The Clinton City Council met in open session, April 18, at City Hall. Council Persons Debbie Smith and Cameron Jackson were absent. There were no personal appearances or second readings of previously read bills.
Councilman Roger House gave the Public Works Committee report. The council approved that the old leaf vac, used by the Street Department, to be surplus property and to be sold at Cook Auction.
A request to close a street for the Clinton Technical School Skills USA Car Show was also approved by the council.
Councilman House said that the Artesian Park pool house: “Is a good work in progress,” and reported that work on the interior walls has started, although the roofers have not started yet. City Administrator Christy Maggi filled in the report about the Aquatic Center pool closure: the pumps and motors, which circulate the water in the lap pool there, will sent off for diagnosis before further reocmmendations for action can be taken. The therapy pool, however, is running at the Aquatic Center.
Councilman House said that discussions with pickleball enthusiasts will be held to help clarify what is needed to stripe four of the Artesian tennis courts for that purpose. Striping can be done for $500 per court.
At the Waste Water Treatment Plant, HDR (Engineering) has forwarded the improvement projects for the plant to the city attorney for review. The document is 800 pages long. City Attorney Doug Harris said he would make time to read through it on the flight to Oregon to see his in-laws.
There were no updates on the Calvird Pump Station repairs – which developed more problems during the last repair; also, the city still does not have firm dates on the delivery of the remote monitoring devices for the various pump stations. There was no date on the upper-level pump delivery date, either.
Public Notice period for the permit renewal for the Waste Water Treatment Plant is from April 7 through May 8. A copy of the notice has been placed at city hall as required.
The first reading of Bill No. 2023-11 was held – the council approved the first reading of the bill regarding a conditional use permit for property at 1601 N. Water for a travel or camping park there.
The first readings of Bills No. 2023-12 and 13 were also held and approved by the Clinton City Council – Councilwoman Becky Raysik abstained voting from each. Both bills involve the annexing of land into the city (1206 and 1208 N. Vansant Rd.). Although both first readings were approved, there was considerable discussion among the council members asking for clarification from City Attorney Doug Harris about the annexation – specifically about “when the road a property is annexed by becomes city responsibility.” At present, Chelsea Drive will not become part of the city’s responsibility.
The council approved a motion from Councilman House to negotiate a contract with Whitehead Consultants to plat the south part of Englewood Cemetery.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Gene Henry. The council approved that the John Deer 997 Z diesel mower be declared as surplus property and sold at Cook Auction. Also approved as surplus property were a Coleman generator, leaf blowers, an air compressor, floor buffer, another air compressor, a ventilation fan, and a wire fram stokes rescue litter. The fire department will establish a “viewing date” for these items and a few weeks after that, allow sealed bids on any items. As Council Henry commented, however: “These are of lesser value; some of these work and some don’t.”
The sound barrier installation will soon be installed at the Clinton Animal Shelter. The panels have arrived and the installation will be put out ti bid.
Councilman Henry also reported that two new police officers will be starting at CPD: One will be returning to work in Clinton and the other will be transferring from the Henry County Sheriff’s office.
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Finance Committee report. First on his report was that two companies bid for the new sign at Gerhart Industrial Park. However, both came in higher than expected and will be re-evaluated for “value engineering.” The first and second readings of Bills No. 2023-14 and 15 were held (the rules were suspended to accommodate timing issues). Both concern that Airport Runway 18/36 and Taxiway B rehab project. Both were readings were approved by the council. Recall that the city match is 10% (MoDOT pays 90% of the project).
Unfinished business for the council was accepting the certified returns: Wendee Seaton read the oaths of office to the newly (and re-elected) officials. Daniel Wilson, Roger House Shelley Nelson, and Austin Jones all took their oaths. Recognized for their service on the council were Rick Pereles and Becky Raysik. Pereles served for eight years and Becky Raysik for six. Both received plaques.
The council reconvened and was called to order with the new members in place. A motion to appoint Councilman Daniel Wilson as Acting President Pro Tem was made and approved. Mayor Moberly announced her appointments to the standing committees: Public Safety will be Debbie Smith, Gene Henry, and Austin Jones. Public Works will be Cameron Jackson, Roger House, and Shelley Nelson. The Finance Committee will be Carla Moberly, Martha Nichols and Daniel Wilson.
Mayor Moberly told Mr. Pereles and Mrs. Raysik they had both done fabulous jobs in their tenure as council persons. City Administrator Christy Maggi reported to the council that work should start on the roof at city hall soon and that insurance adjusters are also evaluating for other damage to city buildings from the recent weather event.
The council had no new business and adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
