The Clinton City Council met in open session June 6 at City Hall. Councilman Austin Jones was absent. Following roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the previous meeting’s minutes were approved. There were no personal appearances.
Joel Long, the new Clinton Regional Airport Manager, reported to the council. His report was brief and more introductory in nature. Mr. Long reported that he was excited for the new projects to get started (the runway and new terminal project) and that he was available for questions at any time. “The airport is nice, well kept, well funded, and moving forward,” he said. “Things are really looking up at the airport.”
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works Committee report. He reported that a storm sewer box (which had collapsed at Third and Jefferson Streets) has been repaired at a minimal cost. Waste Water is waiting for the backfill to settle before pouring concrete.
Resolution 07-2023 was approved by the council. The resolution pertains to the Clinton Square seal coating and striping project. Plans for the project include the parking for the courthouse (the City of Clinton has met with the Henry County Commission and agreed on a price split so the project can be completed at one time). Parking spaces on the square will be wider and it is a multiple day project, but will be done in phases so as to not disrupt all traffic flow on the square at one time. “There will be inconveniences, but not large ones,” reported City Administrator Christy Maggi.
The council approved pursuing a grant to develop an action plan pertaining to the Safe Streets and Roads project. There will be an estimated contribution of the city of about $40,000 to $50,000 for the plan development. The project includes things like bike and pedestrian lanes; the implementation grant for the project will be pursued in the future.
Core sampling for the Hillcrest and OakStar Drive project were taken recently. The order of the project’s completion will include also completing the pool parking area. The council approved the three street closing requests related to Olde Glory Days events.
At Parks and Rec, the Artesian Pool House is coming along with about 90% of the electrical work is complete; there is still a rubble pile which needs to be cleared away (city staff will do that), and the Hurt Park Project cannot start until the Artesian Pool Project is done (because it is the same contractor doing the work).
The Swim Report for the opening weekend (Memorial Day weekend) indicated lower numbers (understandably – the Artesian outdoor pool is not open yet); the location for a drainage line was moved there as well.
Final bid documents are being prepared for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project and the Calvird Pump Station repairs have been completed. Public Works recommended waiting for the correct pump to be delivered so the upper level pump could be repaired. The city is waiting for the final version of the Waste Water Treatment Plant permit renewal so it can go into effect. Also, the new Waste Water Plant manager was hired (John Patriarca) and started June 1.
The city council approved the bid from Midwest Drain and Sewer ($20,000) for targeted sewer repairs that were identified from the sewer camera monitors, and the remote monitoring controls for the Calvird, Deer Creek and Montgomery Pump Stations are being installed this week.
The city council will probably keep the Dangerous Buildings Commission intact. The next property that the body may monitor is the burned home at Fourth and Jefferson Streets. The final item Councilman Jackson reported was that, due to concerns about the stalling of the local Socket Fiber project, that the previous project manager has a serious illness which created the delay. A new project superintendent has been assigned and work should pick back up where left off.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Gene Henry. Councilman Henry said that the ARPA grants for the fire extinguisher trainer and the cardiac monitor (both for the Clinton Fire Department) are still in progress. Also, the council approved that 30 SCBA air cylinders, not compatible with the Clinton Fire Department’s current equipment, be declared surplus property and donated to the other county fire departments of which they are compatible with. Councilman Henry also reported that a new police officer (Wyatt Bernard) graduated from the police academy and will start immediately.
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Finance Committee report. The council approved the employee holiday leave policy which has been done for the last several years. Employees will be able to use 16 hours of floating leave time not otherwise scheduled as time off (for flexibility among departments). A special council session was scheduled for June 30 at noon so that the new road for the airport terminal bids could be approved with time to submit the project (to get the grant). It was also reported that a work order has been placed to repair the street lights at Second and Jefferson Streets. For now, the lights for all intersections will flash red and act as a four-way stop.
Mayor Carla Moberly reported that a replacement has been found for long-time Aquatics Director Ann Drury, “We will miss her, but have happily been able to find someone to take her place.” She also said she was continually amazed at how city employees and department heads are able to come up with novel ways to save the city money, City Administrator Christy Maggi had no report. A survey will be sent out to the council persons to determine the best date for the council session that is originally intended for the 4th of July.
Before entering closed session, Councilman Jackson praised the Clinton Police Department for the quick capture of the vandals who recently painted obscene and offensive things on several local properties and vehicles. The adolescents were rounded up in less than 24 hours. Councilman Jackson condemned their actions but praised the community for quickly coming together – especially to clean up some of the hurtful messages that would be found especially offensive to some of the residents. “This is the community I know,” said Councilman Jackson, speaking about the quick actions of the residents/neighbors who began the clean up of the vandalism. He said he found it reassuring, especially in light of the fact that grace and compassion seem a little hard to come by these days.
As a final note, Fire Chief Mark Manuel is concerned that the dead fuel moisture level might be too low to shoot fireworks off come late June through early July. “It is contingent on measurable rain,” he said. “Ideally, the dead fuel moisture content should be 15% - 20%; right now it is at 6%.” The situation is being monitored (pray for rain folks), but just in case fire works are too dangerous to shoot off because of a high burn hazard, there are plans to move it to a later date and the Olde Glory Days committee is aware of the situation. Of further note, Chief Mark Manuel clarified that the city does not have “burn bans” but, rather, burn restrictions. The language is in-line with state regulations.
The Clinton City Council adjourned to closed session at 7:06 p.m.
