Civic Corner: December 6, 2024
Ricki R. Garrett, Alderwoman at Large
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen welcomed Fire Chief, Jeff Blackledge, to the meeting to provide an update. Chief Blackledge reported that the department receives an average of 9.31 calls per shift, which is up slightly. This results in approximately 31,010 calls per year, most of which are EMT calls. The average time per incident is forty-five minutes to an hour. Chief Blackledge also reported that Clinton is part of an emergency response team and had participated in the bridge collapse in which three people died. He reminded everyone to water their live Christmas trees to prevent fires.
The Board of Aldermen approved the appointment of two citizens to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Timothy Presson of Ward 4 and Jade Roberts of Ward 6 and approved the appointment of Dave Ellis to the Planning and Zoning Board as an at-large appointee.
As is our tradition, the Board of Aldermen officially approved cancellation of the regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen scheduled for December 17th and to set the next meeting for January 7, 2025. The Board also approved the advertisement of notice of intent to raise the garbage rates. The Board never likes to raise rates, but this is the first step in considering a rate increase.
The Board approved authorization for Century Construction Group to proceed with the production of pre-qualification requirements and scopes of work and to advertise for services related to phase 2 of the 80/20 Rising Spring Development Project. The Board had received an update on this project at the work session and was impressed with the progress.
The Board of Aldermen also approved a payment to Energy Mississippi in an amount not to exceed $456,500.00 for relocation of power lines within the 80/20 Rising Spring Development Project. The Board also approved the purchase of one Toro Pro Core SR70 in the amount of $33,739.24 for the Parks and Recreation Department. This equipment will alleviate compaction on the fields through aeration.
A Memorandum of Agreement between Mississippi Main Street and the City of Clinton outlines the responsibilities of each entity and was approved by the Board. The Board of Aldermen also approved consideration of a professional services agreement for the Clinton Raymond Bolton Water Association force main improvements project between the City of Clinton and WGK, Inc. This approval authorizes the completion of design for the remaining 112,000 feet of the project.
The Board of Aldermen approved allowing the City of Clinton to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the purpose of installing and maintaining traffic signals at intersections on Highway 80, Springridge Road, and Clinton Raymond Road. These traffic signals will significantly approve traffic flow.
The Board gave its approval to Sam Graham to install fencing at 101 Cross Park Drive for security purposes and approved moving forward on unkempt property at 1518 Twin Oaks Parcel. An appeal of the interpretation of the Director of Community Development related to a non-conforming sign at Arrow Wine and Spirts was denied. The owners will work with the department to make changes to the sign to comply with existing regulations.
In Executive Session action, the Board of Aldermen voted to terminate a city employee.
