NATCHEZ &045; It took just a few minutes of discussion at a Community Alliance meeting Wednesday before Isle of Capri representatives volunteered to help water flowers in downtown Natchez.

While flowers have been planted, keeping them maintained has been a problem, Natchez Downtown Development Director Tammi Mullins said.

The city has a truck it can use for watering, but city department heads said the public works department has been short-staffed lately and can’t always water the flowers.

&uot;No one wants to jump out there and do it if no one’s going to back it up,&uot; Mullins said.

Baxter Lee and Jose Oakley of Isle of Capri volunteered to water the downtown flower beds. If the casino can use the city’s truck, Oakley even volunteered to make the first watering run himself.

John Holyoke, manager of Dunleith, thanked Isle of Capri for its help &045; and offered the use of the bed and breakfast’s staff if the city or NDDA ever gets in a bind with its beautification efforts.

&uot;That’s a great commitment,&uot; he said of the Isle of Capri’s volunteer effort.

Wednesday’s alliance meeting also featured an update on several projects group members are working on, including other beautification efforts.

Cynthia Parker Brumfield noted that a grant to plant trees on U.S. 61 north and south &045; the entrances to the city &045; has been completed.

Meanwhile, Mullins is researching the cost of and funding sources for welcome signs at those entrances to the city.

The Community Alliance, formed by the Chamber of Commerce, is made up of stakeholders from throughout the community who work on community projects and share ideas.

The group’s next meeting is 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the convention center.