The Clinton City Council met in open session November 16; Councilman Rick Pereles was absent; Mayor Greg Lowe presided. Following roll call and the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting's minutes were approved. There were no personal appearances, reports to council, or second readings of bills.
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works Committee report: the council unanimously approved the request to close the Clinton Square for the annual Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony (3 p.m. - 8 p.m.) November 26. The council approved the purchase of 48 concrete bin block barriers for the Street Department ($15,600) for road construction purposes. The council also approved the street department to solicit bids for a new truck as there is need to replace the 2004 truck they currently have.
The council approved the purchase of an asphalt paver for the street as well: although the city budgeted $52,000 for the purchase, the state bid price was $55,294. The council approved the purchase out of concern that if they delayed the purchase longer, the price would only continue to rise. The equipment will, in Councilman Jackson's words, “Save the city money and extend the capabilities of the street department.” The council also authorized the street department to prepare specs and gather bids for a storm water drain pipe replacement at North Brookwood and North Pine Streets.
Per the recent approval of the limited park tax, the council authorized advertising for bids for the repair/renovation of the interior of the Artesian pool. Along the same lines, the Artesian parking lot repaving will be put out to bid in conjunction with the 2022 bids for the Eighth and Third Streets mill and fill projects. The target for these bids is in January. The council adopted Resolution 20-2021 which declared the Artesian bathhouse renovation project to be a design-build project. An ad-hoc committee was appointed to make the recommendations for the project. The committee consists of citizens: Jacqueline Crump, Jessie Stephens, Bob Hughes, and Adele Bernard; staff: Brad Combs, Ann Drury, John McClendon, and Christy Maggi; council members appointed were Roger House and Carla Moberly.
The Park Board reported that the property purchase adjacent to Antioch Hills Park has been completed; also reported was that the caboose at the Katy trail head has been painted.
A motion to proceed with soliciting for bids for a ¾ ton pick-up for Parks and Rec was approved; bids for this will be placed in conjunction with the Street Department's bid for a truck (in hopes of potentially saving some money by purchasing more than one at one time).
It was reported that the pumps for the Waste Water Treatment Plant have still not be received. The city is still waiting on pumps for the Calvird Pump Station as well. Supply chain issues are suspected. The city will explore if American Recovery Act funds may help supplement funding for a stand-by pump. It was noted the monthly building permit report was included in the council packets (total monthly permits sales were $1,264).
Councilwoman Debbie Smith gave the Public Safety report: a lengthy discussion about mandatory overtime policies for the Clinton Fire Department was held. The rules (according to Fire Chief Mark Manuel, present at the council meeting) state that three firefighters per shift are required. The council approved the adoption of the overtime policy with the amendment that a “top of the list” method be included which allows those who volunteer to work first the ability to move to the “bottom of the list” for selection next time.
The fire department is in need of replacing most of the inventory of breathing apparatuses of which they have. Currently, they need 12 (and have 23). The fire department was given approval to seek bids for those and have currently applied for a grant for the remainder. Councilman House asked that a bid also be obtained for all of the apparatuses in case the grant does not come through. The fire department will at least need enough for their frontline firemen. The breathing apparatuses have about a 15 year life expectancy and those currently used by the department were purchased in 2008 – the fire department is currently having to repair the ones in use.
The Finance Committee report was given by Councilwoman Carla Moberly: the council approved Resolution 22-2021 which declares the intent of the city to refinance certificates of participation for projects. The city recently held a work session to explore this option to save the city money. It is estimated that a savings of $400,000 could be had over the life of the notes. Also approved was Resolution 23-2021 which approved an agreement for the purchase of a generator in cooperation with the county.
Mayor's report: (see ad-hoc committee appointed for Artesian Pool renovations). The mayor also approved the purchase of a rotor for the Meadows West Pump Station ($6,800).
City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that auditors had been on site at the city for a week (annual audit). The results of the audit will be presented at the January 18 council meeting. Also, Administrator Maggi pointed out that the budget books (a summary of the annual budget) were prepared by City Clerk Wendee Seaton – the booklet will be available on the city's website at a future date.
Unfinished business for the city included the first reading of Bill No. 2021-24 which amends the city code regarding the compost facility and fees for commercial lawn care services when they use it. The facility, which was never intended to handle 4 inch-plus diameter logs, will now have a fee schedule for commercial lawn care services who use it. The details of those fees and how commercial facilities will be identified will be made known at a later date.
New Business: the council passed Resolution 21-2021, accepting the Special General Election results from November 2.
The Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at about 6:45 p.m.
