The building commission met previous to the city council meeting proper. Councilman Daniel Wilson chaired the commission.
Community Development Director, Chuck Baily reported to the commission - he stated that he had been in contact with the building owner on the square (118 S Main) and that the building owner was going to do what he could to speed up the process by reaching out to the insurance companies.
Without any further agenda, Councilman Cameron Jackson motioned to table the matter until the meeting of the 21st. The building commission went into recess at approximately 6:03 PM.
The regular city council meeting was called to order by Mayor Carla Moberly. All members of the city council were present. Following the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the previous council meeting’s minutes, personal appearances were heard.
Pat Green spoke to the council about the upcoming Big Brothers and Big Sisters Clinton Historic Half Marathon. This has been an issue for Mr. Green for a few years now. He reported that he has consistently asked that the route for the marathon be moved. “I have suggested in the past that they move the run to the Artesian Park,” said Mr. green. “There’s less traffic; but I’ve been told the park is not a good place to have the run.“ Councilman Cameron Jackson pointed out that the roads are public roads, and that it was within the purview of the historic marathon folks to have their marathon route where it is at. It was also pointed out that extra volunteers were put out in the past, in response to a previous complaint by Mr. Green, to take care of trash along the roadway. One person in the audience, affiliated with the half marathon program, said that showing off the historic parts of the town was part of the “historic” marathon route. She said she hoped to make the half marathon a cohesive event. Mr. Green, visibly upset, said that the only way to make it cohesive was to move it, and abruptly left the city Council session.
Kim Pearson from Dana F. Cole and Company, auditing agency for the city of Clinton, reported next to the council. He reported that, again, the City of Clinton will receive a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting. This is the 32nd year in a row that the city of Clinton has received this award. “This is a very high-level achievement for the city,” said Mr. Pearson. There were some new standards added to the audit this year, and some minor changes in the audit language and management of the audit, but overall the report was unmodified – which means it is the best outcome for the city regarding the audit. In other words, the auditing agency did not reveal any problems with the city’s financial reporting. The presentation of the actual certificate of achievement will come at a later date.
Next to report to the council was Mark Dawson, the Economic Development Director for Clinton. Director Dawson reported that there were five new projects started last month: One was a management firm, one a small office project, and two retail service industries. He said that project Queen and project Neon still appeared positive. Mr. Dawson reported that there is a meeting to be held next week with Senior Housing Consultants who are investigating additional housing solutions for Clinton.
Dawson concluded his report by noting that the vacancy rate on the downtown square is better than it was last year. Last year the vacancy rate was 4.9%, this year it is 3%. “Little by little we are absorbing space,“ said Mark Dawson.
The Clinton City Council adopted Bill number 2022–29, and ordinance relating to marijuana businesses and zoning codes in the city of Clinton, Bill number 2023-01, an ordinance about the rezoning of the New Beginnings Baptist Church, and Bill number 2023-02, an ordinance about the hourly pay plan language for the City Of Clinton. It is noted that councilman Daniel Wilson abstained from the voting about the first Baptist Church rezoning request.
The public works committee report was given by Councilman Cameron Jackson. There is a 2023 proposed micro surfacing project for the city. Committee requested that the city consider also resurfacing the City Hall Police Department parking lots with ARPA funds. This project will also include finishing aspects of last year’s downtown Square resurfacing project. The idea behind resurfacing other parking lots is because the city may qualify for a “quantity discount“.”
Councilman, Jackson reported that the Artesian Park Pool House project is coming along nicely. Demolition on the interior portions are progressing. The Artesian Park parking lot committee recommended that the city engage in a rehabilitation plan for a long-term solution for the drainage of the chlorinated pool water, which has, over time, contributed to the deterioration of the road outside of the building. Councilman Daniel Wilson asked that any plans to rehab the street along that roadway also include keeping the speed bump outside of the park entrance. He thought it a necessary safety measure because of all the children present at the swimming pool.
Councilman, Jackson reported to the council that a driveshaft on one of the pumps at the Calvird pump station is not working. There is hope that an installation of a new pump could be expedited. Also, they are still several weeks out from getting the upper level pump delivered. The 6 inch portable pump has been repaired. It is assumed the pump will be tested when the weather warms up.
The I & I study will be reviewed by Omega Environmental Services at the next public works meeting. A repair plan will be developed based on the data collected from the storm sewer study. It is a lengthy report, according to councilman Cameron Jackson.
The belt filter press should be repaired by mid February. Also, Councilman Jackson reported that there are very low viral materials detected from the sewer shed project surveillance.
Councilman Jackson reported that the ultraviolet components delivered January 30 should be ready and installed by April 1. There is a remote monitoring system that will be installed at no cost to the city later on.
It was reported also that the area transportation service (ATS) will receive additional funding of $23,635 from the cares act. There is no local match required.
