The Clinton City Council met in open session July 11 at City Hall. Councilmen Gene Henry and Roger House were absent. Following roll call and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved. There were no personal appearances.
The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce report was given by Director David Lee. He reported on the recent Academic Awards Excellence program and noted there might be some changes next year (it may be moved to the high school gym to accommodate the larger crowds). He reported on several business openings and a groundbreaking event. Director Lee reported that KSHB 41 did six interviews featuring Olde Glory Days components, and he also reported a few new members to the Chamber.
Director Lee said that the Chamber has 430 members – which is quite a few to manage with few employees, so be patient if you are trying to get a hold of him for anything.
The Olde Glory Days Disc Golf Open was held June 24. He reported that only a few of those participating in the tournament were from Clinton. David Lee quoted several of the tournament participants as saying: “I love the course.” Of course (no pun intended), the idea is to bring folks in from out of town and spend their time (and money) into Clinton.
Director Lee commented on the Olde Glory Days weather – until about 7:30 Saturday when a deluge of rain hit (reports are that it rained about one and a half inches in a few hours). The concert was canceled – and the carnival, of course, closed down, too. That being said, the Olde Glory Days committee is already planning next year’s events. It is rumored that Rock Gods might be back next year and that there is discussion about adding one more day onto the carnival and having a concert each night. Again, it is early planning, but it is taking place. On a side note, the Fire Quacker 500, the yearly rubber duck race at Optimist Park, was still held digitally – despite the fact that someone broke into the storage shed and, among other items, stole about 1,000 rubber ducks used in the annual event. Anyone with knowledge of it should let authorities know.
The Public Works report was given by Councilman Cameron Jackson. He reported that the Road Grater was sold at auction for $38,000, which was enough to cover the cost of the new leaf-vac the city purchased. The council approved the purchase of the mini-excavator for the payoff amount ($38,984) which will save the city money in the long run instead of leasing it. “It is more fiscally prudent,” said Councilman Jackson.
The Artesian Pool Project is nearing the final stages of completion and will be open soon. Instead of a ribbon cutting, it is envisioned that a “pool noodle cutting” will be held. Councilman Jackson encouraged folks to go see the newly renovated Hurt Park as well.
Issues with the soccer parking lot are driving the city to look for solutions – especially concerning cracks. Also an issue, the city is looking at expanding the parking there, but it will take the cooperation of the Corps of Engineers. The pump for the double slide at the outdoor pool will need repaired, too (estimated time is a couple of weeks). The pools and hot tub at the indoor Aquatic Center are shut down for the summer now, but the therapy pool remains open.
The Waste Water Plant is working with Ace Pipe and Omega Environmental Services to effect repairs where needed (and within budget). The Deer Creek lift elevator has been repaired. The final documents concerning the Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project are expected soon (from HDR).
A problem at the Clinton Transfer Station seems to be persisting. Non-local folks are continuing to utilize the transfer station to off-load demolition materials because of the low price. It is reported folks from a few hours away are considering it worth their time to make the drive because of the price differential compared to where they are at. This, of course, creates a burden on the transfer station and edges, what should be, a local resource for Clintonians, out. At present it was agreed that a review of the policies at the transfer station needs to take place and arrangements to do that were made which included looking at fees as well.
Clintonian Gary Mount attended the Public Works and had multiple comments: he thanked Code Enforcement; wondered about the expansion at Englewood Cemetery and also the progress of adding a bicycle lane on Second Street. He pointed out that he has noticed numerous locations where utility infrastructures appear to have been abandoned. All his comments and concerns were addressed at the Public Works meeting by the City Administrator,
There was no Public Safety report.
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Finance Committee report. He reported that the Airport Terminal grant is still in progress.
A motion to move the Certificate of Participation balance into fund 31 was approved by the council to help better account for the balance.
Mayor Moberly yielded the floor to Councilman Wilson who thanked the Clinton Fire Department and Clinton Police Department for having, for lack of a better phrase, “good bedside manners.” Councilman Wilson’s home burned down last week and as traumatic as the event was, it would have been made even worse had not the CFD and CPD possessed skills that are often overlooked: good people skills and the ability to empathize with those suffering. “We have great firefighters and police officers [in town],” said Councilman Wilson. Councilman Wilson spoke about the shock of the event itself but also about how he was impressed by the personal engagement – without knowing who he was – surrounding the event.
City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that, because of a problem with a competing swim team’s pool, a meet was hosted here in town at the Artesian Pool. She said it was nice to know that Clinton was not the only town that had problems with such things. The Franklin Street Bridge will be celebrated as open formally on July 18. The hope is to have the fire truck drive across it (recall that the lowered rating for the bridge which marked it as unsafe, included restricting any of CFD’s larger fire trucks from crossing it). She also reminded the council that the next budget meeting will be July 19 at 11:30 a.m. (at City Hall). It appears that tax discussions and the Waste Water Treatment Plant will be on the agenda.
Having no new business, the Clinton City Council adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
