The Clinton City Council met in open session February 6. Councilwoman Debbie Smith was absent. Following roll call and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved.
There were no personal appearances, but it was reported a letter to the council was dropped off regarding a sewer issue to be addressed.
The information was passed along to Public Works to be placed on their agenda.
Airport Manager Joel Long reported to the council. He commented on the delays concerning the terminal building project. The delays are mostly related to weather events. He reported that two airport association members were re-elected. Also, Long reported some problems with the navigation lights at the airport, but those issues have been solved.
“Please come visit the airport,” he asked of the council. He discussed that he was an ambassador of sorts for the City of Clinton as he is the first one that those flying in see – and many of those folks are business people, too, potentially looking to open or establish their businesses in Clinton.
Economic Development Director (reporting next) affirmed Mr. Long’s position and also the importance of the airport to Clinton. One project came to Clinton largely because of the airport [here],” said Dawson.
Dawson said that some landowners in the county have recently been approaching him about what they can do with their land. “They seem to be weighing the highest and best use for their land,” said Dawson. He found it encouraging that folks were asking “What could we do?” and considered it a positive sign. Dawson also reported on the recent project activity: Project Diversify (breaking ground soon), Project Sprocket (a retail venture, probably coming in April), and Project Sparkle (an industrial business).
There were no second readings of bills.
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works report. He reported to the council that Capital Electric workers are in the process of trying to figure out what repairs are needed for the Second Street traffic signals at the Jefferson and Green Streets intersections.
Although working currently, when the control boxes for one of the signals was opened, several issues were found. Capital Electric will be generating a report and sending it to Public Works.
Councilman Jackson reported that the city used 140 tons of salt during the somewhat recent weather events. More salt is on order to replace what was used. He also reported that there is a need to replace the 2002 dump truck. The truck’s recent repairs did not last long.
A somewhat lengthy discussion about Resolution 05-2024, regarding the contractual agreement for Westport Construction to complete the Artesian Parking Lot Project, took place. For the most part, Councilman Daniel Wilson raised his concerns about the timing of the project: he wondered, ultimately, why the project would not just be pushed back to fall 2024 to avoid becoming a “mess” during the early summer programs – namely, the ball programs which fill up the parking lot(s); lots of youths and others participate in baseball games that often overflow the parking available. Recall, the ball fields are adjacent to the Artesian Pool. This, coupled with a few other misgivings, led Councilman Wilson to vote “no” on the resolution (the measure did pass, however, as he was the sole “no” vote). Somewhat coupled with Resolution 05-2024 were the approval of the final walk-through of the pool house: a door issue is being addressed and the final pay application for the work was approved (Councilman Wilson voted “no” on this as well). Also reported, a leak along the south wall at the Aquatic Center has developed and Redhammer Roof will be contacted to take a look at it.
From Waste Water: pumps at the Calvird Pump station are not keeping up – especially in heavy rain events. Solutions are being sought; repairs for the east clarifier have been made; the CCTV scoping of lines and cleaning are near completion; also, quotes are being gathered concerning the replacement of the obsolete control panel for the Montgomery pump station.
A motion to replace the #4 upper level pump was approved. The estimated cost is $50,000. It was noted the head-works at the facility will need to be replaced at some point (estimated $250,000). It was explained that the Corps of Engineers originally owned and built the facility which Clinton later took over. Councilman Henry brought up “the changing regulations” that always seem to be imposed upon the facility (and therefore the city) and complained mildly about those.
Otherwise, the council approved the final repair price ($10,600) for rotor #5; it was noted that bids for the Waste Water Treatment Improvement Project are due back by March 5. The RFQ for engineering services are due February 22. It was reported the Allen Street sewer line has been repaired.
The McLane Chapel roof at Englewood will be repaired at no cost to the city. The repairs will come from the McBeth Trust Fund and the roof will be a composite slate-like material which will replace the original slate roof there.
There was no Public Safety report.
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Finance Committee report. A motion to approve the Do-Rite Construction bid to clear the drainage ditch at Gerhart Industrial Park was approved by the council. Also reported, some of the covenant restrictions at Gerhart will be looked at in the future as they are outdated.
“What a wonderful outcome,” said Mayor Moberly in regards to the recent grain bin emergency that left a young man trapped for a few hours. She said she was pleased to hear the purchase of the rescue equipment came in handy, too. Comments were made that Fire Chief Mark Manuel represented the city well to outside media.
City Administrator Christy Maggi said a meeting with the Corp of Engineers about the Waste Water Treatment property will happen soon; they will discuss the history of the plant as well and some other issues.
There was no unfinished business and no new business for the council to address.
Of note: Councilman Daniel Wilson will be (reluctantly) resigning at the next council meeting. The Councilman’s home burned down last year and he was unable to find a suitable home within city limits for his family. Since he will be residing outside of city limits, he is no longer able to meet the criteria of serving on the council. “I hate to do it,” he said. He thanked a few people – notably those who would not be in attendance at the next council meeting (such as City Attorney Doug Harris), but said he would reserve formal comments and other thank-yous for the next meeting.
The Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at 6:48 p.m.
