Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman at Large
Although the second meeting of the month is usually a shorter meeting, with a less crowded agenda, November’s second meeting had several challenges for the Board.
The first issue had to do with the Board’s tabling, at the previous meeting, of a request to build a storage facility on the Clinton Parkway behind the St. Dominic’s clinic. Although the item was on the agenda for this meeting for consideration, no motion was made or seconded to take it up at this meeting. The developer is working on a revised plan for the project to address the Board’s concerns, so it will come before the Board again at a later date.
The second issue to come before the Board was an architectural review of the Refreshing Rain Church project at 1269 Springridge Road. The previous Board of Aldermen had approved, after much discussion, a plan for an addition to the church, with the usual understanding that any changes to the plan would have to come back to the Board for approval. After the Director of Community Development, Roy Edwards, determined that the project was almost complete with changes that the Board had not approved, he stopped work on the project and brought it back before the Board with the changes. Unfortunately, significant changes had been made, so the Board’s decision was to either accept the unapproved changes or have them torn down and re-done.
One of the cornerstones of a successful community is that there are rules and regulations which must be adhered to in order to be fair to all of the citizens and to have a well-ordered and attractive community. Although the church is being improved, the changes were made without the proper approval, opening the door for a total disregard for the approval process and allowing citizens to make whatever changes they want, even when it is not in the best interest of the community. Since the Board had previously ordered another citizen to remove an unapproved structure, it was important to be consistent in our decision-making.
Although a motion was put on the table and seconded to approve the changes, Alderman Martin made a substitute motion, seconded by Alderwoman Oliver, to table the approval until such time as the Director of Community Development could determine which changes could be approved and which changes would have to be removed and re-done. The motion passed on a 4-2 vote, with Alderman Barnett absent.
In other news, I attended, with the Mississippi Municipal League, a lengthy legislative committee meeting related to the state and municipal portions of the federal ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act funds). A subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee has been formed to determine the best way to utilize the state funds for state projects and as a match for funds going directly to the municipalities. The committee heard from representatives of Tennessee and Louisiana, as well as a representative of the National Conference of State Legislators, Budget Director Tony Greer and State Auditor Shad White. This Act provides funding for much need infrastructure needs, and it is important to make good decisions about its use.
Finally, the Mayor and Board are extremely sad to learn of the death of Bonnie Barnett, wife of Ward 2 Alderman Bill Barnett. Bonnie was such an important part of our city and its activities, and we will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family.
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.
