Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap of January 15, 2026 Meeting
Robert Chapman
By Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large
On Thursday, January 15, the Clinton Board of Aldermen held a special called meeting to approve the request for a conditional use and dimensional variance for a property in the Clinton Industrial Park as well as to approve a Fee In Lieu of Tax a with a company wanting to invest in the Industrial Park area.
The regular Tuesday meeting held on January 20 opened with Mayor Purdie reading a resolution declaring January 18-24 as National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week. Present for the recognition was Clinton resident Sandy Weathers, president for the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
The Board heard from Chandra Fontenot, Clinton’s Director of the Department of Therapeutic Recreation, who reported strong numbers over the past year in both the Living Young and Abilities programs, growing to 17,278 participants, a 16% growth.
She reported that the Living Young group is in the middle of an annual health challenge, going from January 12 through February 8. Also, several events have been very successful for her department, such as line dancing, educational opportunities and a new initiative called Golden Buddies, where veteran attendees get to help make newcomers feel welcomed.
The annual Valentine’s Dance is scheduled for the group, as well as a beginners’ crochet class, where people can learn how to crochet as well as connect with other crocheters.
The Abilities program has seen steady participation with five individuals added to the basketball season. This takes place on Monday nights at 6 p.m. at the HealthPlex.
Challenger League Softball is starting soon, with registration open through February 2.
The annual Sneaker Ball for those in the Abilities program is scheduled for February 7 at 6 p.m. The event has a steady number of sponsors who are donating money and time, as well as helping participants with hair and makeup prior to the dance.
Chandra closed out her presentation saying the reach of Clinton’s Department of Therapeutic Recreation is showing to have an impact beyond the city limits of Clinton. The department’s new partnership with the Mississippi Special Olympics should increase that reach.
The Board opened the Discussion/Action portion of the meeting, approving a resolution to request from the legislature the opportunity for citizens to vote on extending the collection of the 2% Special Restaurant Tax that has already benefited the City’s Park’s and Recreation offerings. This 2% tax must be voted on every 4 years in order for the City to benefit from it. The date set for the special election is June 9, 2026.
The Board approved an amendment to the general professional agreement the City has with WGK, Inc. and approved a change order for the second phase of Rising Springs.
Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman asked for the Board’s approval to accept two vehicles from the Mississippi Gaming Commission at no cost to the City.
He also sought approval to send 61 items of evidence to auction in order to make room in the Police Department’s storage office.
Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn asked the Board to allow her department to into a monthly agreement with Michael Ward LLC for professional tennis services at Brighton Park.
She also asked for approval to advertise for proposals involving the City’s landscaping and grounds services.
The Board approved the final estimate package for the Arrow Drive pedestrian package, paying $6,353.90 to McInnis Systems and $1,263.34 to WGK.
The Board approved the final payment to Thornton Construction in the amount of $58,069.50 for the Pinehaven and East College sewer improvements, as well as the final payment to ADCAMP for 2025 street paving improvements, totaling $111,986.69.
The Highway 80 sewer relocation project was awarded to Anding Construction Services for $119,750. This action is part of the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s improvement project that will take place on Highway 80 from Shaw Road to Clinton Raymond Road.
Director of Public Works Phillip Lilley requested the ability to send to auction a number of items to clear up space and bring some money back into the City.
The Board approved the hiring of a grounds technician for Parks and Recreation, then entered into an executive session, where the Board took an action to terminate an employee.
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.
