Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Meeting for November 22, 2024
Ricki Garrett, Alderwoman at Large
Our Department Head report was provided by the Police Chief, Ford Hayman. Chief Hayman announced that crime in Clinton is down across the board. He said that it has been trending down since 2013 and that the men and women of the department are working hard. So far this year, 26, 000 calls have come in. Chief Hayman indicated that contempt of court citations and traffic stops are holding people accountable. He encouraged the use of the house watch program.
The following appointments were approved by the Board of Aldermen: Tyson Reno, Mike McSparrin, and Rob Logan to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Board also approved a resolution of intent to grant an exemption from ad valorum taxes to Gulf States Canners for new logistics and distribution equipment, a 40.8-million-dollar project.
The Board of Aldermen also approved the advertisement for bids for the Arrow Drive pedestrian pathway lighting improvements. This project will add 142 lights from the eastern end of Arrow Drive to Cynthia Drive. Dimmers will be added to them as well as to the 68 existing lights. In other action, the Board approved the advertisement for bids for the Emergency Road and Bridge repair for the Pinehaven Bridge. The Board also approved a resolution concerning the construction engineering and inspection contract for the Arrow Drive pedestrian pathway lighting improvements. It also approved a summary change order and final payment for the Lovett Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade project, which increases its capacity and is a first step in the larger regional wastewater project.
The Board of Aldermen approved a master professional services contract between the City and Compliance Envirosystems, LLC. This contract will provide the Public Works Department with much needed assistance on certain projects. The Board also approved the lowest and best bid from Blurton, Banks and Associates in the amount of $16,482.00 to raise an existing manhole cover.
The Parks and Recreation Department was pleased to be awarded approval to accept a grant in the amount of $6.500.00 from the U.S. Tennis Association Mississippi for upgraded amenities for the Brighton Park tennis courts.
A committee of the Board, led by Ward 1 Alderwoman Karen Godfrey, has been working to create a food truck area in Clinton, and the Board approved the adoption of the food truck lease agreement for the Firehouse Food Park operations at Kids’ Towne Park. Spaces at the food truck park can be rented for $25.00 a day or $300.00 a month.
The Board of Aldermen approved a certificate of appropriateness-dimensional variance for Krilakis at 312 Jefferson Street to add a storage area. The Board also approved a dimensional variance for Johnny and Stacey Donaldson at 3155 N. Norrell Road for a storage building and a certificate of appropriateness to Karen Godfrey at 805 N. Monroe Street. A site plan review was approved for Jeff Finch at 1106 Industrial Park Drive and a architectural review was approved for Carrie Beth Flooring & Design. The Board also approved a certificate of appropriateness for paint colors at 804 Monroe Street for Chris Evans.
In an Executive Session the Board approved a two-day suspension for a Clinton employee.
