The Clifton City Commission met in regular session on Monday, July 24, 2023 at City Hall in Clifton. All commissioners were present, including Mayor Mark Staggs, Vice Mayor Eva Ruth Warren, Commissioner Michael Francis, Commissioner Tammy Prince, and Commissioner Jeff Letson. Also present were City Manager Doug Kibbey and City Recorder Kiersten Rainey.
The invocation was given by James Evans, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Mayor Warren made a motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on June 26, 2023. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Prince and carried unanimously.
A Street Closure Resolution was first on the agenda under new business. City Manager Kibbey presented the resolution for the Beech Creek Fundraising Benefit which is set to be held on September 9, 2023, from 9am until 5pm. The fundraiser is being held for the storm victims in the Beech Creek area. The resolution states that the closures are at the intersection of Main Street and Water Street to the intersection of Main Street to Elm Street. Commissioner Letson made a motion to approve the resolution, and Commissioner Prince seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Next was an ordinance for FY 24 Budget Amendment #1. City Manager Kibbey presented the ordinance and stated that there is an increase in General Fund revenue for the River Resort Act, going from $38k to $52k for tourism. The General Fund appropriations for city events will increase from $12k to $52k, which represents the city’s match for up to $40k for the Beech Creek Benefit. Contributions to the Senior Center will increase from $14.4k to $26k due to taking over the county’s delegations to the Senior Citizens Center from the waterline proposal. The Historic Preservation Grant will decrease from $62,189 to $29,189. City Manager Kibbey stated that the Stribling Museum is a tourist attraction; therefore, the city can increase its spending from the River Resort Act and decrease its spending in the General Fund for tourism. The Dog Park grant will increase from $0 to $18k, the concession stand/bathroom line appropriations will increase from $35k to $90k, and the softball field extension will increase from $0 to $35k. These are items that were not fully expended in the last fiscal year. Kibbey added that the Water and Wastewater Fund appropriations increase is to account for the depreciation of the four miles of waterline that the city has taken over from the county, from $308,195 to $318,920. Commissioner Letson made a motion to approve the first reading of Budget Amendment #1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Prince, and passed unanimously on roll call vote.
Departmental reports were next on the agenda. Parks and Recreation Director Eddie Simmons reported that he is just waiting on the skid steer to move dirt for the softball field extension. He stated that the fencing and fence posts for the dog park came in. Vice Mayor Warren asked how big the dog park is going to be, and Simmons said that it will be about a half acre.
Fire Chief Lindsay Roberts reported that there was going to be an electrical inspection at the Fire Hall next week.
Public Works Director James Evans reported that the new skid steer and mini-excavator would be delivered soon, and the new Public Works employee, Jeff Jones, is doing well.
Police Chief Steve Wilson reported that there were 49 people on the court docket last Monday, and commended his department. He went on to say that the city has received two new trailers to monitor speeding inside city limits. Chief Wilson then said that the Police Department has been approved for a $10k/$0 match grant that will be split 50/50 for personnel and equipment.
City Manager Kibbey reported a citizen had approached him and said that since the new tank mixers were installed at the water plant, the quality of water has improved significantly, and he no longer has to haul his own drinking water from Memphis. Several in attendance agreed that the water quality has gotten much better.
Commissioner Letson addressed Emma McWilliams from the Wayne County News, stating that he would like to see a more positive outlook on what the City of Clifton is accomplishing. He went on to provide more information about the Wayne County Community Outreach Board, stating that their latest fundraising efforts raised $80k that has been disbursed to those in need. The Outreach Board is hosting the next fundraising benefit for the victims of the Beech Creek tornado. He invited everyone to the next meeting of the Community Outreach Board on Wednesday, July 26 at 7pm at the Clifton Fire Hall.
Commissioner Prince reminded everyone that the “Fight Like Fonda” fundraiser is on August 5, 2023 at the Riverfront Park at 10am. The benefit will have pulled pork plates for sale, and there will be a silent auction.
With no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned.
