Clinton City Council honors 100-year-old resident
The audience stood as Clinton Mayor Scott Burton honored resident Georgia Goolsby (photo:Ben Pounds )
“What a great life you must have led,” Mayor Scott Burton said. “I can tell you have great health. You’re sharp, and bless your heart.”
The resolution described her work for the U.S. War Department during World War II, and her later work for the Department of Employment Security, as well as her authorship of two published books: “Where Angels Walked” and “Hey Mom, What’s for Supper?”
All present stood and applauded.
At the start of the meeting, the City Council observed a moment of silence in honor of Anderson County Law Director Jay Yeager, who died unexpectedly on Friday.
Burton called him “a good man across the street” referring to his office in the Anderson County Courthouse across the street from City Hall.
Vice Mayor Larry Gann spoke about Yeager and his family in the prayer that opened the meeting.
Schools
Kelly Johnson, head of Clinton City Schools, had no items for votes, but did have some announcements for the coming start of school.
“We are gearing back up,” she said, describing staff busy getting ready.
Wednesday, July 31, she said is the “sneak peek day,” during which parents can pick up paperwork, drop off school supplies, and meet teachers. The first day of school, a half-day will be Friday, Aug. 2.
“We’ll start rocking and rolling for the 2024-25 school year,” she said.
The school system was still registering children, Johnson said.
“Kids are coming in, but we don’t know who all is not going to show up yet,” she said. “I’m confident that we will hold steady if not increase size,” regarding student numbers.
Paving materials
The council unanimously approved the purchase of materials for paving, but not a full paving contract.
The measure involved using Ready Mix USA Concrete and Volunteer Supplies.
Council member Jim McBride made the motion and Wendy Manness seconded.
Traffic safety
City Manager Roger Houck said that studies are continuing regarding a citizen request for safety measures at the Unaka Street and Ridgeview Drive intersection. He said restricting left turns might work, and spoke of possible four-way stop signs.
“We want to make sure if we do it, we make it as safe as possible,” he said regarding the four-way stop solution. He said he would have “definite answers” by the next council meeting.
Beer permits
Before the meeting, the council members, meeting as the Beer Board, unanimously voter to give permits to two different companies: The Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza at 116 Tanner Lane, and a temporary one for the Aug. 9 “Sip of Summerfest” event at the Kincaid House.
Festivals and
downtown
Katherine Birkbeck, director of the Historic Downtown Clinton organization, gave further details of Sip of Summerfest during the meeting.
She also said that Evans Candy Co. on North Main Street received a $10,000 grant from Main Street America to expand its business.
Planning and zoning
Vice Mayor Larry Gann listed several updates from the Regional Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. He said the Clinton Church of God Prophesy had a final site plan review and approval for property at 112 Park Ave.
He said the church presented this site plan for a food pantry before, but it had expired.
The Planning Commission also approved a final plat for land at 228 Fox Family Lane for a small addition to Fox Toyota.
Budget
The council also voted to add $1.8 million to the city’s general fund.
Council member David Queener made the motion, and Gann seconded.