Discussions about activities in the wake of Hurricane Katrinadominated a rather routine Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesdaynight.

Officials commended city employees and Entergy crews for theirefforts to clean up Brookhaven and restore power to the city.

Earlier Tuesday in a special meeting, aldermen approved usingthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clean up debris around thecity.

Mayor Bob Massengill said Brookhaven is one of the first toapprove an agreement with FEMA for the work. City employees,though, would continue until that work starts.

“We’ll clean up every day until the Corps of Engineers gets acontract let and a person comes in,” Massengill said.

Limbs and branches are still hanging in some areas. As cleanupcontinues, officials advised caution for walkers, joggers andbicyclists.

“They need to be careful,” Massengill said.

Massengill said Waste Management’s goal is to have city garbagepicked up by Friday.

On Monday, when service resumed, he said the company collected45,000 pounds of garbage. A normal Monday has about 17,000 poundscollected, the mayor said.

Massengill also urged citizens to not forget those who are stillsuffering after the storm.

“We need to all remember the hundreds of thousands who have lostso much,” the mayor said.

Also Tuesday, aldermen approved a contract with GreenbriarDigging Service to provide help as needed. The agreement, like onethe company has with McComb, covers rates for the business to helpin water and sewer and other situations.

“I think it will be a money-saver for the city,” Massengillsaid. “Occasionally, we have emergencies and we need help.”

Aldermen approved a contract for the repainting of the elevatedwater storage tank near the old Homelite-Jacobsen building. The$90,000 the city budget over two years is expected to cover thecost of the project.

After handling listed agenda items, the board discussionreturned to praising employees’ efforts in helping the city recoverfrom the hurricane. Each alderman offered some commendations forthe workers.

“The city should be proud of our employees and departmentheads,” said Ward Four Alderwoman Shirley Estes. “I’m grateful tothem.”

Although citizens have been inconvenienced, Ward One AldermanDorsey Cameron said Brookhaven fared pretty well following thestorm.

“Going a few nights without power is not much of a sacrificecompared to what others have sacrificed,” Cameron said.

Unlike some other communities, Brookhaven last week neverenacted a curfew. Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwell questioned thatdecision last night.

Police Chief Pap Henderson said days off for officers werecanceled and Entergy was able to get power restored quickly tobusiness areas. With those actions taken, Henderson said officerswere able to control whatever situations arose.

“It was just no need for a curfew,” Henderson said.

Several aldermen commented on the new spirit of friendlinessbetween neighbors. They said that should continue.

“A lot of people have gotten to know their neighbors better,”Maxwell said. “That is a plus out of a situation like this.”

Massengill said Park City, Ill., a town about 7,000, had adoptedBrookhaven as its sister city. He said its mayor, Steve Pannel, anative of Booneville, and some other officials are planning a visitto Brookhaven later this week to bring relief assistance.

Brookhaven officials said the local situation is improving everyday. Massengill said he is proud of the board and proud of thecommunity.

“I think we have done so well together,” the mayor said.