The Starkville Daily News will sit down with each member of the Starkville Board of Aldermen, discussing previous and future accomplishments for the city as the new year begins. Our series began with Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, and will end with Mayor Lynn Spruill.
MOST PLEASED WITH THIS PAST YEAR
Mayor Lynn Spruill said this past year, she was most pleased with the momentum and productivity the Starkville Board of Aldermen has accomplished.
“I’m always delighted that we reach a consensus about things and we do so in a very positive and constructive kind of way,” Spruill said.
In terms of action items, Spruill said passing the changes to the alcohol ordinance was what she was most pleased with.
The changes to the alcohol ordinance brought Starkville to the state statute on alcohol limitations. The most contentious part of the ordinance change was the distance of alcohol sales from a church.
Spruill said the change will bring a “monumental effect” to the downtown area of Starkville.
Although Spruill said she was most pleased with the changes to the alcohol ordinance, she said there were obviously other issues she was glad to see move forward.
The ones she specifically mentioned were the approval of both the bonds for the industrial park and for the capital improvement plan.
“I think we did some critical things this last six months,” Spruill said. “Pretty much each month we addressed issues of great importance.”
GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR
For the new year, Spruill said one of her main goals is to continue on with the momentum the board currently has.
“Particularly government is known for not pushing forward,” Spruill said. “Just because our plate was full doesn’t mean you slow down.”
Spruill said there are many things like the code rewrite, which requires a special push and is a process the board can’t let get bogged down.
“It requires that constant pressure,” Spruill said. “You’ve got to continue to keep those things on the front burner.”
As for specific areas, Spruill said she would like to look at other beautification projects like completing the pocket parks, expand sidewalks, tactical urbanization projects and murals to help create a “sense of character” for Starkville.
Spruill said infrastructure is another issue the city will need to address as the year progresses.
“It’s constantly one of the things we are dealing with,” Spruill said. “We just want to be sure we pay attention to that and do good follow up and customer service.”
BIGGEST ISSUE FOR 2018
Going into 2018, Spruill said the biggest issue will be looking at approving the Go Cup law.
“It allows you to have a sense of events and a feel for events,” Spruill said. “I just think it creates an atmosphere that encourages destination, tourism, events and things that say we recognize events are important to us.”
She said this will allow for residents participating in events to stroll the streets and window shop, look at art and see other businesses.
She said it will allow a new and fresh feel when Starkville hosts an event.
The other big issue Spruill said the city will be presented with is the possible annexation.
She said this is still in the process and has only been provided a study area, but new information will be presented to the board soon.
She said annexation is a long process, but it is in the city’s best interest to look at the opportunities it could present.
“To not look at it would be not taking an opportunity to look at how we impact and are impacted by our surrounding areas,” Spruill said.
PERSONAL RESOLUTION
For Spruill, she said she doesn’t like to make New Year’s resolutions because it is important to be the best she can be every day.