The Clifton City Commission met in regular session on Monday, August 23, 2021. Commissioners in attendance were Mayor Mark Staggs, Vice Mayor Eva Ruth Warren, and Commissioners Layton Packwood, Randy Burns, and Stacy Huntingford. Also in attendance were City Manager Doug Kibbey and City Recorder Barbara Culp.
Mayor Staggs called the meeting to order. The invocation was offered by Eddie Simmons, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
A motion was made by Commissioner Burns to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Huntingford, and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Under new business from the audience, Ms. Wendy Adey asked the commission if the city would help with the Harvest Festival by paying for portable restrooms and security. She said that there were 58 vendors scheduled to set up at the festival, and they were planning to have a kids’ area with pony rides. Commissioner Burns made a motion to pay for the portable restrooms and security, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Packwood. The motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Adey went on to tell the commission that she is getting ready to do some promo books, and asked if the city would like to contribute. City Manager Kibbey said that $2,000 was donated last year, and suggested that Ms. Adey contact Tommy Martin with the Chamber of Commerce.
An attorney from Nashville addressed the commission next concerning the opioid crisis in Clifton and Wayne County. She said that her law firm would file a lawsuit on behalf of Clifton if the commission would be interested in pursuing one. The suit would be filed under the Drug Dealers Liability Act, and they would go after the doctors who over-prescribe medication as well as the pharmacies and manufacturers. The purpose is to slow the use of opioids in our communities. The attorney said that the city would not have to pay anything, and if they won the suit, their attorney fees would come out of the settlement. Following further discussion, Commissioner Burns made a motion to file a lawsuit under the Drug Dealers Liability Act. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Packwood, and carried unanimously.
Under new business on the agenda, Dr. David Franks told the commission that the Rotary Club would like to have the speed limit reduced from 30 mph to 15 mph during the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival. They also requested that the noise ordinance be extended from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Commissioner Huntingford asked if any alcohol would be served at the festival, and Mr. Franks said no, this would be a family-friendly event. Commissioner Packwood made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing a temporary speed limit reduction and a temporary extension of the noise ordinance for the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burns, and carried unanimously. Chief Henderson said that all of his officers would be on duty during the festival hours.
Next, Commissioner Burns made a motion to approve a resolution endorsing the application for a multi-modal grant. The grant is for $760,000.00 with a $40,000.00 match. If the city receives the grant, it would allow for the construction of a sidewalk from Water Street to the existing sidewalk along Pillow Street. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Huntingford and carried unanimously.
Department reports were next on the agenda. Parks Director Eddie Simmons said that his department was still trying to keep everything mowed at the parks. They also reinforced the cables in the batting cage and spread the nets out higher.
Fire Chief Lindsay Roberts said that his department did not expect to receive their boat motor until October. He said that everything else was moving along well.
Police Chief Jerroll Henderson went over a statistical report for the Police Department for January 2021 through the present. He said that they had given several verbal warnings. Mayor Pigg said that he felt that the officers should write warning tickets, and Chief Henderson responded that he felt the verbal warnings were working well because he has not yet had to pull over anyone he has given a verbal warning to. Chief Henderson also said that writing warning tickets would be an added expense, as each citation costs 92 cents. Commissioner Burns said that he disagreed with issuing written warning tickets, and Commissioner Packwood said that he would also like to see things left as they are. No action was taken by the commission.
City Manager Kibbey reported that there had been a violation at the water plant when the turbidity level exceeded the amount allowed by the state. The city had been assessed a fine of $8,400.00 with $1,680.00 due to be paid immediately. Kibbey said that any time the seasons change, there are more issues at the water plant.
Commissioner Huntingford thanked Chief Henderson and his team for their fast response to recent situation at the Clifton Marina.
Commissioner Packwood asked if a sign could be installed at the marina stating “Do Not Block Boat Ramp.” Commissioner Huntingford confirmed that the sign could be installed.
With no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned.
