The Clinton City Council met in open session May 2 at City Hall; absent were Councilmen Gene Henry and Cameron Jackson.
Preceding the council session the dangerous buildings commission met. Community Development Director Chuck Bailey reported to the commission that the owner of the property at 118 – 120 South Main (on the downtown square) was “aggressively seeking to complete” the remaining work there. Although there is hope the commission will be able to dissolve soon, a motion to reconvene at the June 6 council meeting was approved.
Mayor Carla Moberly called the regular council session to order. Following roll call and the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved. There were no personal appearances.
Chamber Director David Lee reported to the council. Among the multiple new business and anniversary celebrations the Clinton Chamber helped celebrate, he reported that a Katy Trail Tour Bus shuttle business will be opening soon. Also, he reported the Chamber has started a “tag us” campaign which includes businesses tagging the Chamber on their Facebook page, which will result in them posting the business and the business also being included in David Lee’s Friday Newsletter.
Of even more interest was the manner of David Lee’s appearance at the council: he was dressed in red, white, and blue – promoting Olde Glory Days. This is the 30th anniversary of the Olde Glory Days celebration here in Clinton, and he handed out some pamphlets which have a brief overview of the events (not the complete schedule) which includes the four Main Stage Acts. The first night is “country night” and the second “rock.” The final Main Stage act is Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls (should be fun, folks). A copy of the pamphlet can be obtained through the Chamber’s May Flyer (at the Chamber).
The Second Readings for Bills No 2023-11, 2023-12, and 2023-13 were held – all were approved. The first is for a conditional use permit for a travel/camping park at 1601 North Water. The remaining two Bills pertained to the annexation of land at 1206 and 1208 North Vansant Road. It should be noted that the roads at Chelsea Drive will not become the city’s responsibility to maintain once the city annexes the land.
Councilman Roger House gave the Public Works report. He reported that Cameron Jackson will remain the Public Works Chair. The council approved a request for a street closure from Clinton Main street. For information only: Golden Valley Memorial Hospital contracted with CJW to get cost and repair estimates for OakStar Drive.
The council approved the declaration of a 2022 Dodge factory-ready bed truck as surplus property so it could be sold. Councilman House said work on the Artesian Park Pool House is going well. Some of the work being completed is coming with some cost savings for the project. He reported that the therapy pool at the Aquatic Center is now running. It was determined that the pumps causing part of the problem can be repaired and those repairs have been authorized by the insurance company. The council approved the striping of pickleball lines at two of the tennis courts. The tennis lines will not change and the lines for pickleball will be of a different color.
The council accepted the resignation of long-time pool and Aquatic Center manager Ann Drury. Ann has been the manager there since 2006. A final report from the adjuster for the wind damage claims has been prepared and the new concrete pad for the new building to house the boilers at the Aquatic Center has been poured. The work to seal the exterior walls at the Benson Center continues and the city will effect repairs for a gutter at the Benson Center using city staff. The repairs are temporary but should give the city time to prepare for the repair item in the next budget.
The Waste Water Treatment Plan Improvement Project documents have been sent to the city attorney for review. Two of the three pumps at the Calvird Pump station have been replaced and the third will be replaced soon. The upper-level pump should have shipped May 8.
The posting period for the Waste Water Treatment Plant permit renewal process will end May 13th. Also, Alliance will continue to search for a manager at the WWTP as the candidate who was previously offered the position did not accept it.
The Public Safety Committee report was given by Councilwoman Debbie Smith. The council accepted the resignation of Patrolman Mariah Miller from the police department. Also, the city is still comparing companies for the procedural manual software needed at Clinton PD. It was reported to the council that the new fire truck should be delivered in mid-June.
On a side note: Councilman Wilson asked for clarification about the opening date for the Artesian Park Pool of which it was determined there was no clear opening date established as yet.
The Finance Committee report was given by Councilman Daniel Wilson. The first and second readings (the rules were suspended because of time constraints on these Bills) were held and approved by the council of Bill No. 2023-16 and 17. Both pertain to the airport project. Because the airport terminal and road improvement project were over $100,000, an independent fee estimate has to be obtained as well.
Because of a judgment in a case involving the Collector of Winchester, Missouri vs. Charter Communications, the city will receive a check for $160,004. However, the old tax remittance is not completely over and it is expected Charter may appeal the judgment. If it is overturned, the money will have to be reutrned. The city will not be spending the money, but holding it until such time as it is finally determined what will happen. The final portion of Councilman Wilson’s report included information about the new sign at Gerhart Industrial Park. The base cost for the sign is $44,000, however, it is hoped to add “The City of Clinton” at the bottom of the sign with little cost difference of which (if it is not too costly) the amount could be authorized by the Mayor without council intervention (items under $10,000 can be authorized by the Mayor). The council approved the action.
The Mayor reported on the metal roof being installed at City Hall: “It is a huge improvement.” Also, she lamented the fact that Ann Drury stepped down from her long time position of manager for the Aquatic Center and Artesian Pool. Ann has been with the city in the capacity since the Aquatic Center opened and was an invaluable asset to Parks and Rec in that capacity.
City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that Joe Rickman, with CJW, died suddenly last week. CJW has had a long standing relationship with the City of Clinton on multiple projects. Although she mentioned that CJW has many competent people and will be fine, Rickman himself (and his knowledge and expertise) is a great loss. “It is shocking and sad, and we are going to miss him,” said Maggi,
The council adjourned to executive session at 6:47 p.m.
