The Clinton City Council met in open session, January 2, at City Hall.
All members of the council were present. Following roll call and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were accepted. Reports by Chamber Director David Lee and Economic Development Director Mark Dawson were heard.
Director Lee reported celebrating the 10 year anniversary for Mallards; he also welcomed new chamber member Running Wild Barbecue to the chamber businesses. Director Lee took a moment to congratulate the city on the ground breaking for the new Clinton Regional Airport terminal.
Director Lee asked for feedback about the musical holiday lights on the downtown square. Consensus from council members was that most liked the light set up this year, but there were a few nay-sayers: some heard they liked the old “solid and on” version from years past, and at least one person had said to a council person “they were hard to take pictures of” [because of the blinking]. At any rate, Director Lee said the chamber sold many gift certificates this season (with the promotion in place) and he reported the dates for two events: January 18 is the annual Chamber banquet, and March 18 is the Chamber Ambassador event which will feature several prominent speakers – or at least, attendees.
Lee concluded his report by updating the council on Olde Glory Days scheduling/programming: This year it will be held from July 3 – 7 which, because July 4th falls on a Thursday this year, will give an extra day for festivities on the square for entertainment, vendors, and the carnival. The mega-firework display will be on Sunday night.
Economic Development Director Mark Dawson reported three new projects opened this month: Project Sparky, Project Parker, and Project Blacksheep. He reported Project Diversify is “extremely close” to coming to fruition and that Project Sprocket looks favorable.
Currently Dawson is working on a chapter 100 item for a business which could be located in the county. He also reported that five businesses have stepped forward to give tours and/or mentor CHS students in the coming year. The idea is to provide information to outgoing students about careers available to them. This will be available to Juniors and Seniors.
Dawson concluded by reporting there were 42 projects met last year, 40 the year before and 18 the year previous to that. “Things are going really well,” said Dawson.
There were no second readings of bills and no Public Works report.
Councilman Gene Henry gave the Public Safety report. He reported that Deputy Chief Paul Abbott has reported he will be conducting a review of the local animal control ordinances in relation to the already present state lawsAlso to ensure compliance. Salary increases and staffing were determined (during the public safety meeting) to be the lion’s share of any money a public safety tax would generate.
Comparisons to other communities of similar size have been made to gauge staff size, salary range, etc. Also, the CIIEG grant application is still in progress. The grant would potentially allow the City of Clinton’s fire department to utilize about $1 million dollars towards the construction of a fire training center; also important is that it would not require any “hard” money from the city as previous purchases of fire trucks and like equipment can be used as a comparable match according to the grant.
Mayor Carla Moberly’s recommendation for the re-appointment of Scott Bernard to the Personnel Board was accepted by the council. City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that an issue to proceed had been given to Do-Rite Construction in regards to the Community Drive Project. The estimated time of project completion is June 3.
A sizable discussion regarding Bill No. 2023-39 pertaining to the submission of the ½ of a cent sales tax to appear on a ballot this year was held. The main point of discussion was about the timing of the measure’s appearance. Councilman Henry pointed out that two school district issues will appear on the April ballot which may make the passing of the sales tax proposal difficult. Councilman Roger House voiced the opposite, supporting the measure be placed on the ballot in April. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time,” he said. “We desperately need more personnel.” Staffing levels in other cities, comparable to Clinton, indicate two per shift shortages. Fire Chief Mark Manuel said he was very concerned about the lack of staff. “Right now the max crew size for a response is four. That leaves three to operate the equipment and one person to go in to a rescue alone.”
Chief Manuel said: “We can only keep people safe so long with these levels of staffing.”
Assistant Chief Matt Willings said he believed the tax would do fine on the April ballot and that it is simply a matter of educating the public as to the need. Councilman Daniel Wilson believed the tax should appear on the April ballot because of the political interference that could happen in August – or even November. “April is the city’s best shot to pass this in 2024,” he said. He further commented that the matter of staffing shortages has been brought to the council’s attention for three years now. “Mark [Chief Manuel] is not an alarmist,” he said, indicating it would not have been brought up at all if it were not necessary.
Chief Manuel also said that the tax increase, which would give the city additional staffing resources, would also improve the ISO rating.
The ISO rating, which affects insurance rates – and makes communities more attractive to businesses seeking to locate somewhere in general, plays a role in the economic growth of communities. If the fire training center is able to be constructed (pending the CIIEG grant) it could improve even further.
Councilman Gene Henry remained the sole “no” vote for the first reading of the bill: “I am not against the bill, I just don’t think it should be in April,” he said.
With no new business to discuss, the Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at 6:33 p.m.
