The City of Cairo is one step closer to having an ordinance regulating murals within the city limits.
The first reading of an ordinance crafted in large part by Cairo Main Street director Alyssa Blakley was conducted Monday night at the Cairo City Council meeting.
Cairo city manager Chris Addleton said the biggest question for the council to answer is whether the Downtown Development Authority would have the final approval on mural applications or if the council would.
Councilman James H. (Jimmy) Douglas voiced his support for the D.D.A. serving as a recommending board with the council having the final say, similar to how zoning is regulated in the city.
Mayor Howard Thrower III, concurred and said he likes having “more eyes” on the matter before a permit is approved.
Blakley, who serves as the executive director of the D.D.A., said she agreed that the council should have the ultimate authority.
The new ordinance will also stipulate that any mural that is painted within the city that has not been approved by the council would have to be removed.
City attorney Thomas L. Lehman was instructed to make the suggested changes to the ordinance and circulate it to the council prior to a second reading on March 8.
In related business Monday night, the council:
• Voted unanimously, 4-0, to reappointed Michael L. Chastain and Renee Gee-Theophille to another term on the D.D.A. Councilman Demario Byrden was absent Monday night.
• Voted unanimously to expand the jurisdiction of the D.D.A. to include Fourth Street S.E.
