It started out as a request to use the City Auditorium for free and ended up with Clarksdale sponsoring and then donating to several Christmas events in Clarksdale in December.
Josephine Rhymes is hosting several events and has solicited the community, the Coahoma County Tourism Commission and the city about donating to her events. She has even distributed flyers of the events, with her picture, around the community.
The city was approached seeking permission to waive the fees to use the auditorium on Thursday Dec. 15, for “Taste of Christmas,” hosted by Rhymes.
Ward 1 Commissioner Bo Plunk reminded the city that giving away anything owned or maintained by the city or a city service is illegal. Plunk added reducing the cost is not illegal and he offered to pitch in with other commissioners and donate to pay Rhymes’ fee for the auditorium.
Mayor Chuck Espy asked to make it a city sponsored event and called on the board to vote on that issue.
During discussion City Attorney Melvin Miller and City Clerk Cathy Clark tried to seek clarity and explain the law but were repeatedly called down by Espy.
The vote for the city to host the event was initially 2-2, with Ward 3 Commissioner Willie Turner making the motion to host the event and a second given by Ward 4 Commissioner Ed Seals. Plunk and Ward 2 Commissioner Ken Murphey voted against city sponsorship. Espy cast the deciding vote.
Plunk then changed his mind and said he supported waiving the fees.
The Tourism Commission has already given $6,000 to Rhymes and the city voted to give $1,000.
During Thursday’s vetting meeting, Rhymes had sought permission to donate funds to the city that have been received by the Christmas Festival Committee to be used for Christmas Festival decorations to “Light up the City.” Rhymes said she wanted to then draw from that account.
Clark said that was not allowed, but did agree to keep cash and checks obtained by Rhymes in a city safebox and allow Rhymes access to that money.
In other business:
• The city heard a request from Cassandra Wilson seeking donation of city property for a community garden.
• The city voted to buy portable toilets from J&J Portable Sanitation Products at a cost of $7,475 for 10 toilets
• The city will offices and observe Thanksgiving on Nov. 25 and Christmas Eve on Dec. 23.
• The city approved a resolution assessing the property at 2207 Eighth St. with the intention of cleaning it up and sending the property owner the bill.
• The city will allow Zalena Ratliff to make payments on the cleanup invoice for 926 Lincoln.
• Commissioners authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute release of Lis Pendens for 512 Leflore since the cleanup invoice was paid in full and to further authorize the City Clerk to have that release recorded with the Chancery Clerk
• The city voted to dispose of generator located at the Fire Department and considered placing it at the City Auditorium.
• On a motion by Murphey and a second by Turner the city accepted the following quotes to cut trees on private property with a contractor: 715 Maple by Butler Tree Service, $500; 200 Desoto Ave., by Butler Tree Service, $750; 714 Seventh St., by Buster Discount Trees, $995.
• The city voted to buy approximately 30 tickets at $30 each for city employees to attend the Chamber Banquet.
• The city voted to pay Aaron Henry Community Health Services Center $50,000 to for a grant match for the National Fitness Campaign. The grant match is contingent on the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors making a match for a similar amount to the project.
• Approve Larry Hughes to take the Class I Rubbish Site Operator Certification examination required by the state.
• The board voted to pay the following bills: City of Clarksdale, $1,858.09; MDA, $1,858.09; Excavators, Inc., $457,030.75; Willard Concrete Services, $1,156.60; Williams Lawn Care $7,195; Clarksdale Park Commission, $1,956.15; Michael’s Machine Shop, $3,000; Chuck Espy, $281.25; Mississippi Ornamental Iron $6,780; Eddie Taylor, $805.
• The city offered employment to the following in the Police Department: Bryon Vaughn - Corporal II; Mareisha James - Patrol Officer; Sanders Markel - Patrol Officer
• Acknowledge the resignations of JaZarian Jackson and Gregory White.
• Approved salary adjustments for the Police Department rank of Captain due to holiday pay
Off Duty Employment
• Voted to allow L.J. Peters to work off duty for Code 4 LLC during his off days
• Acknowledge the public hearing held Monday, Nov. 7, for a public facilities grant.
The board went into executive session and closed its doors to the public as it discussed a potential lawsuit including delinquent properties and use of property and the hiring of someone for an un-named city position.
