Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen meeting recap

By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman-at-Large

Mayor Fisher welcomed several guests including Supervisors Tony Smith and Wanda Evers.  He also introduced former Congressman Gregg Harper to present a lobbying report.

     Congressman Harper reported that additional funding for the Big Black project that had been included in the proposed Congressional budget disappeared with the approval of a continuing resolution, but they would try to get it in the upcoming budget.  He is also hopeful for local project money to be approved in the Special Session of the Mississippi Legislature that is being called to pass a State budget.

     Our Department Head report was given by the Communications Director Marlee Price.  Director Price reported that Red Brick Roads was a success and that the marketing and promotions budget had been provided by the City through her work.  She also reported that there is a landing page for the upcoming election, and she has begun a “Clinton University” to teach residents about how local government works.

     The Board of Aldermen approved the execution of an agreement with Adopt-a-Charger Inc. for the installation of electric charging stations in various locations, using Entergy grant funding. The Board also accepted a donation of $10,000 from the Lion’s Club for maintenance and improvements at Lions Club Park.  The Board appreciates the many contributions of the Lions Club over the years.

     The Board of Aldermen also approved a change order on the 80/20 Rising Spring Project, which will wrap up Phase I of the project and help initiate Phase 2. Ward 4 Alderman Chip Wilbanks reported that Phase 2 will include landscaping, lights, sidewalks and the amphitheater.  The Board accepted and approved the list of firms for the bid process for Phase 2.  Right-of-way payments to five individuals and companies were approved for the Wastewater Expansion Project.

     In the most contentious issue of the meeting, the contractor on the Quail Hollow Drive Culvert Replacement Project asked the Board to adjust the proposed final payment, arguing that the City was not fairly compensating them. Consulting City Engineer Bill Owen argued that the amount was correctly calculated, and several Board Members pointed out instances where the contractor had delayed the project, created problems and angered the residents.  The Board voted to support the recommendation of the Consulting Engineer.

     The Board of Aldermen approved to advertise for the 2024 bank stabilization on Broadway Street and to advertise for the 2025 street paving improvements. Discussion followed on whether to allow Krilakis Restaurant to put a grease container on City-owned property and to put pavers out for outdoor dining.  After much discussion, the Board voted six to one, with Ward 2 Alderman Jim Martin voting no, to allow the certificate of appropriateness, with the restaurant accepting ownership and liability for the City property being utilized.

     The Board also approved a certificate of appropriateness for Sydney Sisson, whose business, Family Social Club, occupies 102 East Leake Street, to put up guard rails and a handicap ramp.  The Board also gave approval for an architectural review for the Hair Spa at 702 Springridge Road and Home Instead at 132 Northside Drive. A dimensional variance was approved for Bedi Investments to build a convenience store at 410 Highway 80.  In other action, the Board of Aldermen approved an architectural review for Schoggen Landscape at 1114 Industrial Park and a dimensional variance for Louis Turcotte at 176 Skyline Drive for a detached garage.  A resolution was approved for unkempt property at 1003 Tanglewood Drive.

     In final action, the Board approved the hiring of two summer workers for Parks and Recreation, and a signal technician and three maintenance workers for the Public Works Department.

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.