Olive Branch aldermen review storm recovery cost, support robotics team

Photo: Members of the DeSoto Technics Robotics Team present before the Olive Branch Board of Aldermen Tuesday night. (Courtesy photo)

Key Points

• Global Success: The DeSoto Technics Robotics Team was honored for ranking seventh globally out of 8,000 teams and is now preparing for the world-stage Governor’s Cup in Washington, D.C.
• Storm Recovery: Olive Branch incurred approximately $490,000 in unbudgeted expenses following a massive January ice storm, though city utilities remained uninterrupted throughout the crisis.
• Infrastructure Investment: The Board approved a $289,500 ambulance purchase and initiated a formal request for up to $20 million in federal funding for water and wastewater projects.

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. — The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen celebrated international academic achievement and charted a course for post-storm financial recovery during its Tuesday night meeting, headlined by a presentation from a world-class local robotics team and a sobering report on recent winter weather costs.

From Olive Branch to the World Stage

The board welcomed the DeSoto Technics Robotics Team, a community-based group of homeschool students who have transitioned from local competitors to global contenders. Following a state championship win last year, the team placed fourth in their division at the World Championship in Houston, ending the season ranked 7th in the world out of more than 8,000 youth teams.

“We are a little old team here based in Olive Branch, and we get to compete on a world stage,” said Coach Joe Ricker.

The team, led by Captain Nathan Ricker, showcased their latest robot, “Sideliner.” The machine features a sophisticated turret system and a unique “ascent mechanism” that allows it to lift itself off the ground so other robots can park underneath—a feat of engineering unmatched by most teams in the state.

The team is currently preparing for the inaugural Governor’s Cup in Washington, D.C., later this month. They were the only team invited by Gov. Tate Reeves to represent Mississippi. Mayor Ken Adams directed the city’s communications department to provide the team with city banners and flags to display in their competition pit.

The 490,000 Dollar Ice Storm Bill

Mayor Adams provided a comprehensive update on the city’s response to the January 23 ice storm, which blanketed North Mississippi in ice. While the state saw 26 storm-related fatalities, Olive Branch reported no loss of life and no major interruptions to water, sewer, or natural gas services.

However, the resilience came at a cost. The city incurred about $490,000 in unbudgeted expenses over a 10-day period. Public works crews logged 800 hours of overtime and distributed 25 tons of ice melt across 200 miles of roadway.

“Snow is easy to clean up; ice is definitely different,” Adams said. To ensure all emergency purchases are properly documented for potential reimbursement or audit, the Board voted to extend the local emergency declaration through Feb. 17.

Community Recognition and Safety Concerns

The meeting also served as a platform for local honors. Alderman Don Gammage and Police Chief Carlos Garcia were recognized for receiving Trailblazer Awards at a recent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day program. Additionally, the Mayor’s Award was presented to Eddie Baldwin and Taylor Swallows of the Parks Department for their proactive work clearing debris on Highway 305.

The board also addressed public safety regarding local development, specifically expressing opposition to a proposed convenience store at a dangerous intersection. Members cited recent accidents and the need for better engineering before approving such projects.

City Business and Infrastructure

In legislative action, the Board moved forward with several high-priority infrastructure items:

• Public Safety: The Board approved a 289,500 dollar bid for a new budgeted ambulance.
• Federal Funding: Officials authorized a formal request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for between 10 million and 20 million dollars under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act.
• Contract Adjustments: A change order for TJ Construction was approved, resulting in a 960 dollar reduction in costs for the Center Hill gas regulator station project.

The meeting concluded with the Board entering executive session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation.