Civic Corner: January 10, 2025 Recap
By Ricki Garrett
The Board of Aldermen met for the first meeting of the new year, following a work session the evening before. Following the approval of the Consent Agenda, the Board heard a report from Director of Public Works, Philip Lilley. Director Lilley described the smoke tests for sewer issues being conducted and indicated that the city would work with citizens as they take care of the sewer issues that are their responsibility. He also requested that leaves not be placed on the curb because they will not be picked up, unless they are bagged.
In other action, the Board of Aldermen granted approval for Mayor Fisher to enter into an agreement with Hinds County Circuit Clerk, not to exceed $15,000.00, to provide professional services to the City of Clinton. The Board also approved the authorization of right of way payments for the Wastewater Expansion Project requested by the Clinton Raymond Bolton Wastewater Authority and was pleased to accept a donation from Birdsong Construction in the amount of $18,483.18 for tasers and drone equipment for the Clinton Police Department. Furthermore, the Board approved the acceptance of a donation in the form of 9 Stalker radar units from the United States Department of the Interior, Natchez Trace Park Rangers for the Clinton Police Department.
The Board of Aldermen gave approval to advertise for the MCWI Force Main Improvement Project. They also approved a resolution to apply for a FY 2025 Community Development block grant and to allow Central Mississippi Planning and Development Distract to assist in a Community Development Block Grant improvements project. A request for qualifications for engineering services related to the block grant was also approved.
In other action, the Board of Aldermen granted a conditional use/dimensional variance for Murphy Oil at 948 U.S. Highway 80 and a site plan review for Amis Lawn and Landscape on West Northside Drive. The approval of the site plan included a requirement for a security fence. A dimensional variance for Kidz 1st Level Center at 724 Springridge Road was also approved with the provision that a permanent structure be completed within two years.
One of the most thoroughly discussed of all issues coming before the Board recently has been the development of the Kirkland Development on the Clinton Parkway. Following the failure to approve the change of zoning from Residential to Mixed Use, the developer decided to move forward with R1 Residential Development and sought approval of a preliminary plat. Despite continued objections from the Nature Center and residents of Kentwood, the Board of Aldermen approved the preliminary plat with Alderman Jim Martin voting no and Alderwoman Garrett absent. The approval allows the development to move to authorizing studies that must be conducted related to water drainage and other requirements.
The Board of Aldermen also authorized Mayor Fisher to execute a contract between the City of Clinton and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District relating to the updating the City of Clinton’s comprehensive plan. The city’s current plan was approved in 2017.
In items related to employment, the Board of Aldermen approved the hiring of four new firefighters and one maintenance worker for the Public Works Department. In other business, a Clinton firefighter expressed concern over the loss of a Captain and a Lieutenant in the department.
