Meridian City Council accepted APAC’s low bid of $2.7 million at Tuesday’s council meeting to pave just more than 15 miles of some of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

City officials said the first phase of the project will begin shortly.

“We hope to see paving begin in the next two weeks now that APAC has been awarded the contract,” Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Richie McAlister said. “We’ll have a more definitive timeline after we have that discussion about their mobilization plan and anticipated timeline.”

The council also approved $110,000 to market the city. Leading Edges is doing the marketing.

“We want to keep the citizens informed and give them confidence,” Leading Edges’ Tony Pompelia said. “We’re hoping to create positive buzz. Whenever people visit here, they’ll ask residents about what there is to do here. This isn’t a feel-good campaign. We want to give our people a feel of ownership.”

The new campaign is called “Live, Love, Grow.” The $110,000 is for 12-month marketing campaign in numerous media outlets.

Ward 4 Councilwoman and Council President Kim Houston said the city has a lot going for it.

“We need to raise awareness. There are gold mines within our city like the golf course, Meridian Activity Center and training facility,” Houston said. “These are all hidden jewels for the city.”

The council also authorized execution and acceptance of a proposal with CDM-Smith for litigation support services concerning the city’s handling of the EPA case. Approximately $209,000 will go to CDM-Smith in its handling of EPA enforcement issues.

The city’s public works department is about to embark on a paving program for just more than 15 miles in the city. The council accepted a low bid of $239,993 for an asphalt patch truck from Empire Truck Sales of Meridian, a low bid of $177,000 for an asphalt paver from Mid-South Machinery of Jackson; and a low bid of $509,100 for a cold milling machine from Lyle Machinery of Meridian.

In other matters, the council authorized an agreement for credit card processing with Invoice Cloud Inc.

Also, the council:

• Appointed Ken Storms to the Airport Authority Board.

• Authorized the closing, vacating and abandoning the 1900 and 1600 block of segments of 13th Street.

• Authorized contract agreement with Simplex Grinnell Inc., for fire and safety equipment at the Arts District Parking Garage.

• Authorized formal notice of acceptance of the Aug. 16 food and beverage referendum.

Donna Yarnell, executive director of the Mississippi Urban Forest Council, recognized the city for excellence in community forestry.