The Clinton City Council met in open session November 21 at City Hall.
Councilman Daniel Wilson was absent. Following roll call and the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved.
Two personal appearances were held: Stephanie Nichols, a resident on North Gaines Drive, expressed concern about the placement of a road which is part of the park plan in that area. “I love the idea of walking trails,” said Nichols. “But I would rather see the parking lot, where it is, change and the trail head start at the bridge.” Nichols said she was concerned about the heavy use of the park – especially youth – and increased vehicle traffic.
The next personal appearance was that of Don Palmgren. Palmgren expressed concern about the new Billiards and Ale business which is scheduled to open near his residence (Price Lane). “I will have a beer-joint five blocks away,” he said. “Is there any remedy?”
Palmgren said he cares a lot about kids (the location of the new business will be near a park) and the value of his property. City Administrator Christy Maggi responded to his concerns by affirming the city would ensure it was properly zoned and verify liquor licenses, etc.
Councilwoman Shelley Nelson gave the Public Works report. The first item on her report was to address the Artesian Park pool house issues.
A deadline will be established to make sure the construction company completes the unfinished items and/or repairs some of the issues addressed at the recent walk-thru.
The city will begin looking at a sponsor policy in regards to the naming rights for ball fields. She also reported an amendment on the first two phases of the grant agreement for the parking lot and road for the Antioch Park project.
Other quotes for the non-proprietary system at Waste Water are being sought. Also, it was discovered the Montgomery Pump Station generation was undersized. Work continues on the rotors as well: “They are updating and getting things done economically,” said Councilwoman Nelson of the work at the plant. Also updated was the incubator system (an additional incubator bottle and incubator were needed to be purchased) to be in compliance with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Parts have been ordered to address an air exchange switch and heater for the sludge-press building.
Westbridge Inn’s building, which covered a manhole, will be required to be removed. This was determined after testing indicated there is more than one service location from the manhole. Also, a collapsed sewer line at 702 S. Washington was repaired after it was discovered during a dig-rite request. The city attorney will be reviewing the Waste Water Treatment Plant improvement project contract addendums after it was discovered they were more complicated than anticipated.
Bid packets for the improvement contracts should be ready by December, however.
The first reading of Bill No. 2023-37 (regarding the final plat for The Refuge at Sycamore Acres) was held and approved by the council.
Also, Whitehead Consultants has scheduled a survey of the right-of-way at the 400 Block of West Allen as requested by Community Development Director Chuck Bailey.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Gene Henry. The 911 Board elected to place the new repeater at the 911 Emergency Call Center (this is in response to the police department’s recent equipment upgrades). Resolution 21-2023 was approved by the council.
The resolution updated the language in the original resolution regarding tow services in Clinton (removing “loopholes”). Councilman Henry updated the council on the recent grant application the Clinton Fire Department submitted for the purpose of constructing a Fire Training Center. This is a matching grant opportunity and, if successful, could lead to the city not having to put any “hard dollars” toward the construction. The training center would hopefully be used to train other department personnel and bring in some revenue of its own.
Councilwoman Martha Nichols gave the Finance Committee report: Resolution 20-2023 was approved by the council regarding the lease agreement between the City of Clinton and the Clinton Airport Association. The resolution increases the funding from $105,000 annually to $150,000. There has been no increase in the past decade for the association.
Mayor Carla Moberly said she was excited to see the Fire Department Training Center come to (hopefully) fruition. She also had positive comments about the groundbreaking ceremony at the Clinton Airport last week. “It is a landmark [improvement] for Clinton and the region,” she said. She further commented on the help to the economy the airport provides – especially in regards to economic development. Potential businesses do not drive into towns much anymore – they fly.
City Administrator Christy Maggi reminded the council of a public hearing on Thursday (November 29) about the enhanced enterprise zone at Gerhart Industrial Park.
Unfinished business for the council included accepting the intergovernmental agreement with Henry County regarding funding for the extension of Commerce Drive. (Resolution 17-2023; approved by the council). Also approved by the council was Resolution 18-2023 regarding the approval of the agreement with Do-Rite Construction for roadway and drainage improvements on Commerce Drive.
New Business: The council approved Resolution 19-2023 certifying the November 7 election results (the extensions of the Parks and Transportation ¼ cent sales taxes.
The Clinton City Council entered closed session at 6:29 pm and did not return to open session.
