes and estimate of the cost to implement the solution. This framework should be taking into account as other drainage issues arise in the future.

Culvert blockage is of particular concern in Quitman’s residential areas just east of downtown. Culverts along drainage ditches in the area are clogged and require cleaning and flushing. Currently, the Streets Department does not have the equipment to clean and flush culverts along Anderson Street, Bailey Street, Long Boulevard and Jackson Avenue. Two possible solutions to this problem exist; hiring an outside contractor or purchasing the needed equipment and adding additional manpower. Routine inspection and cleaning of culverts will help minimize some of the drainage issues Quitman is currently seeing and prevent new issues from developing.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 52

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 162

! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22

! Peach Tree Crk Co R C ! d 1 o 5 R 2 d 1 ! Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 ! 0 4 51 1 ! 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 ! 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30 Chickasawhay Riv ! Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

! Co Rd 442 d 1 4

! Culvert issue under ! railroad. Engineer 33 currently working! on 35 31 18 study. ! 34 r UV 36 32 Co Rd 444 34 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln Storm drain pipes clogged 446 e d ! r R N Jackson Ave with debris. Pipes need to Double barrel metal o o L C

culvert needs to be be cleaned and flushed. ! W Lynda St T 2 N

replaced with PVC. 679 Co Rd T 2 N G r e y c im a r L n

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N Cost $30,000. ! C T 3 N Drainage ditch continually

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R clogs. Needs replacement B o d Cedar Crk ! m an 1 of some undersizedD culverts Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 4 5 k Co Rd 675 Concrete culvert needs and ditch debrise cleared. Co Rd 676 N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L n 5 ! 3 replacement. 1 5 Co Rd 6 7 4 ÛÚ 6 Co Rd 6714 Cost $80,000 - $100,000 HarrisAve Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co Rd 3 ÛÚ 2 Long Blvd 5 ÛÚ G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br UV ! Archusa Creek Water Park Underwood Ln S t l i n n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd

! a t h y D r B e K t m a n S t B e c k t y Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S FerrillAve S Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

r Double barrel metal ! 7 Box Ln £45 culvert needs to be ¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S Storm drain pipes clogged replaced with PVC. ! 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 with debris. Pipes need to Cost $30,000. be cleaned and flushed.

! 12

! Ridgewood Dr

Street floods occasionally ! Street floods in heavy reaching local businesses. rain. Hire engineer to Needs an engineering study ! 17 5 8

conduct analysis and 6 that includes a solution and cost estimates of a d ! R cost estimate of repairs. 15 18 o 16 Co RdCo Rd680 682 16 15 solution. C C

Co Rd 686 14 R 13 d

125 1 o Rd 1 C ! 0

Chickasawhay Riv White ! O a k

Legend !

18 2

Co Rd 123 UV 1 ÛÚ Drainage Issue

1 Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv

! R Gates Ln 21 22 19 o 20 21 22 23 24 Drainage Issue Linear C !

! Gas Pipelines 145 Electrical Transmission Lines ¤£ ! Co Rd 128 Fallen CrkSections Co Rd 111

Co Rd 129 C

Quitman o C R 115 !

Black Crk Comprehensived Planning Area

6 29 28 8 27 27 Rocky Crk 26 ! 25 28 30 Clarkco State Park0 !! Covington E R 15 E R 16 Ln !

! ! ! Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! ! R ! Map 6.4 Co ! ! ! Co Rd 1141 Current Drainage Issues

Disclaimer: This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: December 1, 2014 53 !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 7: Community Facilities

Chapter Seven: Community Facilities Plan Community facilities are locations and services usually provided by a local government but also may be provided by a private enterprise. Some examples of community facilities include public schools, fire stations and fire protection, libraries, parks, cemeteries, water and sewer services, solid waste disposals, ambulance services, police protection, and court systems. Providing a brief inventory and analysis of the existing services in Quitman will be beneficial when planning for the future. This information will also assist in developing goals and objectives for improving the variety and quality of services currently provided and can be used as support for developing a plan for future capital improvements. General Government Operations The City of Quitman is served by six (6) elected officials. Those officials are the mayor and five (5) aldermen. Four of the aldermen are elected by districts and another is elected at-large. Day- to-day business of the City is handled by the mayor’s office and the city clerk’s office. The city clerk’s office is also responsible for financial duties, record keeping, elections, and a variety of other tasks that serve the citizens of Quitman. Quitman City Hall is located on the northeast corner of North Archusa Avenue and West Church Street.

Currently, City Hall lacks adequate office and storage space. This issue will only worsen with any new growth and development that occurs. One possible solution is for city hall to expand into a neighboring building. This expansion would provide new offices for department heads and a Board Room that is wheelchair accessible. The City should hire an architect to produce blueprints and a cost estimate to rehabilitate the building to meet City Halls’ needs.

Also, the City’s computer system needs updating to include additional computers to meet citizen request at a cost of about $20,000. At this time these are the only known needs to maintain the day-to-day services of the City of Quitman. City officials should, however, continually monitor the function and efficiency of its departments to plan for any additions or improvements that may be necessary. Police Department The City of Quitman Police Department consists of nine full-time employees, six part-time employees and seven vehicles. All full-time and part-time employees are sworn officers. The standard for measuring police protection is to calculate the ratio of the number of officers per unit of population. Staffing within the Quitman Police Department equates to a ratio of approximately 3.9 sworn officers per 1,000 population. This is below the average for similar cities in the region according to FBI statistics (5.3) and below the national average for cities with less than 10,000 people (4.6). At this time, the City does not anticipate an increase in patrol officers. However, as population increases, the City of Quitman may require additional officers. While population is not the only influence on the demand for police officers, Quitman should continually assess the crime rate within the city and adjust police protection methods accordingly.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 54

Chapter 7: Community Facilities

The Police Department is located on the northeast corner of North Archusa Avenue and West Church Street. The department uses a pistol range located on the northeast corner of Hickory Street and Westwood Avenue. Currently, there is no need for another police facility or an expansion of the current ones. However, the police department should continually evaluate their need for new facilities and facility improvements.

Currently, the City’s highest need within the department is better radios. The current radio system does not provide adequate service. The current system does not allow officers to stay in contact with one another in all areas of the city and buildings. The updating to the MissWin system would bring the department up to the state standard in radios but would require the city to work with the county during the upgrade process. Counties and the municipalities within them must have compatible technology. Upgrading to the MissWin system would mean the 12 handheld and 8 mobile radios would need to be replaced at $2,000 each.

Moreover, in order to provide the best police protection possible, 911 calls need GPS support. Having GPS support about the location of an emergency call will help patrol officers respond quicker and make it easier to provide crime data to national databases. The radar currently being used in the city is the oldest technology available and outdated to say the least. To better enforce speed limit laws in Quitman it would help to replace the current units with new more advanced technology. Four new radars would cost $1,500 to $2,500 each. The department is also in need of more patrol rifles to better protect Quitman. The goal is to have a 1 to 1 officer to patrol rifle ratio. That would require the purchase of 10 to 12 patrol rifles at $2,000 each.

The city is currently working with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office and The Quitman School District to obtain a digital finger printing system. The finger printing system would cost around $25,000 but with the partnership with the county and schools it will cost the city nothing. This will decrease the time and effort it takes to finger print those that are arrested. Often the manual finger prints are rejected by the FBI and have to be redone. The Sheriff’s Department will receive the system but give access to the Quitman Police Department. The Digital Fingerprinting Machine will also be used in the school system, teaching students about forensics and CSI (Crime Scene Investigation).

This partnership with the County could lead to another opportunity. Officers are required to take continuing education classes and often end up retaking the same classes year after year. Partnering with the County to host local training classes would allow both the county and city to tailor training to meet the needs of officers in Quitman and Clarke County. Enforcement of the City’s leash laws often falls to police department. This takes police officers away from more important patrol and crime prevention activities. The enforcement of leash laws and any other animal control ordinances is better suited for specialized animal control officer. The position of animal control officer may or may not be housed inside the police department, but the city should study the effectiveness of retaining the services of such an officer in the future.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 55

Chapter 7: Community Facilities

The Quitman Police Department should continually strive to increase its capabilities to provide law enforcement services and to fight crime in the community. These increased capabilities include the upgrading and addition of law enforcement equipment, maintaining a high level of training and certification for the officers, and expanding the police force as needed. The city should monitor criminal activity and traffic loads within the City and adjust the size of the police force as necessary. In addition to providing high quality police services, Quitman should strive to maintain a positive public perception with regard to the safety of the community. Fire Department [See Map 7.1] The City of Quitman has a Volunteer Fire Department operating one fire station. The fire station is located southwest of the intersection of North Archusa Avenue and Charleston Street. The department is staffed by twenty-three (23) volunteers and has two pumper trucks and one fire & rescue truck. Interlocal agreements with two rural fire districts (East Quitman and Desoto Fire Departments), which lie just outside the city, provide on-call help if needed.

Mississippi State Rating Bureau (MSRB) is a non-profit corporation that has leadership and membership comprised of the insurance companies that write fire protection policies. MSRB provides services related to the grading of public fire protection and services in connection to insurance rates in the state of Mississippi. MSRB has given the City of Quitman a Class 7 fire rating. The inspection system is based on a point schedule with credit given in several categories related to fire fighting and protecting property from fire damage. These categories include the age of firefighting equipment, the quantity of water available to fight fires, the number of firefighters responding as an average per call, and the distance the firefighting equipment must travel in order to reach a fire (run distance).

Quitman’s all volunteer force makes recruitment a constant necessity. Supporting and encouraging citizen involvement and service is key to keeping quality fire service in Quitman. City officials should continually assess the adequacy of firefighting equipment and develop a program to replace that which has aged beyond its useful life. The City’s Ferrara Pumper Truck that is currently in use is rated for a 20 year life span and can be recertified by the Mississippi State Rating Bureau for another 5 years. This truck is expected to be fit for service until 2025 at which time it will have to be replaced. Replacing the Ferrara today would cost the $400,000 with known obsolesce of this equipment the city should begin planning for its replacement when the truck is required to be recertified. Currently, the city needs to replace the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as the equipment is nearing its usable age. The Cascade system, a system that works hand and hand with the SCBA equipment, is also in need of replacement. The Cascade system is old enough that replacement parts are no longer available for the current system. Replacement of SCBA equipment would cost about $80,000 for ten SCBA units.

Fire protection on the east side of Archusa Lake faces some obstacles. Currently, the fire hydrants on that side of the lake have water pressure but lack sufficient water volume. Both the East Quitman and DeSoto Fire Departments are on call for any fire on the east side of the lake. This, however, is a short term solution not a long term solution. In the future, an elevated tank

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 56

Chapter 7: Community Facilities is need on the east side of the lake, to improve fire protection for residents in that portion of the city. This will be discussed further in the Water and Sewer Section of this chapter. Painting fire hydrants could also improve fire protection throughout the city. Fire hydrants are often painted to correspond to the pressure and volume that the hydrant provides, thus better informing the firefighters when they arrive on the scene of an emergency. This could simply be added to the routine maintenance of the fire hydrants incurring minimal additional cost.

Quitman had already discussed the Figure 7. 1: Quitman's Emergency Siren Proposed Placement installation of an Emergency Siren/Public Address System with Omsouth, a distributor of such systems located in Meridian. The proposed plan of installation would include three sirens that would cover much of Quitman’s current corporate limits and include all of the major commercial and residential areas of town. This system has the potential to save many lives in the event of severe weather or other disaster situation. The cost of such a project would be about $82,000. A red light hold system would also improve safety for the citizenry of Quitman in emergency situations. Red light hold systems allow emergency vehicles to change the traffic lights to allow their safe passage through intersections. This decreases the danger for motorist and emergency personnel responding to a call. A red light hold system would cost about $5,000 to $10,000 per intersection and another $500 to $1,500 per emergency vehicle.

Lowering the fire rating is a goal of the city, as it should be. Lowering the fire rating can save homeowners money on their home insurance, and it is a positive indicator for new business and industry seeking to locate in the city. To improve the fire rating, the City should develop a specific plan based upon the deficiencies cited by the MSRB, and then consult with the rating bureau before implementing the plan. The ratings bureau provided the city with a letter that includes a list of items that need to be accomplished to reduce the fire rating. Appendix 1 contains the physical letter but a short summary of the requirements to lower the rating follows.

1) Strengthen the water distribution system so that 2,500 gallons per minute with a residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in commercial areas and

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 57

Chapter 7: Community Facilities

1,000 gallons per minute with a residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in residential areas. 2) Maintain an annual inspection and operation program of all gate valves in the water distribution system. 3) Provide an additional fire department pumper of at least 1,250 gallons per minute capacity. This pumper should be properly equipped according to current NFPA standards. 4) The city should provide two (2) full time firefighters on duty twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week supplemented by a volunteer force of firefighters. 5) Continue to maintain a training program for all firefighters. 6) Establish a Fire Prevention Bureau. With the Bureau, provide a certified Fire Prevention Officer to provide strict enforcement of a modern fire prevention code. 7) Adopt and provide for the strict enforcement of a modern Building Code, Gas Code, Electric Code and Fire Prevention Code.

The current fire station services the City of Quitman well, but it could perform better. The station was constructed in 1964 and has served the city well for 50 years. The station was built to accommodate the fire engines of the day that were standard trucks modified for fire service. Today fire trucks are built customized from the ground up and much bigger than the trucks of the 1960s and 1970s. The station has undergone upgrades over the years to accommodate the custom fire trucks now in use. Unfortunately, there comes a time when it may be necessary to construct a new facility. Quitman’s fire station may not have hit this point yet, but this plan recommends that current station be inspected. From this inspection the city should determine if the station can be upgraded and used for many more years to come or if a new station is needed. Once this step is completed an architect should be hired to design the remolded or new facility. Both of these options will cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars if not a millions of dollars, but it will allow the city to provide the citizens of Quitman with the best possible fire protection and work toward making them even better. Public Works & Street Department The Quitman Public Works and Street Department is responsible for a variety of services including street maintenance, right-of-way upkeep, debris removal, cemetery maintenance, building maintenance, sidewalk maintenance and pest control.

The most challenging issue facing the department is the constant break down of equipment. The department is in need of several pieces of equipment to keep up with the daily needs of the city. The department needs a 10 cubic yard dump truck at an estimated cost of $100,000. A used street sweeper would help the department keep city street free of trash and cost the city $80,000. The department is also in need of 50 hp tractor that will help the department assist the Water and Sewer Department in repairs to the water and sewer lines. This additional equipment will help the department improve and continue meeting the daily needs of the city.

The Transportation Plan chapter discusses the needs of the Streets Department more in-depth.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 58

Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 1621Co Rd 162 Co Rd 175Co Rd 166 C R 1601

C Co Rd 165 46 1 R Co Rd 1662 Rd 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15 E R16 E 5 1 C d o R d C R 150 o R o d C C o R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o rk 13 Cla 513 14 C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 C R 144

Co Rd 1581 CoRd

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk C 1 o 4 R C C 143 R d 4 o 1 d 1 5 R R 2 d o 1 C Co 4 Rd 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C o Co Co Rd 1411 Co Rd 141 1 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 Co Rd 440 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jackson Ave o L C Co Rd 135

C R 137

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679RdCo

Cedar Creek Rd T 3 N

C T 3 N Co Rd 671

o C R 130 Carter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow R B Taylor Ln o d ma East QuitmanCedar Crk 1 n L 3 D n Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 e Co Rd 676 4 2 N ArchusaN Ave ThompsonAve L 2 n 5 FPGD: 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7 Co Rd 673

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139 Class 9 W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 S t Co Rd 678 1 G a y 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br Co Rd 6713 S t Underwood Ln l in n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd r B K a t h y D Co Rd 670 e t B k m a n S t e c t y

Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S Ferrill AveS C Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Box Ln 45

S Archusa AveArchusa S Scrimpshire Ln Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 City of 7 Quitman:

Class 7 Ridgewood Dr

17 5 8

6 13 d

R 16 15 14 18 Co Rd 680 o 16 15 Co Rd 682 C C Chickasawhay Riv

CoRd 686 R Legend

d 125 1 Gas Pipelines o R 1 C 0 Electrical Transmission Lines 91 6 C o R White O a k Fire Stations 18 2

Co Rd 123 1 Sections

Co Rd 1231 ChickasawayRiv

R Gates Ln 21Quitman 22 o 20 Harmony 22 23 24 19 21 C FPGD: Comprehensive Planning Area 145 Clarkco State Park

Class 9 Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Fire Protection Districts Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Desoto CFPGD o C R 115

Black Crk East Quitmand FPGD

6 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 29 28 8 27 28 30 Harmony FPGD0 Desoto FPGD: ClassR15 E R16 E 8 Co Rd 116 Co R 116 Covington Ln

Co R 116 Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 7.1 Co C o Co Rd 6801 Co Rd 1141 R Co Rd 1151 d 6 Fire Protection Districts, Ratings and Stations 90 Earley Ln

Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated Resource City of Quitman, Mississippi Information System (MARIS); Mississippi Fire Rating Bureau; US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan59 Date: April 29, 2014 Chapter 7: Community Facilities

The biggest need in the streets department is monies to pay for maintenance of Quitman city streets. However, a routine maintenance cycle for street will be fruitless until the maintenance issues with both the water and sewer systems have been addressed. The next issue that needs to be addressed is several drainage issues thought the city. Some of the drainage issues have solutions that just need to be carried out while others need to have engineering studies completed to find and address the problem. A special Drainage section is included in the Transportation Plan Chapter. The Transportation Plan also recommends the addition of a few local roads and addresses the lack of sidewalks and disrepair of others.

The City of Quitman has recently upgraded much of the downtown core’s street lights. Map 7.2 shows where those upgrades took place. Traditional street lights were replaced with L.E.D. lights to provide a crisper light and reduce utility cost. Additional, street lighting should be added in the areas highlighted in Map 7.2. These areas are under illuminated which is a safety hazard for vehicles and any pedestrians. Adding street lights in these areas is the main priority as the spacing of light is greatly increased. When improving lighting in these areas the city should consider using L.E.D. streetlights for consistency and curb appeal but it is not a necessity.

As additional development occurs, it may become necessary for Quitman to acquire additional personnel and equipment to perform public works functions. Department heads should anticipate, as early as possible, the need for additional personnel, equipment or facilities. At a minimum, city officials should schedule out the age of existing equipment and prepare to replace it at the end of its useful life. Code Enforcement/Building Inspection Department The City of Quitman provides code enforcement and building inspection services to the citizens of the City. These services are especially important to ensure the safety and durability of construction and to maintain a positive image. The absence of an effective code enforcement program can be problematic in that code violations create a negative impression upon those visiting or living in the City.

Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, negative conditions (dilapidated buildings, unkempt yards, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, etc.) in the City can be remedied or avoided through the application and enforcement of proper codes. The negative conditions do not better the neighborhoods, increase property values or provide a high quality of life. Quitman must continually enforce its codes to avoid the blighting impacts of inadequate property maintenance.

Quitman currently has both a zoning ordinance and subdivision regulation. The zoning ordinance was adopted in March of 1978 and the subdivision regulation was adopted in October of 2007. The zoning regulation is nearly 40 years old and severely outdated. The existing land use shows that the zoning ordinance in place has not been utilized or adhered to. An updated zoning ordinance would likely include a provision for home occupations and mixed

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 60

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 162

! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 ! C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 ! 1 d Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 ! 5 E R 15 E R 16 5 1 d Co R C d 15 ! R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 ! 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 o lark ! 13 513 14 C C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 19 20 21 22 Co Rd 158 23 24 21 ! 22

Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

! Co Rd 442 d 1 4

! 33

! Chickasawhay Riv 18 ! 34 r UV 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 34 35 D 33 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o

L C ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c im a r L n 679 Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N

C T 3 N !

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow Co Rd 130 R B o d Cedar Crk ! m an 1 D Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 4 5 k Co Rd 675

e Co Rd 676

N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L n 5 2 ! 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Souinlovey Crk Long Br UV ! Underwood Ln S t l i n n k r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd

! a t h y D r B e K t m a n S t B e c k t y Co Rd 685

Co Rd 687

S FerrillAve S Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

! Box Ln £45

¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S ! Archusa Creek Water Park 8 9 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 12 7

! Ridgewood Dr

! 17 5 8

6 13 d

! R 15 18 o 16 14 Co RdCo Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv o

Co Rd 686

125 1 o Rd 1 C ! 0

White ! O a Legend k

! Street Light Improvements Plan

18 2

Co Rd 123 UV 1 New L.E.D. Streetlights

1 Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv

! R Gates Ln Needs21 Improvement 22 23 24 19 o 20 21 22 C ! Gas Pipelines ! 145 Electrical Transmission Lines ¤£ ! Sections Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Quitman C o C R 115 !

Black Crk Comprehensived Planning Area

6 29 28 8 27 27 Rocky Crk 26 ! 25 28 30 Clarkco State Park0 R 15 E R 15 E R 16 !! Co R 116 Covington Ln !

! ! ! Co Rd 114 ! Hwy 145 S ! 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 ! 91 ! Mile 6 ! ! R ! Map 7.2 Co ! ! !

Co Rd 1141 Co Rd 1151 Street Light Improvement Plan

! Source(s): Mississippi Automated Resource Informaton City of Quitman, Mississippi System (MARIS); US Census Bureau! TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer: This map is accurate! for planning purposes only. Date: December 1, 2014 2014 Comprehensive Plan 61 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! Chapter 7: Community Facilities use development (a district where commercial and residential exist together) within Quitman. New subdivision regulation is also a recommendation of this plan. The specific needs of a new subdivision regulation are discussed in the transportation portion of this plan.

A couple of other ordinances are needed in Quitman too. A sign ordinance will improve the visual appeal of the city by regulating the size, number and placement of signs. An unkempt property ordinance will also improve the visual appeal of the city by regulating weed and shrub overgrowth, immobile automobiles and general yard junk. This ordinance will not only improve the visual appeal of the city but should positively affect property values. A minimum rental property ordinance protects renters from substandard rental properties by making sure the property provides safe distribution of electrical, water and sewer utilities as well as being adequately maintained. This helps improve property values in the City as well.

Quitman currently has building codes and with the addition of the aforementioned ordinances will need at a minimum of a part time building inspector. This plan recommends that the city hire a part-time code enforcement officer and a part-time floodplain administrator. These three positions could be combined and the duties charged to one full-time employee if the city sees it fit to do so. The city administration would need to evaluate annually the need to make these full-time positions. It’s likely that the floodplain administrator position would always remain part of the building inspector’s duties. If a building boom were to take off, the code enforcement officer and building inspector positions could easily need to be two full-time positions. Parks and Recreation Department [See Map 7.3] The Quitman Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities in the City including the competitive sports (baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, and football) and community facilities (community pavilion, tennis courts and playgrounds). Quitman currently has five parks located throughout the city offering a variety of activities at each.

Currently, a proposal exists to upgrade the City Recreational Park, where all baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, and football are held. This proposal would essentially combine City Recreational Park and Sumrall Park into one large park. That provides sports fields, playgrounds, pavilions and a walking trail. Figure 7.2 illustrates how the park could look upon completion. The recreational complex would include six baseball fields, two (80 yard) football fields, a soccer field, six tennis courts and a walking trail. Basketball courts form Sumrall Park would be part of the facility too. In addition to the sports facilities the park will include pavilions, playgrounds and concessions. Currently, the park is estimated to cost $5.4 million but that cost could be reduced with in-kind work. Partnering with both Quitman School District and Clarke County could further reduce the City’s cost. The schools have already expressed interest in helping fund the tennis courts as part of its Athletic program.

The three remaining parks, Women’s Club, Glynn Avenue and Willow Avenue, all need improvements to the outdated playground equipment and pavilions, if so equipped. In addition City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 62

Chapter 7: Community Facilities to the new park and pavilion and playground equipment upgrades the Parks Department will need additional fund of $50,000 to $60,000 worth of small equipment. This small equipment would include mowers and other equipment down to sander to help maintain park grounds and equipment.

As recommended in the Goals, Objectives and Policies, City officials should seek to determine the type of recreational and cultural opportunities that best serve the community and adjust programs accordingly. Doing so may require additional facilities or conversion of existing facilities. The end goal is that of providing a high quality of life for the citizens.

Figure 7.2: Proposed Quitman Recreational Complex

Solid Waste/Sanitation Department Garbage and trash are terms that are often interchanged, but the two are very different. Garbage refers to typical household garbage, and trash refers to items such as yard waste, appliances, discarded furniture, and things of that sort. The City of Quitman collects garbage throughout the City twice each week. Additionally, the city picks up recycling in the commercial

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 63

Co Rd 1661

! Co Rd 1621Co Rd 162 Co Rd 166 C R 1601 ! 6 C 14 R d ! Co Rd 1662 R 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 ! C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 ! 1 d Co Rd 169 Co R 12 9 11 7 8 9 10 11 ! 5 R 15 E R 16 E 10 5 1 d Co R C d 15 ! R 0 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R ! 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 ! d 18 R R County d 14 o lark 16 15 ! C 513 14 13 C 16 15 UV Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

! Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 C R 144 !

Co1581 Rd !

! 21 22 23 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 ! 22 23

! Peach Tree Crk C 1 o 4 R C C 143R ! d 4 o 1 d 1 5 R R 2 d o 1 C ! Co R 4 Stevie Ln d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 ! 0 4 51 1 ! 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 28 27 26 ! Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 25 Co Rd 143 29 30 Chickasawhay Riv ! Co Rd 1511 C

CoRd 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

! Co Rd 442 d 1 4 Co Rd 443 !

33 Co Rd 441

! 18 ! Tallabogue Crk 35 Co Rd 440 r 31 32 UV 34 Co Rd 444 D 36 33 34 35 ! a t t Moore Ln 446 e d ! r R o N Jackson Ave o L C

k ! W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n 679 Co Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N ! C T 3 N Co Rd 671

o C R 130 Carter St Meadow Ave Meadow

R B o 4 d Cedar Crk ! m an 1 D Ln

3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675

e Co Rd 676

N ArchusaN Ave 2

ThompsonAve L n 5 2 ! 2 6 Co Rd 6 7 3 Co Rd 673 4 3 1 Co Rd 6714 HarrisAve 5 Co Rd 139

! W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 G a y S t Co Rd 678 1 1 Co Rd 138 Souinlovey512 Crk E Church St 0 Long Br

bÆ! Co Rd 6713 UV ñ Underwood Ln " S t l i n cÆ n k r a Co Rd 683 Co Rd 6713 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd Co Rd 6721

! k a t h y D r B e K Co Rd 670 t m a n S t B e c k t y Co Rd 685 Legend C

Co Rd 687

S FerrillAve S Kirkland AveKirkland Co R 110

Co Rd 670 r

! k Cultural Resources

Box Ln £45 Long Br Co Rd 674 ¤ Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S _Æ ! Archusa Creek Water Park 10 Neal Ln 9 10 11 v® 12 7 8 "ñ9City Hall

! Hospital ! ® Ridgewood Dr v

! cÆ Library

! 17 5

6 bÆ

Quitman Depot Co Rd 672 d

! R 14 o 15 18 Co RdCo 680Rd 682 16 15 14 C 16 C Chickasawhay Riv o

! k Co Rd 686 School R

13 d Ivy Ln 125 1 o Rd 1 C ! 0 _Æ Walking Trail 91 6 R

! o White C O a k Electrical Transmission Lines !

! Gas Pipelines

18 2 23

Co Rd 123 UV 1

1 Sections

Co Rd 1231 Chickasaway Riv ! ! R

Gates Ln 22 !

23 24 19 o 20 Quitman21

22 C !

21 ! Comprehensive Planning Area !

145 Archusa Creek Water Park ! ¤£ ! !

Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Parks !

Co Rd 111

Co Rd 129 C ! Quitmano Country Club ! !

R !

d Quitman-Clarke Co. Industrial Park !

8 Rocky Crk ! 29 28 27 ! 28 26 25 Clarkco State0 Park

R 15 E R 16 E

Covington Ln 30 ! 27 !

! Co Rd 114 !

Hwy 145 S

0 0.375 0.75 1.5 !

! 1 ! 69 !

Mile R !

Map 7.3 Co C !

! Co Rdo 6801

! Co Rd 1141 R Co Rd 1151 d !

6 Cultural Resources 90 !

! Earley Ln C !

o R !

6 ! Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated 9 !

! 1

Resource Informaton System (MARI S); Missi ssi ppi City of Quitman, Mississippi !

Department of Transportaton; US Cens us Bur eau ! !

TIGER Line Files. !

! !

Disclaimer: This! map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan Date: December 1, 2014 64 ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! Chapter 7: Community Facilities district daily and throughout the city on Wednesday. The City’s Public Works Department picks up rubbish waste once per week.

The city is currently working on acquiring a new garbage truck to maintain the current level of service. In addition to acquiring a new garbage truck the city has begun exploring the option of composting garbage. Composting garbage would help defray a portion of the current cost of removing garbage. Currently, the city is paying $34.26 a ton for moving garbage to a landfill. The move to composting would save on landfill cost and move the city in a more sustainable direction. Unfortunately, moving forward alone toward composting garbage would have steep upfront cost and need to be completed in partnership with Clarke County.

The current knuckle boom truck the city uses to collect rubbish needs to be replaced. The knuckle boom truck is used to collect yard waste and rubbish. It will cost approximately $100,000 to replace this truck. The department also needs additional manpower for garbage and recycling collection. Currently, Clarke County provides the city with 4 to 6 inmates a day for trash and recycling collection. This labor source can be unreliable. If the county jail is locked down or if an inmate has a trial date, the city can be left without the needed manpower to provide this service. With that in mind the department could use 4 to 6 laborers to replace those inmates.

As additional development occurs, it may become necessary for Quitman to acquire additional personnel and equipment to perform sanitation functions. Department heads should anticipate, as early as possible, the need for additional personnel, equipment or facilities. At a minimum, City officials should schedule out the age of existing equipment and prepare to replace it. Water and Sewer Department Water The City of Quitman provides water to all areas within the corporate limits and even some areas outside of them. Water service east of the lake needs improvement for multiple reasons. The first ties directly to the city’s goal of improving it Class 7 Fire Rating to a Class 6. A single six inch line provides water to structures east of the Lake; this provides plenty of pressure but lacks volume needed in fire emergency situations. The solution to this problem is one that is quite expensive but is needed to better serve the fire department and Quitman’s citizens east of Archusa Lake. A water tank and water well are both needed east of the lake to provide sufficient water volume. The construction of a water tank will cost $1 million and the cost of construction of water well will be $600,000 to $650,000.

Water quality and delivery is also an issue. The city’s water lines are aging and cause almost weekly maintenance issues. Asbestos pipes exist under certain city streets and cast iron pipes being used are continuous leak generators. Both the Mississippi Department of Environmental Equality and the Mississippi Health Department have recommended that the city seek an alternative water source. Water from the Lower Wilcox Aquifer contains volatile organic

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 65

Chapter 7: Community Facilities compounds that are making treatment difficult and is being negatively affected by a fault line, but it is still safe for consumption. The city is currently drilling a well into the Sparta Aquifer as an alternative to the Wilcox Aquifer. The new well is costing the city $450,000 and will provide the city with a backup system to the Wilcox Aquifer.

In addition to the fire protection challenges east of the lake, several fire hydrants needed to be replaced. Malfunctioning fire hydrants pose a threat to public safety for citizens, their property and firefighters. Currently, twelve fire hydrants are underperforming and need to be replaced. It will cost $1,500 to $1,600 per hydrant for replacement. Henceforth, any fire hydrants that begin malfunctioning should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the public’s safety.

The city needs to annually review the water rates. Prior to 2013 the water rate had not been increased in the previous twenty plus years. Monies collected from the sale of water not only pay for the treatment of water, manpower to treat the water and the facilities to treat water but for the delivery of said water to residences, business and local industry. The low water rates have directly affected the city’s ability to maintain and improve the city’s water infrastructure. The city should set aside a portion of the water monies collected to pay for replacement and maintenance of the city’s water lines. Sanitary Sewer The City of Quitman provides Sanitary Sewer to most areas within the corporate limits, Map 7.5 notes the areas that do not have sewer service. Currently, the city requires any structure that has access to tie into the sanitary sewer to do so. Structures east of Archusa Lake are currently on private septic systems. In 2001, it was estimated that it would cost about $960,000 to provide sewer east of the lake, a cost that has likely doubled or tripled since. There are additional homes north of the city’s core that are not on the city sewer as well; these also should be connected to the sewer system.

Like the water system, the sewer system has outdated pipes that needs replacement. Some pipes on the city’s sewer system are still composed of terra cotta. These pipes are hard to repair and require the pipes be pieced with PVC or another material when a repair is needed. These pipes should be replaced as soon as possible to reduce the amount of maintenance.

The city’s current sewer lagoon is four acres and will need to be replaced or expanded as development occurs. The lagoon is also set to lose its permit in 2013 that allows it to empty some nitrogen and nutrients into the Chickasawhay River. The new permit will prohibit the release of nitrogen and nutrients. A study should be conducted to determine if a new lagoon should be constructed or if expansion meets the city’s needs. One manhole has deteriorated and is in need of replacement. Map 7.5 shows the location of the manhole that needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,000 to $10,000 dependent on the depth of the manhole.

Traditionally and ideally the sewer system is gravity feed system, meaning that the waste runs downhill and requires no assistance. When the sewer system cannot be gravity feed, lift stations are employed to move wastewater from residences and business. Nine such lift City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 66

Chapter 7: Community Facilities stations are a part of Quitman’s sewer system. Currently, the Thompson Avenue lift station is in need of rehabilitation to ensure continued operation. The rehabilitation of Thompson Avenue will cost about $200,000. In addition another $100,000 could be utilized to keep the other eight lift stations in proper working order.

The city needs to annually review the sewer rates. Prior to 2013 the sewer rate had not been increased in the previous twenty plus years. Monies collected from the sale of sewer service not only pay for the treatment of sewer, manpower and the facilities to treat wastewater but for the removal of said wastewater from residences, businesses and local industry to treatment plants. The low sewer rates have directly affected the city’s ability to maintain and improve the city’s wastewater infrastructure. The city should set aside a portion of the sewer monies collected to pay for replacement and maintenance of the city’s sewer lines.

Currently, these are the issues that face Quitman’s sewer and water services, as additional development occurs, it will become necessary for Quitman to acquire additional personnel, equipment and facilities to provide sewer and water service. Department heads should anticipate, as early as possible, the need for additional personnel, equipment or facilities. At a minimum, City officials should schedule out the age of existing equipment and prepare to replace it.

Quitman/Clarke County Industrial Figure 7.3: Industrial Park Site Park [See Map 7.3] Just a mile and a half south of the City of Quitman lies the Quitman/Clarke County Industrial Park. The industrial park set southwest of the United States Highway 145 and Mississippi Highway 18 junctions. The site totals 300 acres that could be used for a single employer or subdivide to handle multiple employers at the site. If more acreage is needed an additional 1,000 acres lies adjacent to the site. The site currently has all utilities at the site with the City of Quitman providing sewer, Harmony Water Association providing water, Chickasawhay Natural Gas providing gas, and East Mississippi Electric Power Association providing electricity. The site is convent to many forms of transportation. Interstate 59 is approximately 9 miles away, United States Highway 45 is about one mile away, and Meridian Regional Airport is 29 miles away and provides regional commercial service. Currently, the site is not accessible by rail, but the Meridian Southern Railway does run on tracks that are approximately a 0.25 mile away.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 67

Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162 Co Rd 166 C R 1601

C 6 14 R Co Rd 1662 R d 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 R Co 12 7 8 9 10 9 10 11

5 R15E R16E 5 1 d C o Rd C R 150 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 13 o lark 513 14 C C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 C R 144

CoRd 1581

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C CR 143 Rd 1 o 5 Harmony Water Assn. Inc. R 2 d

1 Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C

Co Rd Co 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jack son Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N G r e y c i m a r L n Co 679 Rd

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N

C TC 3 R N 130 Co Rd 671 o Car ter St

Co Rd 130 Ave Meadow

R B Taylor Ln o d m Cedar Crk an 1 D Ln 3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675 4 e Co Rd 676 3 2

N Archusa N Ave

Thompson AveThompson L 2 n 5 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7 4 Co Rd 6714 Har ris HarAve ris East Quitman Water Assn., Inc. Co Rd 139 W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 t Co Rd 678 1 G a y S 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Long Br Underwood Ln Co Rd 6713 n S t k l i n r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd y D r B K a t h Co Rd 670 e t a n t B e c k m S t y Co Rd 685 C

Co Rd 687 Kirkland AveKirkland S FerrillAve S Co R 110 i

Box Ln

Souinlovey Crk 45 Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S Archusa Creek Water Park 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 8 Neal Ln

Ridgewood Dr Legend

Fire Hydrants needing replacement Electrical Transmission Lines 17 5 8 Gas Pipelines 6 13 d R Sections 15 o 16 14 18 Co CoRd Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv Clarkco State Park o

Co Rd 686 R

d Quitman

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0 Comprehensive Planning Area 1 Water Lines 69 o R White C Oa k Water 2" HARMONY WATER Water 4"

18 2

Co Rd 123 1 Water 6"

Co Rd 1231

R Gates Ln ASSN INC 20 Water21 8" 22 24 19 o 21 C 22 23 Water 10" 145 Harmony Water Assn. Inc. Water 12"

Co Rd 128 Fallen CrkWater Certificated Areas Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 East QuitmanC Water Assn., Inc. o C R 115

Black Crk HARMONY WATERd ASSN INC

6 29 28 8 27 28 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 0 30 Harmony Water Assn. Inc. R15E R16E

Co R 116 ChickasawayRiv Covington Ln

Co R 116 Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 7.4 C o C Co Rdo 6801 Co Rd 1141 R Co Rd 1151 Existing Water Lines, Water Improvements and Water Certificated Areasd 6 90

Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); US Census City of Quitman, Mississippi Bureau TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan68 Date: October 10, 2014 Co Rd 1661

Co Rd 162 Co Rd 175Co Rd 166 C R 1601

C 6 14 R Co Rd 1662 R d 1 o 4 C 5 R 1451 C R 156 C C R 150 1 61 d 1 Co Rd 169 Co R 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7

5 R15E R16E 5 1 d C o Rd C R 150 o R o d C Co R 1 d 14 C R 6 7 140 1 4 5 1 17 d 18 R R County d 16 15 13 o lark 513 14 C C 16 15 Moore Mill Crk Ivy Lk

Clarkco State Park Ivy Mill Crk

Co Rd 1541 C R 144

CoRd 1581

21 22 Co Rd 158 24 19 20 21 22 23

Peach Tree Crk Co C CR 143 Rd 1 o 5 R 2 d

1 Co R 4 d 2 1 Co Rd 1432 5 9 0 4 51 1 1 Kelly Ln d R R C Archusa Crk C o Co Rd 1402 Co Rd 1422 29 28 27 25 Co Rd 1431 28 27 26 Co Rd 1412 Co Rd 143 30

Co Rd 1511 C

Co Rd Co 1411 o 1 Co Rd 141 R 0

Co Rd 442 d 1 4

Chickasawhay Riv 18 34 r 31 32 36 Co Rd 444 33 34 35 D 33

a t t Moore Ln 446 e d r R o N Jack son Ave o L C

W Lynda St T 2 N T 2 N Lift Station needs G r e y c i m a r L n Replace Manhole Co 679 Rd at

Cedar CreekRd T 3 N

C TC 3 R N 130 Co Rd 671 o Car ter St a cost of $10,000

Co Rd 130 to be rebuilt at a Ave Meadow

R B Taylor Ln o d ma Cedar Crk 1 cost of $200,000 n L D n 3 Bailey Ave 0 Dogwood Ave u Welborn Ln 5 k Co Rd 675

e Co Rd 676 4 2 N Archusa N Ave

Thompson AveThompson L 2 n 5 3 3 1 6 5 Co Rd 6 7

4 Co Rd 6714 Har ris HarAve ris Co Rd 139 W Donald St Co R Long Blvd d 5 t Co Rd 678 1 G a y S 1 Co Rd 138 512 E Church St 0 Long Br Souinlovey Crk Underwood Ln Co Rd 6713 n S t k l i n r a Co Rd 683 F RailroadAve E Linton Rd y D r B K a t h Co Rd 670 e t a n t B e c k m S t y Co Rd 685 C

Co Rd 687 Kirkland AveKirkland S FerrillAve S Co R 110 i

Box Ln

45 Scrimpshire Ln S Archusa AveArchusa S Archusa Creek Water Park 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 8 Neal Ln

Ridgewood Dr Legend

Lagoon

Lift Station

17 5 8 Replace Manhole 6 13 d R Electrical Transmission Lines15 o 16 14 18 Co CoRd Rd680 682 16 15 C C Chickasawhay Riv Gas Pipelines o

Co Rd 686 R

d Sections

d 125 1 o R 1 C 0 Clarkco State Park 1 Quitman 69 C o R White O a Comprehensive Planning Area k Sewer Lines

18 2

Co Rd 123 1 Low Pressure Sewer Force Main

Co Rd 1231

R Gates Ln 20 Sewer21 3" Force Main 22 23 24 19 o 21 22 C Sewer 4" Force Main 145 Sewer 6"

Co Rd 128 Fallen Crk Sewer 6" Force Main Co Rd 111 Co Rd 129 Sewer 8" C o C R 115

Black Crk Sewer 8" Forced Main

6 28 8 27 ChickasawayRiv 29 28 27 Rocky Crk 26 25 0 30 Sewer 21" Co R 116 CovingtonR15E R16E Ln

Co R 116 Co Rd 114 0 0.375 0.75 1.5 Hwy 145 S 91 Mile 6 R Map 7.5 C o C Co Rdo 6801 Co Rd 1141 R Co Rd 1151 Existing Sewer Lines and Sewer Improvements d 6 90 Earley Ln Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); US Census City of Quitman, Mississippi Bureau TIGER Line Files.

Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan69 Date: October 10, 2014 Chapter 8: School Facilities

Chapter Eight: Educational Facilities Quitman School District Like all school districts in Mississippi the Quitman School District is a separate entity from local governments. The district has its own Board of Trustees that govern the district. The Board of Trustees is composed of five elected Trustees from the 511.2 square miles that is included in the School District. The School District not only serves the City of Quitman but about two-thirds of rural Clarke County.

The Quitman School District is home to Quitman Lower Elementary, Quitman Upper Elementary, Quitman Junior High School and Quitman High School. In addition to the primary and secondary schools, the school district is home to Clarke County Career and Technology Center. The school district serves 2,147 students. Quitman Lower Elementary serves 598 students in Pre-K through second grades. Quitman Upper Elementary serves 418 students in third through fifth grades. Quitman Junior High School serves 598 students in sixth through eighth grade. Quitman High School serves 533 students in ninth through twelfth grade. The Clarke County Career and Technology Center provides technical opportunities to students in tenth through twelfth grade.

In addition to the 2,147 students served by Quitman School District, the district has 298 employees. The 298 employees make Quitman School District the largest employer in Clarke County. Of these employees, 169 are certified and 129 are non-certified employees. Mississippi breaks it educator licensure into four levels: Class A, Bachelor’s degree level license; Class AA, Master’s degree level license; Class AAA, Specialist degree level license; and Class AAAA, Doctorate degree level license. 105 employees have Class A certification, 56 employees have AA certification, 8 employees have AAA certification and 1 employee has AAAA certification. The school district has an experienced teaching force, with many teacher having been teaching for more than 10 years. Fifty-four certified employees have 0-4 years of experience, 33 certified employees have 5-9 years of experience, and 83 employees have more than 10 years of experience.

The Income Characteristics section in the City Profile Chapter highlights the economic issues that exist in Quitman. This too is reflected in the number of children participating in the free and reduced lunch program. At least 75% of students at all schools qualified for free or reduced lunches. 85.12% of students at Quitman Lower Elementary, 84.21% of students at Quitman Upper Elementary, 84.66% of students at Quitman Junior High and 75.23% of students at Quitman High School students qualify for free or reduced lunches.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 70

Chapter 8: School Facilities

District Mission, Vision, Goals and Belief Statement

Vision Statement To provide an educational environment where each student is encouraged to dream, is inspired to succeed, and is empowered to become a life-long learner.

Mission Statement The mission of the Quitman School District is to provide a quality educational program that recognizes the wide range of abilities, backgrounds, needs, and interests of students. In the pursuit of excellence, students will be encouraged, inspired and empowered to succeed through graduation and beyond.

Goals  To develop and maintain a rigorous curriculum designed to allow for instruction to meet the needs of all students.  To engage students in research-based instructional strategies that promote student achievement, foster critical thinking, and prepare for life-long success.  To attain (C), (B), or (A) status for all schools.  To provide students with learning environments that are safe, orderly, drug-free, and that promote respect for diversity.  To maintain open and responsive communication with stakeholders and encourage community involvement with the schools in the district.  To recruit and retain highly qualified staff and provide a professional development and evaluation system that improves the effectiveness of instruction.  To improve availability, utilization, and effective integration of technology by students and staff.  To invest fiscal resources responsibly and effectively to accomplish the vision, mission, and goals of this district.

District Beliefs As a school district, we believe that:  All students can learn and achieve at high levels.  Each student should be respected and have equal access and opportunity to learn.  Effective administrators, teachers, and support staff advocate, nurture, and sustain a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and professional growth.  A safe, orderly, healthy school environment is essential for increased student achievement.  Providing a supportive environment in which students, teachers, and staff are successful develops a sense of self-worth and confidence.  An active partnership with parents and the community is vital to the growth of our school system.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 71

Chapter 8: School Facilities

 A commitment to continuous improvement will enable the school system to achieve its mission, vision and goals.

Notable Achievements Quitman School District teachers, students, and staff have most recently partnered with the City of Quitman and community stakeholders to successfully become the only city in Mississippi to receive C-Spire Fiber to Home. This high-speed service will give district classrooms improved access to video streaming as well as web-based instructional software at school and in the home. In addition, Fiber to Home will provide much needed access to some areas in the school district that do not have Internet service.

This year Quitman School District applied for and received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in the amount of $1,898,860.00. This grant will provide additional funding for arts integration as well as academic enrichment opportunities for students in grades 3-8 over a five- year period. Students will be provided opportunities to participate in afterschool tutoring and academic enrichment activities during the school year. During the summer months, student opportunities to participate in the arts include photography, painting and pottery. CSI (forensics) will integrate math and science as students and teachers partner with local law enforcement agencies. Lego Land will enable students to apply math and science skills through problem based learning while gaining an understanding of possible careers in math and science.

Early childhood development and literacy have been the focus of several district initiatives. Excel By 5 focuses on early childhood development (0 to age 5). Quitman School District has partnered with several community agencies(Head Start, East MS Regional Public Library, Clarke County Health Department) to become one of only fifteen certified communities in Mississippi. Parent University provides parenting skill workshops and other family activities throughout the year to encourage and promote early learning. Partnership with Head Start provides their staff with training and continuing education to ensure that students are prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Imagination Library is another district initiative designed to promote literacy throughout our community. Currently we serve 56% of our district's children 0 to 5 years of age. These children and families receive one free book each month by mail to encourage a love of reading and literature at any early age. Quitman School District is also one of only eleven districts in the state to receive an early learning grant in the amount of $516,000.00 from the Mississippi Department of Education. In partnership with our local Head Start agency, this funding will make it possible for the district to add an additional Pre-K class. The district currently has three Pre-K classes that are funded by the district. Clarke County Career and Technical Center has also added a new child development class as part of the district's efforts to improve early learning in the community.

The district was also awarded a Ben Carson Reading Room. The reading room will open in August of 2014 at Quitman Upper Elementary. The Ben Carson Reading Room was established from a grant from the Carson Scholar Fund as a part of the Ben Carson Reading Room Project.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 72

Chapter 8: School Facilities

The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding and support to local schools so that they can create a nurturing environment for children to feel safe and secure as they develop their reading skills. The purpose is to combat illiteracy and promote leisure reading to unlock a child's potential. Each room is filled with hundreds of books for students to explore from a variety of authors, topics, and genres. The Reading Room is decorated with attractive, eye- catching artwork based on Dr. Carson's "THINK BIG" philosophy. The cozy environment encourages students and their families to come together to recognize the importance of reading. The Ben Carson Reading Project nurtures the entire school and allows students to develop the skills necessary to become lifetime readers and learners.

In an effort to promote literacy throughout the district and community, several schools have implemented student book clubs. Quitman Upper Elementary, Quitman Junior High School, and Quitman High School have seen increased student interest and excitement for reading as they meet for lunch and discuss books of interest. Additionally, the district has provided over 15,000 fiction and non-fiction books during the 2013-14 school year to students in grades K-12 to promote literacy.

Quitman School District has contracted with Trane to improve energy efficiency in our district. Trane conducted an energy audit throughout the district during the 2012-13 school year to identify wasted energy and operational inefficiencies. Working with Trane, the district is taking steps to correct these issues and ultimately save money on energy and operating costs now and in the future.

DART has partnered with Quitman Upper Elementary through a STEM grant for recycling foam lunch trays utilized in their cafeteria. Teachers and administrators have integrated math and science through this program as students learn the benefits of recycling and use math skills to create and analyze graphed data representing class results of the recycling effort.

Clarke County Career and Technical Center introduced a culinary arts program during the 2012- 2013 school year. Our students participated in ProStart competition during their first year and placed 2nd out of 16 teams throughout the state. We are pleased to provide our students with the opportunity to pursue careers in the food service industry.

District Budget The Quitman School District works to maintain financial strength to ensure quality education without interruption due to financial decisions. The school district had one on the smallest millage rates in the region at 37.67 mils. Compare this to 52.43 mils for Enterprise School District (also in Clarke County), Meridian Public Schools at 54.84 mils, Lauderdale County School District at 46.09 mils and Wayne County School District at 35.50 mils.

The City of Quitman’s Future Involvement with the District The City of Quitman has made great strides in its partnerships with the city. The city partnered with the school district to be awarded a C-Spire Fiber to Home grant. The city is also working with the district and county to obtain a digital finger printing machine and teach students about

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 73

Chapter 8: School Facilities forensics and CSI technology. Needless to say the partnership between the city and schools has generated mutual benefits for both partners. Both the city and school district should continue to foster and utilize this relationship in the future for the betterment of the students and the city as a whole.

For the purposes of this plan, the City of Quitman is encouraged to continually communicate with the school district regarding growth and development, and the betterment of the schools. To the extent possible, Quitman should monitor the spatial needs of the school district and work to achieve those needs through the City’s development approval process. Over time, the schools will need improvements such as expansions, technological upgrades, or full replacement depending upon the age of the structures. It is important that as school building programs are implemented, school facilities remain within the city limits or within close proximity to the city limits to allow for the delivery of services. Jones County Junior College Clarke County Center Jones County Junior College and the Clarke County Board of Supervisor’s have been working together since 2012 to bring a campus to Clarke County. On September 25, 2013 Jones County Junior College and the county broke ground on the $1.36 million Jones County Junior College Clarke County Learning Center. The center is expected to be completed in 2015. The campus is located in on Erwin Road in Stonewall and is only 10 minutes from Quitman.

The Learning Center will be 15,800 square foot facility composed of 2 buildings. That includes five classrooms, several staff offices, a welding lab and a classroom for the welding petroleum technology programs. The center will offer a unique petroleum program that features hands-on training with an oil-derrick and training in the maintenance and operations of generators, pumps, valves and drilling functions for the oil industry. The center will not only offer a one of a kind, in Mississippi, petroleum technology program but also GED courses along with other post- secondary educational opportunities.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 74

Co Rd 465 514RC Co Rd 470 Co Rd 432 C R 430 Co Rd 379 Co Rd 371 CoRd 375 Dry Creek Co Rd 467

Basic City C R 471 C R 464 Co Rd 370 Dollar Lake Co Rd 470

C R 374R C Co Rd 350 Co Rd 420 C R 464

11 Co Rd 456 Briar Patch Lake Co Rd 430 Bean Creek Irby Mill Creek Co Rd 425

Ward Rd

C R 457 C R 463 Co Rd 362 Co Rd 360 Co Rd 354 Point Rd Co Rd 353 Chinquapin Creek Co Rd 473

Weir Creek Old Basic Rd Enterprise School District State Hwy 514 Co Rd 481 Co Rd 456 Turkey Pen Creek Co Rd 474 McCants Creek C R 423

Co Rd 480 State Hwy 514 Co Rd 361 Enterprise 514 Hurricane Creek Co Rd 350 485 Riley Mill Creek State Hwy 514 513 Co341 Rd Okatuppa Creek Tanyard Branch Co Rd 149 C R 343 C R 425 Dry Creek 45 C R 423

Creek 350 C R 345 Co Co Rd 450

Co Rd 423

Co Rd 1471 Co Rd 320 Coker Lake Stonewall Co Rd 345

C R 150 Co Rd 421 59330 C R 145

C R 336 Co Rd 160

Co Rd 148 Co Rd 424 Co Rd 161 Archusa Creek

513 Co Rd 147 Co Rd 451

Co Rd 164 GreasyCreek

Co Rd 323 Null Souenlovie Creek Green Branch C R 140 Ivy Lake C R 144 Rocky Creek Co Rd 414 Long Creek Co Rd 416 Co Rd 315 Co Rd 325

Co Rd 313 C R 422 18 Co Rd 410 C R 410 Co Rd 140 Co Rd 142 Oaky Creek C R 151 Co Rd 415 Alligator Branch Co Rd 441 11 Co Rd 141

Co Rd 320 Co Rd 670 Haney Rd Co Rd 130 Co Rd 440

Co Rd 311 C R 130 Co Rd 670 Co Rd 673 Brushy Creek Rd Co Rd 411 Co Rd 660

Gordon Creek Co Rd 676 Linton Rd CedarCreek

Pachuta Quitman Cedar Creek Rd Tallabogue Creek 1st Rd

Walnut St Co Rd 132 Co Rd 127 Co Rd 660 18 512 Co Rd 685 Co Rd 661 Co Rd 121 Pachuta Creek Co Rd 120 CoRd Co Rd 656 Brush Creek 511 Co Rd 672

Co Rd 685 Young Blood Creek Thead Rd Old Stagecoach Rd Co Rd 663 Co Rd 643 Co Rd 286 Co Rd 123 CoRd 630 Anderson Ln Co Rd 511 C R 115 PineRidge Rd Co Rd 290 Quitman School District Co Rd 680

Co282Rd Co Rd 114 Cane Creek Co Rd 630 Co Rd 293 18 Rocky Creek Co Rd 690 Co Rd 650 Fivemile Creek Co Rd 511 Co Rd 111 Co Rd 117 Co R 691 Co Rd 262 Co Rd 110

Co Rd 281 Co Rd 274 AdamsMc Ln

Co Co R 115 Co Rd 280 Co Rd 291

Co Co Rd 118 Co Rd 631 Co Rd 640 Hanging Moss Creek Co Rd 694 Co Rd 275 Co Rd 260 Co Rd 615 Co Co Rd 290 Co Rd 641 Co Rd 511

Co Rd 277 High St Shubuta Creek Co Rd 613 Co Rd 267 Co Rd 266 Brady Ln Coonipper Creek Co Rd 626 Co Rd 623.1 CoRd620

Co Rd 632 Co Rd 270 Co Rd 630

Bogue Homo Hayes Ln

Co623 Rd

Co Rd 250 Co Rd 636 Co Rd 241 Co Rd 275 Co Rd 256 45McCormick Cutoff Co Rd 637 Co Rd 610 Co Rd 621 Unknwn Co Rd 252 Co Rd 240 Lake Waukaway Co R 216 Co Rd 627

EastSt Co Rd 624 Co Rd Page Creek Lake Bounds Bogue Flower Mingo Creek Nelson Ln 510 Co Rd 216 Dry Creek Co Rd 619

Co Rd 217

Co R 219 Wolf Creek Co Rd 210 Co Rd 230 Beaverdam Creek Shubuta Co Rd 222 Co Rd 220 Co Rd 214 Co Rd 223 Brown St Co Rd 225 Co Rd 224 Legend Co Rd 230 Co Rd 226 Electrical Transmission Lines Surrounding Cities Gas Pipelines Quitman Surrounding Counties Planning Area Clarke County Clarkeco State Park Choctaw County, Alabama Enterprise School District Sections Quitman School District

0 1.5 3 6 Mile Map 8.1 Quitman School District

Source(s): City of Quitman; Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS); Mississippi City of Quitman, Mississippi Department of Transportation; US Census Bureau TIGER Line Files. Disclaimer: This map is accurate for planning purposes only. 2014 Comprehensive Plan75 Date: July 23, 2014 Chapter 9: Implementation

Chapter Nine: Implementation and Plan Maintenance Implementation tools

Annual Budget Specific goals, actions, or decisions are usually discussed and recommended during the City’s annual budget process. This is the time when elected officials determine if the City has the funds and budget to proceed with certain items for implementation. This can vary from funding for specific Plan elements or services to staff or man-power assistance in order to follow through with Plan goals. Incorporating the Comprehensive Plan into the annual budget process can ensure that needs and goals outlined here are at least being reviewed and considered for implementation by elected officials.

Capital Improvements Program (CIP) A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a budgeting tool that outlines proposed public investments or roadway improvements over a specific timeline. A CIP is usually established and projects costs for various investments over a five year period. This method or other similar methods are effective ways to plan for major capital investments. It clearly identifies the investment goals of the City and can alleviate monetary stresses if projects are spaced over a certain period of time. Zoning Ordinances Zoning is the regulation of land uses in certain locations; it is intended to guide development into compatible land use patterns. Zoning protects the individual land owners and preserves and establishes the character of a community. The adoption of an updated Zoning Ordinance in Quitman is one effective way to put specific elements of this Comprehensive Plan into action. The current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in March of 1978 (it is nearly 40 years old).

The Future Land Use Map sets forth some general land use categories but lacks the complexity of a Zoning Code. A Zoning Code regulates items such as minimum lot size, setbacks, building heights, locations of manufactured housing, housing density, landscaping and parking. A Zoning Ordinance can be tailored to the City’s specific objectives and goals. Quitman’s goals as a city have surely changed since 1978.

Subdivision Regulations Subdivision Regulations control the process for division of land and establish design standards for any improvements made to the divided parcels. These regulations ensure that new property owners of this subdivided land have adequate public services and that the subdividers pay their share of construction cost for these services so the City or existing residents are not burdened with the expense.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 76

Chapter 9: Implementation

Construction, Building and Fire Codes Construction, building and fire codes, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc., provide a standard upon which to build safe structures. Adoption of up-to-date versions of the International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code will greatly assist Quitman in efforts to ensure safe housing and safe buildings. However, with the adoption of such codes comes the responsibility to make inspections to assure that the codes are being complied with.

Sign Ordinance A sign ordinance helps promote a positive visual perception by reducing and managing the visual signage clutter that can result in an unregulated community. Sign ordinances control the number, size, height, type and placement of signs. The ordinance can also be tailored to control temporary signage, billboards and other signage issues. The overall goal of the ordinance is to help protect the existing character of a community, establish or enhance community identity.

Landscaping Ordinance Landscape Ordinance preserves the visual environment of a community. They help improve the visual perception and image for both residents and visitors. Landscaping can visually screen undesirable features required in an urbanized landscape, protect privacy of residents and promote the community as one that cares about its appearance. It can also improve the physical environment of a community through using plants best suited to the climate, improving drainage and enhancing air quality.

Unkempt Property Ordinance An unkempt property ordinance enhances the visual quality of a community by controlling weed height, rubbish, junk and other public safety hazards caused by unsightly conditions on properties. The ordinance sets a community standard for maintenance of real property which enhances property values and ensures that the rights of all businesses and residents to privacy, safety and attractive environment are respected.

Architectural Design Standards Architectural design standards help enhance the aesthetic character of the community and promote a more sustainable community, while protecting property values and preserving heritage. The standards provide the community with information on the quality of architectural design expected without advocating a particular architectural style.

Day-to-day Policy Enforcement For Quitman many of the Goals and Strategies involve setting or updating policies and then enforcing the policy. This usually involves City staff processing the reports that have been given to, or identified by, the elected officials. Quitman will need to develop some capacity for day- to-day policy enforcement in order to raise the levels of service.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 77

Chapter 9: Implementation

Plan Maintenance

Amendments This Plan, along with all of its elements, is intended to be a guide for the long-term development of the City. Market conditions and major investments made by others both have the ability to shift growth patterns and influence land use in ways that was not anticipated by the Comprehensive Plan. In order to deal with these various changes, the City should setup up a process for any amendments to this Plan or elements/maps within this Plan. It should also be noted that multiple amendments can unintentionally alter the policies that this Plan was based on; amendments should be limited and well justified.

Plan Review and Future Updates The Comprehensive Plan should be a dynamic document. Periodic review and update of the Comprehensive Plan is essential in order to accurately reflect the changes within the City. Yearly review is crucial to keep the Plan current of any special topics or influences that will affect the City. Every three to five years is an adequate time for review of major land use changes, but if drastic changes occur in the City, a Plan review and update may be needed sooner than that. During review, the Board of Alderman, Planning Commission, or Comprehensive Planning Committee should examine the success in implementing the current before making any changes. After all elements and goals and objectives have been updated as necessary, a draft of the revised Plan must be viewed at a public hearing before being adopted and incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. Summary of Needs/Projects by Department The following section includes a list of all projects recommended in this plan and an estimate of the cost of those projects. The list is intended to be a quick reference guide to the projects recommended by this plan not as a substitute for the text the preceding Chapters. The cost estimates provided are simply that an estimate of the cost of completion in 2014 and intend to only act as a guide to the project cost. The table that follows includes a list of projects by City Department and the expected cost. If desired this summary list could be used to create the basic framework of a Capital Improvements Program for the City of Quitman.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 78

Chapter 9: Implementation

Buildings Department Project Summary Cost

Hire a part-time/contract building inspector at a minimum. Varies based on if this person is a city employee or contract employee.

Hire a part-time/contract code enforcement officer at a minimum. Varies based on if this person is a city employee or contract employee. Annual evaluation of need for a full-time building inspector, code enforcement officer and floodplain None, add this task to yearly review process or administrator. budget discussions. Adopt an updated Zoning Code. Varies based on need of consultant. Adopt a Sign Code. Varies based on need of consultant. Adopt Unkempt Property Ordinance. Varies based on need of consultant. Adopt Minimum Rental Property Standard Ordinance. Varies based on need of consultant.

City Administration Project Summary Cost Upgrade current computer system. $20,000 Hire an architect to plan an expansion of City Hall. Varies based on need of consultant. Demolition of interior of Building next to City Hall. $14,000

Annually assess all City administration facilities. Added to department head's normal duties.

Annually assess all City administration equipment. Added to department head's normal duties.

Conduct yearly review of City Departments to determine needs for personnel and equipment. Added to department heads' normal duties.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 79

Chapter 9: Implementation

Fire Department Project Summary Cost Varies base on efforts to encourage Support and encourage citizen involvement and service through the volunteer fire department. involvement. Adding a water storage tank to improve fire protection on the east side of the lake. Included in Water Department. New public protection siren and address system. $82,000

Red light hold system. $5,000 - $10,000 per intersection & $500 - $1,500 per emergency vehicle Promote and encourage training and certification for volunteer fire fighters. Varied based on training needs. Inspect the current fire station and determine if current station can be upgraded to meet the future needs of the community or if a new station is needed. Varies based on need of consultant. Hire an architect to design blueprints of remodeled or new station. Varies based on need of consultant.

Build or Remodel Fire Station Based on recommendation. Remodel $100,000 - 200,000 New $600,000 - $1,000,000 New SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment. $80,000 Replace Ferrara Pumper Truck in 2025. $400,000 Requirements to lower the city’s fire rating from Class 7 to Class 6. Cost Strength the water distribution system so that 2,500 gallons per minute with a residual pressure This would be included in infrastructure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in commercial areas and 1,000 gallons per minute with upgrades. a residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds would be available in residential areas. $400,000 This would be included in Provide an additional fire department pumper of at least 1,250 gallons per minute capacity. infrastructure upgrades.

The city should provide two (2) full time firefighters on duty twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven $20,000/yearly or more dependent on (7) days a week supplemented by a volunteer force of firefighters. experience plus benefits; city would likely need 6 full-time firefighters.

Establish a Fire Prevention Bureau Varies dependent on salary of Fire Prevention Officer and any needed equipment. Adopt and provide for the strict enforcement of a modern Building Code, Gas Code, Electric Code Varies based on need of consultant. and Fire Prevention Code.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 80

Chapter 9: Implementation

Garbage Department Project Summary Cost Continue to provide and promote the recycling program to reduce landfill waste being produced. Continue with current operating cost. Replace knuckle boom truck and trailer. $100,000

Evaluate and add new personnel to Garbage and Streets. 4 to 6 laborers. $20,000/yearly plus benefits for each worker.

Work with Clarke County to begin a composting program; to reduce landfill waste being produced. Varies with county involvement and complexity.

Parks and Recreation Project Summary Cost Work with Clarke County and Quitman School District to expand Sumrail Park into larger more diverse and attractive park for both city and county residents. $4 to $5 million

Identify recreational needs and interests. None survey could be conducted electronically.

Identify, upgrade and maintain current park playground equipment, pavilions and park grounds. Varies based on any identified upgrades. Replace and Additional Small Equipment for Day to Day Operations $50,000 to $60,000

Police Department Project Summary Cost Work with county to upgrade to Miss Win Radio System. $40,000 Work with schools to purchase a digital figure printing system. $20,000 to $25,000 Upgrade radar detection system. $6,000 to $10,000 Upgrade number of patrol rifles to a 1:1 ratio. $20,000 to $24,000 Hire a part-time Animal Control Officer. $8,000 to $10,000 based on experience.

Partner with sheriff to create localize training Varies based on equipment and instructors needed.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 81

Chapter 9: Implementation

Public Works Project Summary Cost Analyze and address need for additional street lights. Variable based on final design. Purchase Used Street Sweeper. $80,000 Purchase Small 50hp Tractor. $30,000 to $35,000 Purchase Dump Truck. $100,000

Streets Department Project Summary Cost Construct Archusa Avenue to Hickory Street Turn Lane. $440,000 Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Water Street flooding issue to include a solution and cost Varied base on final scope of work. estimate. Replacement of Harrison Avenue double culvert replacement. $60,000 Varies upon final design and construction of Loop road south of Archusa Lake. Hire an engineer to design and produce cost estimates for project. roadway. Varies upon final design and construction of Extend Quall Run Road to through street connecting Mississippi 145 and Mississippi 513 roadway. Varied base on final scope of work and need of Assess and address as needed issues with curb and gutter and sidewalks. consultant. Varied base on final scope of work need of Evaluate and clean and flush all culverts within Quitman. consultant. Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Back Street (North Church Street) flooding issue to include a Varied base on final scope of work need of solution and cost estimate. consultant. Establish a routine maintenance cycle (ten to twelve years) for all roadway improvements. $300,000 to $400,000 Hire engineer to preformed analysis of Anderson Street flooding issue to include a solution and cost Varied base on final scope of work need of estimate. consultant.

Identify and fix the issues with erosion compromising the culvert on Mississippi 512. $80,000 to $100,000

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 82

Chapter 9: Implementation

Water and Sewer Department Project Summary Cost Began exploring and identifying alternative to Lower Wilcox Aquifer for drinking water source with In progress. future expansion in mind. Construct Water Tank East of Archusa Lake. $1,000,000 Construct Water Well East of Archusa Lake. $600,000 to $650,000 Replace 12 Fire Hydrants. $20,000 total Rehab Thompson Avenue Lift Station. $100,000 to $150,000 Maintenance on 8 other lift stations. $100,000 Develop, adopt and implement a plan to replace all asbestos water pipes. $50,000 Varied base on final scope of work and need of Develop, adopt and implement a plan to replace all clay sewer pipes. consultant. Replace 1 manhole. $10,000 Study and develop a plan to provide sanitary sewer any residents within the city limits that do not Varied base on final scope of work and need of have sanitary sewer. consultant. Review permit and get engineering input as to future requirements and cost to meet elimination of Varied base on final scope of work and need of nutrients and nitrogen for waste water. consultant. Annually review and adjust water and sewer rates to ensure adequate funding for extension, repair None. and routine maintenance of water and sewer lines.

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 83

Appendix 1: MSRB Letter

Appendix 1: Mississippi State Rating Bureau Letter

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 84

Appendix 1: MSRB Letter

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 85

Appendix 1: MSRB Letter

City of Quitman Comprehensive Plan | 86