Mayor honors Worthington’s 100th birthday; Beer Board approves permit for Aspire Park
Clinton Mayor Scott Burton honored Ruth Fox Worthington’s 100th birthday at the Clinton City Council’s April meeting.
Burton read the proclamation during the meeting April 22 in Clinton City Hall.
“Through the passage of time, Ruth Fox Worthington has embodied the epitome of strength, kindness and persuasiveness, inspiring generations with her unwavering spirit and enduring vitality,” Burton said. He called her a “pillar of her community” and a “trusted servant of Anderson County government.”
Aspire Park
Several votes both after and during the City Council meeting regarded Aspire Park, which has yet to open. It’s planned to be a 355-acre private park open to the public with hiking and cycling trails, a playground and a monument to armed services.
The council met as the Beer Board before meeting as City Council. During that meeting, the members present unanimously approved a beer permit for The Pearl restaurant at 777 Aspire Drive, which will be part of the park. Amanda Miller, director of food and beverage training and events for Aspire Park. declined to give a timeline for the park and restaurant’s opening when asked.
“We’re looking forward to it opening,” Burton said.
The City Council also voted to rezone a portion of Aspire Park’s property at the intersection of Yarnell Road and Clinch Avenue from B-2 (General Business Park) to P-1 (Aspire Park). It passed unanimously on second and final reading.
Another measure that passed on first reading was the creation of sign regulations for the Aspire Park property’s new zoning code, P-1. The council will hold a special hearing and second reading at 1 p.m. Monday, May 6.
North Clinton
Elementary
The council approved purchase of a property adjacent to North Clinton Elementary School. The property is at 401 Beets Ave.
The city will buy it for $390,001 using school system funds. Kelly Johnson, director of Clinton City Schools, said it was the only property available adjacent to the school.
It also unanimously approved accepting a $3,000 Anderson County Education Foundation Grant, along with some salary adjustments.
Hearing officer
The council unanimously approved Hugh Ward as interim administrative hearing officer for Clinton. Building official Matt Widner has said this officer would not take the place of the city judge, but instead decide cases about environmental issues, code enforcement, building issues and zoning.
Police vehicles
The council also approved the sale of two 2011 Chevy Tahoe vehicles, which Clinton City Manager Roger Houck said were no longer serviceable for police duty due to high mileage and excessive repair costs.