WINONA – Several citizens came before the Winona Mayor and Board of Aldermen last week, questioning the board about the city’s current economic outlook and future economic development possibilities.
Sylvia Clark asked the board about code enforcement and the city’s efforts to get residents to clean up their properties. Winona Mayor Jerry Flowers explained that in recent months, Code Enforcement Officer Timothy Pearson has issued 250 letters demanding residents follow the city’s beautification ordinances. If those residents do not get properties up to code, they will be issued a citation.
Clark also asked what was being done about getting more jobs in town.
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce/Winona Main Street Director Sue Stidham gave a brief update on the city and county’s economic development efforts. She reported that a small distribution center has recently opened in the Crossroads Industrial Park, and that several locally-owned businesses have opened their doors. In addition, a new chain automotive retailer recently had blueprints approved by the board of aldermen for a new store in Winona.
Alderman Kelvin Winbush informed Clark that the city and county are presently working together to develop a distribution center, an idea Winbush brought to the board after seeing Tupelos success in building its own center.
Stidham said there is another business prospect she and the city are working with, but it is too early to reveal what type of business is coming.
Flowers explained that often, local officials must abide by a non-disclosure agreement, so those living in Winona are not privy to what is going on behind the scenes.
Stidham informed the group that her door is always open for those interested in what is going on in the business community. More so, she said she is always looking for volunteers to help with ribbon cuttings, special events, and more.
Clark asked the board if the city’s voters could decide on the sale of alcohol on Sundays with a referendum vote.
“We can’t mix religion and politics,” Clark said. “You have to do the best for the city. People live in Winona and are driving to Duck Hill, Kilmichael, and Vaiden to buy alcohol on Sunday.”
Flower explained that the board will have to vote to hold a referendum.
In other city business:
• Montgomery County Arts Council board member Tonya Blakely thanked the city for its past and ongoing support of the organization.
• The board accepted the resignations of Eric James and Stevie Robinson from the Winona Parks Department. Jacorion “Coco” Bays was hired at the recommendation of Parks Director Mike Narmour.
• Narmour informed the board that Dizzy Dean is not hosting a softball state tournament this year, and this decision shortens the season of Winona’s all-star play. Narmour said he is looking at hosting his own grand slam tournament for softball in its place.
• The board accepted the resignation of Officer Bryant Bell. The board hired Stephen Chisolm to fill the vacancy. Chisolm is a nine-year veteran of the Grenada Police Department.
“I try to do a lot for the community,” Chisolm told the board. “I try to make a difference.”
• The board voted to promote Blaine TenEyck to lieutenant at the Winona Fire Department.
