Three meetings were held the evening of June 7 at City Hall: a public comment period for the TC Transcontinental Packaging expansion project, the Building Commission's public hearing, and then the regular city council meeting.
The public hearing for the TC Transcontinental (5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) expansion project did not draw any public comments. It was announced the next morning TC Continental was expanding with the creation of 50 new jobs. Because of the tax incremental financing portion of the TC expansion, there have been several public comment sessions, the one on June 7 being the last.
Following the public comment period, the Building Commission called to order, Councilman Daniel Wilson presided. It was a short meeting: it had been hoped the demolition at 118 – 120 South Main on the square would be completed by the time of the hearing, however it was reported that work was stopped the previous week when a portion of the wall the crew was working on fell unexpectedly. Meetings have been scheduled to ensure the walls in question would not tip outward and the plan is to reengage with the demolition as soon as this is accomplished. The building commission adjourned after confirming a motion to meet again at the June 21 council meeting.
The regular city council meeting was called to order by Mayor Carla Moberly at about 6:10 p.m. Councilpersons Becky Raysik and Rick Pereles were absent. After roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the previous council meeting minutes were approved.
A personal appearance was made by Zach Wakefield: he verbalized a complaint about an insurance claim which he disagreed with. Mr. Wakefield reported his car bumper was torn off when he backed out of the Aquatic Center parking lot because of a spike sticking up from the concrete caught his bumper. After filing the claim he reported to the council that only half of the claim would be paid for, and he disagreed with the insurance assessment; he thought it the responsibility of the Aquatic Center to pay. “I am here to ensure I am following proper procedure,” he told the council. Mr. Wakefield was informed that the matter would be taken up in closed session following the regular meeting.
Regional Airport Manager Wallace White reported next to the council: his report was relatively short. He reported to the council that he was continuing to monitor the airport apron repair process and that he was also keeping an eye out for any word about the infrastructure funds recently applied for. He reported there was no word yet on the potential funding and that he has not been able to get a definitive time or date on when he might know. “Everything is running pretty smooth,” White told the council regarding the airport itself. He also reported on airplane fuel prices and supplies. Currently, the regional airport has been able to sell their fuel for what they purchased it at, but at some point that will inevitably go up.
Mark Dawson joined the city meeting via Zoom (as did the City Attorney): Economic Director Dawson reported there were three new projects opened in the last two weeks, one of those a manufacturing project. He reported the chamber has been helping the Henry County Health Center find a new location and that the Golden Valley Hospital expansion project will be starting in August. He reported that there was one small expansion project coming up as well. Dawson concluded his report to the council noting that the grant application process for the Commerce Drive road (at Gerhart Industrial Park) is ongoing. If funded, it would be an 80/20 split. Dawson commented he hoped to be back in person soon.
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works report to the council. The council approved three requests for roads on the square to be closed all related to Olde Glory Days events (at various times from June 28 through July 4).
At Waste Water it had been reported that a valve and actuator had been replaced. The second actuator has been ordered but is about 20 weeks out before delivery. Other actuators are becoming problematic and the matter will be addressed at the next Public Works meeting. There was no update on the status of the lower-level check-valve replacement.
The belt filter press is back online and running at 100%. It was reported that the COVID Sewershed Surveillance program is still detecting the presence of COVID, but at relatively low levels.
The interior of the Artesian Pool is complete and it looks nice. A meeting with the architects for the bathhouse renovation resulted in learning that the entire bathhouse structure will not have to be razed: apparently, there is a lot to work with and the hope is to incorporate a design on the existing structural framework. A motion to accept the option within the price range of the project budget ($430,000 – 480,000) was made and approved by the council. Currently, the plan is to close the outdoor pool a little early this year (about when school starts) and have the project complete by the opening of the 2023 season.
A storm water drain issue from 801 – 805 East Ohio is being addressed. At present the city is working with MoDOT to determine whose responsibility the maintenance of the drain is; an easement discussion is to take place with the city attorney.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Gene Henry. Two items were addressed: the dates for the sale of fireworks and changes to the times allowed for the discharge of fireworks in town. The council approved the sale of fireworks from June 20 – July 4. A change was made to extend the allowable times for the discharge of fireworks this year to 11:59 p.m. The dates approved for the discharge of fireworks this year are from July 2 – July 4.
The Mayor's Report: Mayor Carla Moberly wanted to compliment the staff at Englewood Cemetery for their hard work in preparing the cemetery for Memorial Day this year: “Despite the lack of help, it looked beautiful as always.” She also extended a compliment to the folks that volunteered to put flags on the veterans' graves.
Unfinished business for the council included a discussion about the establishing of ward boundaries. Recall that in previous council sessions a new map better reflecting the updated census numbers for the wards has been produced. However, due to some minor adjustments the ward boundary map will again be put on hold and will give the city attorney time to review the wording of the changes as well. The proposed changes were recognized by Councilman Daniel Wilson who noticed that one of the ward boundary lines cut through an apartment complex and it was felt that the division line might better be reflected if the line was just moved to the middle of the street adjacent. The adjustment affects about 6 people. Altogether, the council has tried to ensure that each ward has as nearly the same amount of people in them as possible using straight lines for the ward divisions. The matter will appear on the next council agenda.
New business for the council: the council approved Bill No. 2022-09 by holding both readings. The bill approves the plan for the industrial development project for TC Transcontinental Packaging.
The Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at about 6:50 p.m.
