NATCHEZ — The Natchez Board of Aldermen could not carry out its scheduled meeting today after failing to reach a quorum.

Just Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Smith and Ward 5 Alderman Benjamin Davis showed up for the 8:30 a.m. specially called meeting — two aldermen short of what is required by law to handle city business.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneux-Mathis, Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier and Ward 4 Alderwoman Felicia Irving, who all had flights scheduled to Washington D.C. this afternoon to attend the Congressional City Conference, were not in attendance.

Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard could not show up because of a work obligation, Smith told those in attendance.

Smith apologized to those whose attendance at the meeting went in vain.

“There are people that traveled several hours — several people  — to be here,” Smith said. “I appreciate you all for that, and I apologize sincerely that you have done that for no reason. That’s really sad.”

After Smith asked if Grennell had been given any indication that the board would not be able to reach a quorum, Grennell responded “No” and said he had originally set the meeting for 11 a.m. but rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. to accommodate the three aldermen’s travel plans. The flights to Washington, Grennell said, were scheduled for 12:10 p.m. out of Baton Rouge.

Grennell also listed the agenda items the city had planned to take care of today that would have to be deferred, which include:

·       The ratification of a notice to extend an emergency waste collection contract with Waste Pro

·       The approval of request for proposals that would advance the city toward a new contract for waste and recycling collection services

·       The handling of the refinancing on a bond issuance that went toward construction of the Natchez Convention Center

·       The Natchez Police Department’s aim to declare certain forfeited weapons as surplus property for purposes of selling said weapons

·       Proclamation of a local emergency to due the rising Mississippi River

·       Discussion of applying for the 2018 Community Development Block Grant