Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman at Large
The highlight of the December 7, 2021, Board of Aldermen meeting was the opportunity to present for approval a resolution honoring First United Methodist Church of Clinton for its one hundred and ninetieth anniversary. As my own church, and that of many others, First United Methodist has been a beacon of hope and worship, as well as providing many services to our own community and across the world. The Board passed the resolution unanimously and presented the resolution to Senior Pastor Ricky James and Associate Pastor Katie Giedd.
The Board voted to take off of the table the Architectural Review of Refreshing Rain Ministries, which had moved ahead with changes to their church addition, which had not been approved by the Board. Once again, I raised concerns about approving these changes, which, in effect, open the door to other contractors, developers, builders, etc., making changes without Board approval. Although both Alderman Martin and Alderwoman Oliver also expressed opposition to the approval of these changes, the motion passed on a four to three vote. It was the opinion of the four aldermen who voted for the changes that the church had been penalized enough by the work stoppage and would recommend that penalties be put in place to keep this blatant disregard of City regulations from happening again.
The next action of the Board was a Discussion/Action item related to the Dimensional Variance to allow Storage City of Clinton to be built on the Clinton Parkway. The Board had previously tabled this item for additional review and discussion. Alderwoman Beverly Oliver read a letter from a constituent in opposition to the location of the facility on the Parkway, and discussion followed. Alderwoman Godfrey expressed support, saying the facility would be behind the St. Dominic’s Clinic and that it was not an appealing location for a restaurant or retail establishment, particularly since it is in a flood plain. Alderman Wilbanks also offered support, saying that the developer had made a number of changes to the plans at the request of the Board. Alderman Martin expressed his belief that a storage facility was not appropriate for the Parkway. The motion to approve failed on a five to two vote.
Improvements to the Trustmark Bank on Clinton Boulevard were approved, and the Board expressed its gratitude for this financial investment in the city by Trustmark. A number of small cell locations by AT&T were also approved.
A Proclamation declaring January 23-29 School Choice Week in the City of Clinton failed on a seven to zero vote, after Alderman Wilbanks expressed his concern that, since our city is rooted in an outstanding public school system and dependent on its continued success and, although there is Board Member support for parental choice, it was not appropriate for Clinton City officials to promote school choice in a public resolution.
In a special-called meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Friday, December 10, the Board voted to approve the continued negotiation of a garbage contract with Waste Management, our current provider. However, the Board expressed a desire that some of the requests by the company be applied equally in benefit to the City or not included at all.
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.
