Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen meeting recap
By Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large
Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large
Clinton’s newly elected Mayor Will Purdie and Board of Aldermen were officially sworn in prior to the start of the July 1 meeting by City Judge Darren LaMarca during a packed ceremony attended by friends and family.
The Board of Aldermen meeting opened with a report from Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn, who highlighted progress on the City’s various park projects. She spoke on the construction of new permanent restrooms at Traceway Park and the construction of the pickleball complex near Kids Towne Park.
Nunn highlighted the near completion of the state’s largest sports lighting project at Traceway Park, marking a major milestone in the City’s planned improvements. She closed out her report, stating that July is recognized as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Board of Aldermen adopted updated policies and procedures to guide meetings and reappointed returning department heads.
New appointments were approved by the Board of Aldermen. These positions include Josiah Burns as City Attorney, Levius Buckley as Fire Chief, and Breana Norton as Chief of Staff and Special Projects.
Newly elected Alderman-at-Large Robert Chapman was chosen as Mayor Pro Tempore, a position traditionally held by the only other Citywide official.
Additional actions included updating Mayor Purdie and Alderman-at-Large Chapman as signatories for City accounts and selecting Mayor Purdie as the City’s voting delegate to the Mississippi Municipal League, with Ward 1 Alderwoman Karen Godfrey named as alternate. Updates to the Big Black River Sewer Project board were also made, replacing outgoing Mayor Fisher with Purdie.
The Board of Aldermen approved accepting a $100 memorial donation to the police department in memory of George Saul. The Board approved an agreement with NR Tennis to contract with the City to manage Brighton Park’s tennis courts.
Multiple certificates of appropriateness were issued, including the approval of a decorative fence in the Olde Towne Clinton District and the removal of four trees in the downtown area.
A certificate of appropriateness was applied for by Tabb Hattaway seeking to remove the elevators and silos at the Johnson Milling location. Discussion led to approval to remove portions of the elevators that present any danger to the public, but the Board requested further discussion to determine future actions on the historic silos.
The Board of Aldermen approved a conditional use request to allow Zayo Group to expand upon a previously granted conditional use. The group is seeking to expand their fiber optics housing abilities.
The Board of Aldermen also approved a conditional use to allow Chris Evans to utilize one of his properties on Monroe Street as a short-term rental. The Board of Aldermen amended a City ordinance moving liquor stores from permitted use in commercially zoned areas to conditional use only. The Board also voted to approve the City to take action on an unkempt property on West Lakeview Drive.
The meeting was closed out after approving the hiring of two dispatchers for the Clinton Police Department, a grounds technician and summer worker for Parks and Recreation, as well as a maintenance worker for Public Works.
