The Clinton City Council met January 17 at City Hall. All members were present. Just previous to the regular meeting, the Building Commission met to review the matter of 118-120 South Main which collapsed last year. Community Development Director Chuck Bailey reported to the body that the insurance companies, the last he had heard, had still not come to a resolution. Councilman Rick Pereles referred to the situation as “perpetual limbo.” At any rate, the commission’s meeting was short as there is little that can be done at the moment. On a motion from Councilman Cameron Jackson it was agreed to reconvene the commission at the February 7 meeting.
Mayor Carla Moberly called the regular council session to order. Following roll call, the council body adjourned to executive session and reconvened about 10 minutes later. After resuming, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the previous meeting’s minutes were accepted as written. A short personal appearance was made by Barry Glasscock: he encouraged the council to pressure the property owner (118-120 South Main) to finish the repairs/demolition. “I think it is a requirement of the property owner to take care of it, not kick the can down the road to the insurance companies.”
There were no reports and no second readings of bills. A short discussion about the Big Brothers/Big Sisters street closing request for their annual run event was held; Councilman Gene Henry asked if all the previous year’s issues had been addressed so that the event would go smoothly without townspeople complaint. City Administrator Christy Maggi said that the issues had, indeed, been addressed. The council approved the request.
The council approved the purchase of a leaf vac for the street department for the amount of $25,700. Street Superintendent T.J. Williams has had a very difficult time finding parts for the old one the city currently owns to repair it. Also approved was the purchase of a Kubota mower from Heartland Tractor for $17,000. This is a budgeted item for Parks and Rec.
Two pumps ordered for the city have had shipping delays; it is hoped that the upper level pump at Waste Water will be installed by mid-March. Also, the Sewer Shed monitoring project (which monitors viral materials in the sewage) has been reflecting “very low numbers.” Councilman Jackson also reported that data collected from the flow monitoring of various lines will be presented at the January 31 public works meeting. Councilman Jackson also reported (for information only) that authorization to purchase parts to repair the belt-filter press (which reduces the waste/sludge and keeps the city from having to haul off sewage) from Alliance Pump was given by the Mayor earlier in the month.
The first reading of Bill No. 2022-29, regarding zoning codes for marijuana businesses, was held and approved by the council. This bill is another which is necessary for the city to address to comply with state laws concerning marijuana in the state of Missouri. Councilman Jackson reported that a re-zoning request concerning the construction of an RV park will be tabled until the February 6 meeting (notices were not sent as they were supposed to have been).
There was a large crowd gathered in the audience in the council chambers, mainly in regards the re-zoning matter which was heard next: the council approved the re-zoning request of New Beginning Baptist Church (filed on behalf of the First Baptist Church of Clinton) for the purpose of opening a facility which helps those who have been, perhaps, incarcerated to “be better citizens and disciples.” Applicant Chair Joe Hilty spoke to the council in regards to a query from Councilman Gene Henry about the purpose of the facility. “I prefer to call it an educational facility,” said Hilty in response to Councilman Henry’s questions. Councilman Henry had asked if it was a “halfway house.” “There are a dozen or so of these in Springfield,” said Hilty. Hope House, located in Clinton, is of a similar vein of facility (however, Hope House is for women only). Hilty briefly described the application process and noted that the program would have extensive rules. The council approved the first reading of Bill No. 2023-01 unanimously, Councilman Daniel Wilson abstaining from the vote.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Gene Henry: he reported that a sound-decreasing screen cost was being researched by the city, this in attempt to address the unwanted extra noise from the Clinton Animal Shelter during late/overnight hours. The council approved the request by the Clinton Fire Department to purchase six sets of turnout gear and also investigate the purchase of additional breathing apparatus for the department, too. Much of the fire department’s equipment is approaching their recommended life-expectancy and it is important to have enough gear for all fire fighters: “We would like to keep the fire personnel as safe as possible,” said Fire Chief Mark Manuel, who was in attendance. Both purchases are budgeted items for the fire department.
The Finance Committee report was given by Councilman Daniel Wilson. He reported that the BIL Grant recipients (the grant was submitted by the Clinton Regional Airport for a new terminal and entrance road) will be announced January 27. The BIL Grant is related to the federal infrastructure bill passed some time ago. The terminal and road entrance project would be much more feasible if the grant were obtained as it is a 90%/10% match – meaning, the $1 million dollar project could potentially only cost the city $10,000. Related was the discussion about a potential increase in the operating subsidy for the Clinton Regional Airport next year: it has been at the same amount since 2012 and it may be time to re-adjust the $105,000 annual budget.
The first reading of Bill No. 2023-02 was held and approved: the bill simply corrects a clerical error regarding pay plans for the police department’s hourly pay policies.
Mayor Carla Moberly complimented Economic Development Director Mark Dawson for the high numbers of commercial building dollar amounts for the year: the monthly building report reflects nearly $2 million for commercial buildings value; the total of dollar value of all permits and values is nearly $40 million: “Mark Dawson was a huge part of that,” said Mayor Moberly. “Thank you.”
City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that the previously researched Sweeney-Owen’s cemetery spot (near Englewood Cemetery) is, indeed, part of the Englewood Cemetery property. The matter, which was made more complex by the aged nature of the records and deeds, is a positive outcome for Nick Smith, who has been hoping to restore, clean up, and do some maintenance work there. He was hampered by not knowing if the plot was privately owned or if the city owned it. Now that it is known the city owns the property, Mr. Smith may continue his work to bring the Sweeney-Owen plots some much needed restoration.
Unfinished business for the city included a change order for a finalizing document regarding the Franklin Street Bridge Project which was recently completed. The city approved the change order unanimously.
The city adjourned to executive session at 6:49 pm and did not return to open session.
