By Ricki Garrett, PhD, Alderwoman-at-Large
The Board of Aldermen meeting began with a department head report by Public Works Director Philip Lilley. In his report, Director Lilley announced that Spring Cleanup would be held April 13-20. Although furniture is accepted, unusually heavy items are discouraged. Director Lilley also reported that, between June and November of 2023, 1,178 out of 1,302 work requests were completed, a 90.55% completion rate. Also, between January and April of 2024, 1,056 out of 1,219 requests were completed, an 86% completion rate.
In its first action item, the Board approved the authorization of the mayor to execute an interlocal agreement between the City of Clinton and the Clinton Raymond Bolton Wastewater Authority for the joint undertaking of sewer infrastructure repairs or improvements. Also, an interlocal agreement between these two entities related to House Bill 603 funding was approved.
The Board of Aldermen also approved an increase in garbage rates for residents to $26.75 per month and for commercial customers to $30.50 per month. The purpose of this rate increase is to compensate for an automatic increase that went into effect in January that was part of the City’s contract with Waste Management.
The Board also approved the consideration of bids for the Southside generator improvements, with the award going to Fountain Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $570,000. A memorandum of understanding was also approved with the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the Arrow Drive Pedestrian Lighting Improvements.
Approval for the Clinton Police Department to accept a grant award from Homeland Security in the amount of $27,331.25 for bomb robot equipment was granted. The Clinton Police Department was also given approval for the purchase of a 2024 Nissan Altima.
The Board of Aldermen also approved an expenditure of between $5,000 and $10,000 for the repair of the Electric Outdoor Warning Signal on top of the MCC Building at Mississippi College. The point was made during discussion that these warning signals are not designed to be heard indoors. Fire Chief Blackledge encouraged citizens to sign up for the Code Red Warning Systems by going to the City’s website and entering Code Red. These warnings will come to the citizens’ cell phones.
The Fourth of July Celebration in Clinton will be enhanced this year by having one well-known performer, rather than two lesser-known performers, and the Board approved a contract with New Frontier Touring in the amount of $12,000.
The Board of Aldermen voted unanimously for a Certificate of Approval to remove a tree at 103 East Main in Olde Towne, due to the potential for damage, and a certificate of approval at 205 East Main to add an addition to the Mascagni and Company Building.
The Board unanimously denied a dimensional variance at 1651 SW Linda Drive. Ward 5 Alderwoman Beverly Oliver argued that the size variance was too large, the neighbors were not in favor of the placement of the building, and the owner was operating a business out of the existing building.
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.
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