Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap – April 18, 2023

By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman at Large

The Board of Aldermen received a report at our regularly scheduled meeting from Courtney Nunn, Director of Parks and Recreation. Courtney gave us the participation figures from the various sports utilizing Traceway Park and also gave an update on equipment coming in for Robinson Park.

The Board also thanked Public Works and the citizens of Clinton for their response following the severe storm and weather event on Sunday, March 26. Public Works is continuing to pick up limbs from the storm. The Board voted to declare an emergency and make the appropriate expenditures associated with the event.

The Board also approved the advertisement for bids for the Pinehaven Road bridge repair project and finalized payment in the amount of $246,869.10 for the 2022 pavement marking improvements project.

Once again, the Board was put in the unenviable position of being asked to approve a sign after the sign was already in place. The Potter’s House on Woodchase requested approval of a sign that had already been constructed. The Board approved the sign. However, those making certain changes to residential and commercial property need to check first to see if they need approval before moving forward. The Board is going to put a penalty process in place for projects that move forward without Board approval and could, as in previous cases, require the removal of the construction.

The Board was pleased to approve an exterior renovation for pharmacist Jim Yawn to renovate an existing building on Highway 80 East to bring a new pharmacy to Clinton. The Board was also pleased to approve the site plan for an addition to McNeely Plastics that will significantly expand their operation.

An accessory building on Chestnut Drive was approved on contingency that it does not violate the neighborhood’s covenants. Finally, a subdivision variance was approved for the final lot on a Williamson Road subdivision that needed a treatment plant rather than connecting to the City sewer system.

The Board of Aldermen are continuing to examine drafts for new personnel policies for the City. They have not been updated since 2012, and the Board is working with our attorney, Will Purdie, as well as a human resources attorney, to finalize the policies. This has been a long process, but it is critically important to have the right policies in place for the governance and management of the City.

The City of Clinton was extremely fortunate to receive special funding from the legislature this year, and we are extremely grateful to Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, both for this funding and for his many years of service to our city and state. The legislature awarded twenty million dollars for our Big Black River Sewer Project that is anticipated to cost ninety-eight million dollars. The legislature also awarded the City of Clinton eight million dollars for additional infrastructure needs for the 80/20 project being built by Mississippi College and partners on the corner of Highway 80 and the ramp to Interstate 20.

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.