City Council Receives Promising Economic Report

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The Clinton City Council met in open session, September 7, at City Hall. All members of the council were present. Following roll call and the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved.
Personal appearances included those of David Lee, Clinton Chamber Director and Clinton Economic Development Director Mark Dawson. Director Lee recapped some of the Chamber’s activities from the previous months. He also reported that the disc golf expansion (at the Artesian Park) would probably be completed by spring – he said that some of the materials (baskets, etc.) have been ordered, but are delayed on the manufacturer's end. He also reported that the Chamber has been working with the Missouri Job Center to establish a job fair.
Lee reported that there were 60 sponsors for Ag Scholarships and that it was a success. The Missouri Bicentennial events were a success; hosts for the Bicentennial events included the City of Windsor, the Henry County Museum, and Clinton Main Street. He also reported that $108,000 was raised at the 4-H Auction. Lee reported that he will be starting a new feature as part of his Chamber activities which will include interviewing businesses.
One of the projects the Clinton Chamber is working on is gaining a bus stop here in town (across the street from the Chamber). The stop would entail taking about three parking spaces and the Chamber is working with the American Bus Association to see if Clinton is a desirable stop.
Economic Developer Mark Dawson reported five new projects open in August. He also commented on some that Clinton could not submit on. He reported that, since 2019, the city has seen over $39 million in capital investments, created 250 new jobs, had seven new firms come in, and had nine existing businesses expand. There is an expectation for more job creation in the future as well. He said that many of the local companies are increasing their wage rates: “Labor availability,” he told the council, “is the key.” He reported to the council that he is working to establish a job fair sometime in November.
Other topics he discussed as part of his report included an update on the city’s new website (it is 99% finished), and that Clinton was eliminated from one of the “mega projects” previously in consideration. Clinton has, however, received requests for information on a different large project. He concluded his report by commenting that companies were expanding and that, as far as he knew, Burger King was scheduled to open September 20.
The Public Works Committee report was given by Councilman Cameron Jackson: the council approved placing the order for the material for the salt fabric building (for the Street Department; $54,000). The council also approved an agreement for the rehabilitation of 10 specific railroad crossings in town. The total project cost is a little over $1 million, however, the City of Clinton will only be responsible for no more than $100,000. The Bill (No. 2021-18) first reading was held – all council persons voted “yes.”
The council approved the recommendation to proceed with the demolition at 807 E. Franklin Street. The demolition is “well within the budget” for Community Development. Also, the council approved the adoption of Bill No. 2021-17 regarding a language change in the Title VI limited English proficiency plan. The adoption of the change is to ensure funding for the ATS.
An issue regarding an extension for Red Hammer Roofing was pushed to be discussed in closed session.
Judge Cover requested that the city approve a registration event on the community center yard September 14 (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.); the council approved the request.
A request to reduce Artesian Pool fees, if the Parks and Rec tax does indeed pass this November, was approved by the council. “I think it is more than fair should the citizens support this and the tax pass,” said Councilman Daniel Wilson.
It was reported that ATHCO (Inclusive Playground Project company) sent a letter to the city committing to a five-year repair and maintenance program for all the playground equipment. The playground is now open.
There continues to be drainage issues at Englewood Cemetery – the recommendation to proceed with the perpetual fund (using Legacy Monuments) to address those issues in blocks 315, 315.5, and 316 was approved. Note: the drainage issue is affecting only the monuments at those locations.
A motion to approve a fee holiday in October for the Fall City Wide Cleanup was approved by the council. It was reported to the council that the first lower pump at the Wasterwater Plant should arrive soon and that the other two should arrive in November.
Councilman Jackson concluded his report by notifying the council that the Sewer Shed Surveillance project (approved at the previous council session), has indicated that the Delta variant of COVID is present in samples.
Councilwoman Debbie Smith gave the Public Safety committee report: two sets of fee proposals were approved by the council: burn permit fees – single day burn $10; annual permit $100. An individual applying for a burn permit of either category will still need the Clinton Fire Department to inspect the burn site before any burn. Also, the fee schedule for Fire Protection will be $31 per hour for firefighters and $42 per hour for apparatus. The fees are based on charges within the county for other fire services. (So, for instance, these will be the charges for the fire department to be at a county fair event, truck pull, etc.).
The Finance Committee report was given by Councilwoman Carla Moberly. She reported that the finance committee discussed American Recovery Ac t money spending: the money has to be designated by 2024 and spent by 2036: “There’s plenty of time,” said Councilwoman Moberly. Fiscal year bids approved were: Road salt – Independent Salt, $68/ton; trash service – Golden Valley Disposal; and the bid for mats, mops, and towels from UniFirst ($2,364).
Both readings for Bill No. 2021-19 were held regarding an amendment for airport apron phases. The amount in question was for $466.00.
The City Administrator’s report included announcing that seal for the streets surrounding the Clinton Square will be starting around Wednesday (September 14) – the square will not be shutting down during this time, but traffic will be diverted at times.
There was a request to revise the COVID policy which affects how an employee may use sick leave and report illness to their supervisors and exposures. Information reported will be handled similar to HIPPA, although it is not quite the same thing.
Another discussion about the hiring process was held: an ordinance will be brought back for the next council session for consideration. It was appeared that the council generally agreed the personnel board only need be retained for the hiring of department heads and for appeal processes for employees. It was agreed that city council persons and the mayor be notified of hires, but they not be a part of that process.
New business for the council included the first readings for the establishment of fees for city services (Bill No. 2021-14), the approval of pay plans (Bill No. 2021-15), and the adoption of the budget (2021-16) – all approved.
The final matter of new business for the council was the acceptance of the resignation (regretfully) of Parks and Rec Program Assistant Mike Lovejoy.
The Clinton City Council adjourned to executive session at 7:16 p.m.