Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman-at-Large
The Board of Aldermen heard a report from Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Chandra Fontenot.
She reported that there had been 4,251 participants in the program during this period. The events that had the highest participation were exercise classes and special events. Some of the recent events included a Mardi-Gras/Valentines event, Olympic Day and a quilting class, with a Taste of the Nation coming soon. The Challenger League has also been very active with basketball and softball.
The City of Clinton will benefit significantly by the approval of a contract with Donna Yowell to provide green infrastructure and grants services to the city. Donna is an experienced horticulturist known nationally for her work, and she has chosen Clinton to be her focus.
The Board also approved the appointment of Dr. Bo Roberts as its representative on the Connect West economic development organization that will work to bring economic development projects to Clinton and the surrounding area. The 80/20 project also moved forward again with the acceptance of a proposal by Valbridge Property Advisors for professional services.
The Board of Aldermen also added a position to the City’s workforce with the addition of a second Deputy Clerk for the Finance and Administration Department. Clinton has been awarded three of the nine LPA projects awarded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and the Board approved an acknowledgment of task order agreements with WGK engineering.
The Pinehaven Bridge Replacement Project will move forward with an acquisition payment to Doris and Johnnie Maynor, Sr.
A contract with Vault Entertainment for the purpose of stage production for the Red, White & Blue July 4th Festival was also approved, as well as a quotation for the City to enter into an agreement with Labor Finders for the Parks and Recreation Department. A new software contract with Rec Desk was also approved to provide recreation management software, and an annual service agreement for Taylor Power Systems to provide maintenance on generators was approved.
The Board’s approval to advertise for request for proposals for professional services for property and easement acquisitions related to the Wastewater Improvement Project is the actual beginning step of this project. The Board also approved the request to advertise for bids for engineering services for the project.
The Board of Aldermen also approved a new street sweeper truck for the City.
The Board approved a number of architectural reviews and conditional uses in the city, including a request by Ward 1 Alderwoman Karen Godfrey to rezone property on Whitaker Street. In an unkempt property issue at 103 Glendale Street, the Board allowed time for a sale of the property to be finalized by the end of the month before action is taken on the property.
Finally, the Board approved a number of employment requests, including summer workers for Parks and Recreation.
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.
