July 5th Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman at Large
Due to travel obligations, three of us participated in the June 21 Board of Aldermen meeting by telephone. It was a brief meeting but included a report by Communications Director Amanda Jones regarding the work she has been doing on behalf of the City.
There has been much controversy over a proposed caboose short-term rental project in Olde Towne, which would require the Board of Aldermen to approve a short-term rental ordinance for Clinton. Currently, short-term rentals are not allowed in the city, although it has been brought to our attention that some individuals have been operating Airbnb’s illegally. The Board removed the short-term rental approval from the agenda at the June 7 meeting, in order to give itself time to really study the issue and its implications for Clinton and its residents. In the meantime, the developer has decided to abandon the idea, due, I think, to the level of opposition from the residents of Olde Towne.
The Board will be having its work session on June 30 at 5:30 p.m., rather than on the 4th of July, and the short-term rental issue will be back for further discussion.
Despite the Mayor’s accusations that the Board of Aldermen are against economic development and are “dragging our feet,” nothing could be further from the truth. The Board is taking its time to adequately study a controversial issue that could have long term ramifications for the city and making thoughtful decisions about the kind of development we want in Clinton.
Other issues coming before the Board are a possible tennis contract to manage the tennis courts and activities and a contract to begin the development process for the eighty-four acres adjacent to Butts Park.
I am writing this article from the Mississippi Municipal League Conference in Biloxi, where all six of the aldermen are attending classes and networking with other aldermen, mayors and councilpersons from across the state. Today, I will provide an update on the legislative session for the attendees, and, on Wednesday, our Therapeutic Recreation Department will receive the City Spirit Award at the annual awards luncheon. Congratulations to Chandra Broomfield and her staff.
We have greatly missed Ward 3 Alderman Bill Barnett, who was a frequent attendee at MML meetings, and who will be honored today, along with other City officials who have died during the past year.
Finally, we are very sorry to lose our Parks and Recreation Director, Adam Wade. Adam will be taking the position of Director for the Baptist Healthplex in Clinton, and we wish him the best. Our department heads are at the heart of what we do, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts on behalf of our citizens every day.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to publishing deadlines, this recap was written prior to the Board’s June 30 work session. 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.
