Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman at Large
The September 21 Board of Aldermen Meeting began, as usual, with the approval of the Consent Agenda, followed by a report from Main Street Director Tara Lytal. Despite the limitations of COVID-19, the accomplishments of Main Street are significant and include numerous activities, including Fresh at Five, Back to the Bricks, and the Red Brick Roads Festival. The Back to the Bricks event to welcome students back to Mississippi College had over 800 people in attendance.
Alderman James Lott, of Ward 6, developed a proclamation declaring September 24, 2021, as Cam Akers Day in the City of Clinton. Cam’s mother was in attendance as the Board approved the proclamation, and Board Members James Lott, Karen Godfrey, Beverly Oliver and I were present at the football game September 24 to congratulate him.
The Board approved an architectural review of the engineering office of Mauricka McKenzie on Northside Drive and a dimensional variance for the Sonny’s Barbeque sign. A certificate of appropriateness was approved for the renovation of Karen Godfrey’s home on Capitol Street, with Alderwoman Godfrey recusing herself from the discussion and vote.
A proposal by Wildstone Construction LLC to build an adult area at Lion’s Club Park, including a permanent cornhole game, was also approved.
Mayor Phil Fisher and I conducted first-round interviews for two open positions in the City, including the Communications and Tourism Director and the Economic Development Director. Other members of the Board of Aldermen then interviewed the finalists. An announcement on these two individuals will be made soon.
City Clerk Russell Wall, who is currently chairing the Municipal Clerks group of the Mississippi Municipal League, and I were both in attendance as Board Members of the Mississippi Municipal League in Tunica. I have been appointed to serve as the Legislative Chair of the Mississippi Municipal League and will work with Executive Director Shari Veazey, Deputy Director Robbie Brown, and Lobbyist Trey Bobinger to advocate for the municipalities in Mississippi, including our City of Clinton. Ward 5 Alderwoman Beverly Oliver will chair the Health Committee.
On October 5, the Board of Aldermen met for an abbreviated meeting and then joined Clinton Police officers for Neighborhood Night Out. Neighborhoods celebrating included Huntcliff, The Briars, Brighton and Oakwood Drive.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Space will be provided in each issue of The Clinton Courier to the Board of Aldermen for a recap of each meeting. Aldermen are asked to volunteer to provide this recap for the Courier.
