Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Article, November 8, 2024
Ricki Garrett, Alderwoman at Large
The Board of Aldermen meeting began with a proclamation declaring November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday. This is the fifteenth year of this special event to encourage Christmas shoppers to support the small businesses of their community.
Following the approval of the consent agenda, the Board heard a report from Marlee Price, Director of Communications and Tourism. She had attended a meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona focused on looking for the authentic, unique experience. The lighting of the Christmas tree will be on December 2 at 6:00 p.m.
In one of its first actions, the Board of Aldermen approved the execution of a memorandum of understanding of engagement between Harper & Bailey Governmental solutions, LLC, and the City of Clinton for governmental affairs services. Former Congressman, Greg Harper, and Brett Bailey had been representing the city through their work with a downtown law firm, but they have recently opened their own firm.
The Board also approved the architectural review for Pedro’s Tacos at 102 Hampton Boulevard and the architectural review for Quick Stop at 415 Northside Drive. In other action, the Board of Aldermen approved a preliminary plat for the Nix Harkins Subdivision at 0 Highway 80 West and the architectural review for Nix Pediatrics Dentistry at that location. John Deady brought before the Board a request for conditional use at 1259 Springridge Road for the storage of forty to fifty energy repair trucks until they are called out on energy restoration projects. The Board approved the request, provided the company erects a privacy fence in front of the trucks.
The Board also approved, with Ward 5 Alderman Jim Martin voting no, the removal of property cleaning fines at 121 Clinton Boulevard.
The Board of Aldermen discussed the rezoning from R-1(Single Family Residential) to MU (Mixed Use) for the Kirkland Development on the Clinton Parkway. A petition had been filed and certified by the opponents of the development, which the Board recognized. This petition created the need for a super majority of the Board of Aldermen (five votes) to approve the development. There was significant discussion again about the possible negative effects to the Nature Center and potential flooding, as well as the positive economic development benefits. Board Members asked why previously approved developments, totaling over 400 houses, had not already been built. David Ash, attorney for the Kirkland Company, stated that if the vote did not pass, they would move ahead with a residential development, rather than a mixed-use development. The motion to approve the zoning failed to pass with Aldermen Godfrey, Wilbanks, Chapman, and Lott voting yes, and Aldermen Oliver, Martin and Garrett voting no.
In final action, the Board of Aldermen approved the hiring of a certified dispatcher for the Police Department, a grounds maintenance technician for Parks and Recreation, and a parttime employee for Main Street.
