The Clinton City Council met in open session July 19 at City Hall. Prior to the meeting the Building Commission convened; the meeting was very brief as there were no changes from the previous meeting to report, and the commission adjourned a few minutes after opening.
The regular city council meeting was called to order by Mayor Carla Moberly; absent were Councilpersons Debbie Smith and Roger House. Following the approval of the previous meeting's minutes and the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, a report from Economic Development Director Mark Dawson was heard. He kept his report brief – he reported the economic team had followed up on eleven leads this year so far and that “Project Bond” should be breaking ground near the end of the year. He also reported “Project Queen” was still being pursued. The project has been alternately off and on for a while now: “This project has more lives than a train full of cats,” said Dawson. He also reported expansion projects of TC Continental and that the Henry County Health Center should start construction this fall on their new building. He also reported that, at last, he was able to secure a housing senior housing study. Dawson has been trying for a few years to secure this study. “Things are going well,” he concluded.
Councilman Cameron Jackson gave the Public Works report: he said the Calvird Pump Station replacement bids for two pumps would cost $149,000 and that the delivery date for actuator replacements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant was 17 weeks. The sewer surveillance project, looking for COVID traces in the sewer supply, did not indicate any the new variants of COVID, but did show a slight “uptick.”
A start date for the Franklin Street Bridge Project has been tentatively announced for August 15. It was also reported that the initial cost of $100,000 (the city's portion) for railroad crossing repairs was no longer required. Reported, too, was that the street sweeper for the city was out of commission (and awaiting parts) as is the city's boom-mower.
The open-top trash containers located at the Transfer Station were approved to be declared surplus property to be sold. The roll-off style containers have been repaired multiple times and are no longer deemed safe for use. Dates for the closing of the Community Center's gym for repairs were reported.. The floors will be re-done, and repairs start August 11. It will re-open on August 22 (for complete closure schedule contact Parks and Rec). A short discussion about potential shoe requirements while in the gym was held. It was reported that a repair to one of the Artesian Park restroom toilets will be effected after some fireworks were flushed during Olde Glory Days events.
The Park Board had met to discuss the design for the bathhouse rehab project at the outdoor pool but did not have a quorum. The bathhouse option design the council approved will largely leave the shape of the original building unchanged, but with modifications and upgrades throughout the interior.
A motion to declare a 2003 F-150 with 80,000+ miles surplus property and for sale was made and approved by the council. Midwest America Pool's work on the outdoor pool is not technically complete yet: anchors which hold the ropes that separate the deep end of the pool from the other portion will need to be repaired/replaced. The matter may have to wait until the pool closes for the year. Retainer fees have been withheld from Midwest America Pool until the repairs are effected.
In regards to a request at a prior council meeting to determine ownership of the Sweeney-Owen Cemetery (by Nick Smith), the city attorney has been investigating the deeds for the property in question. The assessor's office did provide the documents for review, however, they are quite old and hard to read. A request for other documents has been made. It was also reported that Code Enforcement will be taking another look at junk vehicle violations.
The Public Safety Committee report was given by Councilman Gene Henry. He reported the police department is down one full time employee (and struggles to fill that position). Fire Chief Mark Manuel (present at the meeting) reported the promotion of three new firemen in rank because of recent departures at the department. He reported the hiring of one additional fireman as well. “They will fill these roles very well,” said Chief Manuel in regards to the promotions and new hire.
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Public Works report. Since it has been four years since the city advertised for bids for banking services, it was time again to do so. Advertising for those bids will begin soon (an August 11 deadline).
Mayor Moberly's report included the recognition of the hard (and extra) work put in by city staff. “Lots of departments are short of help. Your hard work does not go unnoticed,” she said. She also wished to reiterate that the city's work in decreasing workman's comp claims was something to be proud of. In fact, the city recently won an award for having the most decreased claim amounts in the state.
The City Administrator reminded the council of the second budget work session coming up and the Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at about 6:30 p.m.
