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Civic Corner: November 18, 2022

Ricki Garrett alderwoman at largeRicki Garrett,

Alderwoman at Large

 

In our meeting on Tuesday, November 15, the Board heard from Public Works Director, Phillip Lilley, who shared again with the Board the challenges he is facing maintaining a full contingent of workers in the department.  Although it is difficult to lose any employee, it is particularly hard to lose one with very specialized skills and training.  Phillip also shared information on our recent disposal day for paint and other harmful chemicals and information on the recent collapse of a Jackson water pipe that was endangering the stability of Springridge Road.  The City of Jackson is working to correct the problem.

 

The Board approved the Carr Riggs & Ingram CPA firm to do our annual audits for the years 2022-2025 and also approved the execution of a Clinical Education Agreement between Hinds Community College’s Medical Sciences program and the Clinton Fire Department. This agreement will allow EMT students at Hinds to gain training and experience with our fire department. Two certified police officers, two police recruits and a booking officer were also approved for the Clinton Police Department.

 

Several major improvements for our Parks and Recreation Department were brought to the Board and approved, including $62,140.00 for three drainage improvement projects at Traceway Park, and $28,308.72 for new swings and an automatic entrance gate at Robinson Park.  The Board also approved a bid from Rotolo Consultants, Inc in the amount of $155,536.02 and authorized the execution of a Professional Services Agreement for the Landscape and Grounds Maintenance at Traceway Park. A Parks Superintendent position was also approved for Parks and Recreation, as well as salary increases for the Grounds Superintendent and Grounds Technician.

 

The Board of Aldermen also approved the purchase of a backhoe for the Public Works Department and authorized payments for the work on the Arrow Drive and Cynthia Road multi-use path and for the Northide Drive paving improvements project.  Finally, the Board approved a lease agreement with Evans Holdings LLC for a new parking lot located in the Olde Towne area of Clinton.

 

As you can probably tell, there are so many costs associated with operating a city the size of Clinton, and all of them are very worthy of our attention and support.  The Mayor and the Board of Aldermen took a great deal of time this summer working through the budget and prioritizing the greatest needs in the city.  However, other priorities often emerge during the year, so we have to be prepared to deal with those, as well.

 

The Board is continuing to address a variety of issues as we move into the holiday season.  We appreciate the outstanding work of our department heads and employees and the support and input we receive from our citizens.  Many thanks to the Mississippi College journalism students who attended our meeting this week and for their insightful and interesting questions following the meeting.

 



 

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