Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
The Madison City Commission met on Tuesday, July 11, beginning with a brief ceremony recognizing the selection of Captain Tyrone Edwards as the new chief of police for the City of Madison. City Manager Jerome Wyche discussed the selection process and thanked everyone who assisted him in choosing Edwards, who then had his new badge pinned to his uniform. “I’d like to keep the Madison Police Department moving in the right direction. I’m sure I’ll do a great job doing what’s needed for the City of Madison,” said Edwards.
Next, the commissioners heard the second reading of proposed Ordinance 2023-2, allowing for bottle clubs in the Commercial General Zoning District. A bottle club does not sell alcohol, like a bar. Rather, it is an establishment where patrons bring in their own alcohol and either keep it with them in the building or surrender it to the business staff, who then serves it. The commissioners unanimously approved the second reading. Commissioner Byron Poore was not present.
Also, the commissioners heard the second reading of Proposed Ordinance 2023-3, which removes the off-street parking requirements for churches and other houses of worship within the Commercial, Central Business District. The commissioners approved the reading with a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Judy Townsend opposing.
Afterwards, City Manager Wyche proposed keeping the millage rate at 7.0 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The commissioners unanimously agreed, and the first public hearing on the rate was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Highlighting City Manager Wyche’s report was news that the city has been selected to receive a $25,000 grant from Duke Energy for downtown revitalization. More information on the grant will be available at a later date. The next scheduled meeting of the Madison City Commission is set for Tuesday, August 8, at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held at City Hall, located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.