Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap
By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman-at-Large
Mayor Fisher invited Marsha Barham, the director of the Clinton Visitor Center, to provide an update to the Board of Aldermen. Director Barham reported that, in 2023, the Visitor Center had 7,779 visitors from around the United States and other countries. She described it as a beautiful place with a dog walk, walking path, a biking area and bike repair station developed as an Eagle Scout project. Friday nights at Mile Post 89 begin again in March and extend through October.
In one of its first actions of the evening, the Board of Aldermen approved the hiring of All Phase Archaeology to perform a cultural resources survey for the Wastewater Improvement Project. The purpose of the survey is to make sure there are no archaeologically historic sites or burial grounds on the property being developed.
In other action brought before the Board of Aldermen, the Board was asked to approve a requested increase in the waste collection fee, with the increase retroactive to January 1. The Board was informed that potential increases are included in the Waste Management contract. The Board voted to approve the increase, but not for it to be retroactive to January 1 without further discussion with Waste Management. The rationale was that the city had not collected the additional amount from citizens, and, therefore, the additional cost would have to come out of the existing budget. However, City Attorney Will Purdie then informed the Board that the increase was, in fact, automatic going back to January 1. The increase will result in about a $1.00 per month increase for households and about a $1.38 per month increase for small businesses.
The Board of Aldermen also voted to allow the Clinton Police Department to sell two Remington 870 shotguns to Downrange Gun and Tactical in exchange for NFA modifications and registration of two Remington 870 shotguns to convert them to SBS less-lethal shotguns. The Board also approved the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe as a K9 patrol vehicle for $54,875 and the purchase of a Ford F350 for the Public Works Department in the amount of $44,652.
In other action, the Board approved the award to Hemphill Construction Company in the amount of $138,750 related to the construction of proposed improvements to Lions Club Park. The Board also approved to submit pavement management project applications under the Jackson Metropolitan Planning Organization Surface Transportation Block Grant Program.
The Board of Aldermen granted a subdivision variance to Ben Walker’s Brookfield Subdivision and, also, a dimensional variance to Percy Thorton at 35 Chatham Place to construct a structure behind the house.
In final business, the Board of Aldermen hired an uncertified dispatcher for the Clinton Police 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.
