The Clinton City Council met in open session December 6. Mayor Carla Moberly was absent; Councilman Wilson was Mayor pro tem. Roll call was held, the Pledge of Allegiance recited, and the previous meeting’s minutes were approved. There were no personal appearances.
The tourism commission report was delivered to the council. Councilman Henry asked a minor question about how some organizations bring tourism dollars to town, and David Lee (present in the audience) explained, for instance, that the Big Brothers and Sisters half marathon and 5K brings people in from all over the country – and they stay the night, eat lunch at local restaurants and shop, etc. In short: money spent towards these organizations are not a waste of tourism dollars. The commission did not find any instances where the tourism funds had been spent inappropriately.
Economic Development Director Mark Dawson reported that activity this month was down – but project activity is down state-wide. He highlighted several ongoing projects which could come to be: Project Diversify – Dawson said this one should have a final plan by the end of next week; Project Sprocket (a small retailer based here – might be early April 2024, around the square); and Project Husker (retail related, no where close to being done). Also reported was that CHS will be providing career focused tours to local businesses next year for students.
The council adopted Bill No. 2023 (the final plat for The Refuge at Sycamore Acres).
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works report. He reported that the initial layout map for the Antioch Hills grant project was updated: “So folks can see the layout of the road [there] which people have previously commented on.”
A sewer main at Washington and Allen Streets was repaired, however another collapse was discovered at Main and Allen Streets which will also be repaired. Rotors 5 and 6 as well as 2 and 3 at the Waste water Treatment Plant will all need repaired. Some of the repairs will require drier weather. The cost for two of the repairs will be $19,630.
A matter involving Resolution 2023-22 was tabled to be addressed in closed session. A motion to publish a request for qualifications (for engineering services) was approved by the council.
There was no Public Safety Committee report.
The Finance Committee report was given by Councilman Wilson. Annual service bid awards were as follows: flower planters at City Hall: Skaggs Enterprise; fuel bids: MFA Oil; code enforcement mowing was awarded to Skaggs Enterprise as well. Pest spraying was awarded to Jerry’s Termite and Pest Control – councilman Henry wanted to reject the bid and rebid because of the price increase from last year. He was the sole “no” vote.
There was no Mayor’s report.
City Administrator Christy Maggi reported Westport Construction has begun preparation on the new terminal project at the Clinton Regional Airport.
The council had no unfinished or new business, but did need to enter into closed session to address the Waste Water Improvement Project issue (Resolution 22-2023) from earlier in the meeting: media coverage ended when the council entered closed session (6:17 p.m.)
