Clarendon Aldermen consider buying iPads

Computer tablets may be in the future for members of the Clarendon Board of Aldermen following a proposal by City Administrator Lambert Little at the January 10 city meeting.

Little asked the aldermen to consider purchasing iPads for themselves at a cost of about $500 each as a way to improve communications with City Hall.

The tablets would be capable of accessing the Internet if a wireless router was nearby, and aldermen could access their e-mail on the machines.

The tablets would be used to receive weekly e-mail updates from City Hall and could replace the three-ring binder of information each alderman uses at city meetings, saving on the cost of paper and reproductions.

Alderman Terry Noble said the cost of the machines concerned him, but Alderman Will Thompson said other brands of computer tablets could be purchased much cheaper than an Apple iPad. Several board members agreed that the idea was the way of the future.

No action was taken, but Thompson is going to look into alternative brands of computer tablets, and the board will discuss the matter at a later date.

In other city business, aldermen heard a report from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce regarding its recent activities. Vice President Carol Braddock said the chamber is functioning, has dues-paying members, and has all its bills paid. She said the chamber intends to have its annual banquet and to help with local activities such as the Fourth of July.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Larry Hicks said he felt like the city had not heard what it wanted to hear from the chamber, especially with regards to promoting tourism, and said the subject would be considered at a future board meeting.

Last year the city withdrew $20,000 in annual support for the Chamber of Commerce after issues arose which centered on a lack of record keeping for the chamber’s use of the Motel Bed Tax funds.

Aldermen considered a proposal from DigiPro Events to sponsor the second annual Battle of the Bands this April. The board approved $3,500 from the Motel Bed Tax fund to sponsor the three-day event, with Aldermen Tommy Hill, Jesus Hernandez, and Terry Noble in favor of the measure, and Alderman Will Thompson voting “nay.”

Thompson later said he supports the event and appreciates what the organizers are doing, but just didn’t think there was enough time to put it all together. Alderman Ann Huey was absent.