NATCHEZ — Mayor Darryl Grennell was forced to unexpectedly cancel Tuesday’s specially called board of aldermen meeting after the council could not achieve a quorum.

With the already scheduled absences of Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Smith and Ward 5 Alderman Benjamin Davis — both of whom were out of town — a surprise absence from Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard led to the cancellation.

Ward 4 Alderwoman Felicia Irving said Dillard contacted her to say he could not attend the meeting approximately an hour before the 9:30 a.m. meeting was set to begin. Irving said Dillard did not specify the reason for his absence.

At least four aldermen must be present to achieve a quorum.

“We are not going to be able to take care of city business,” Grennell said.

Grennell said all items from the agenda would move to next Tuesday for the board’s regularly scheduled meeting. That meeting will take place in the evening, and Grennell said with a laugh the gathering would be an “all-nighter.”

The following are some items listed on the agenda for Tuesday’s canceled meeting:

• Continued discussions about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER grant, an approximately $10.7 million grant aimed at improving the sole rail line that runs through Adams county.
• Fall 2017 Downtown Natchez Farmer’s Market: approval of a contract with market coordinator Eddie Burkes
• Discussion of city financial matters.
• Issue a request for proposal (RFP) for golf carts lease and equipment at Duncan Park.
• Update on the city’s Blight Elimination Program