The City Council met in open session October 17, at City Hall. Absent from the council were Councilmen Cameron Jackson and Gene Henry. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the previous council meeting minutes were accepted as written. There were no personal appearances.
Economic Development Director Mark Dawson reported to the council.
Dawson said Project Husker is looking favorable, Project Diversity is “getting there,” Project MW (Mega Watt, a large capital investment in the county) is moving forward, and that Project Graduate (an electronics project) is “dead.” Director Dawson thanked the council for getting the sign placed at Gerhart Industrial Park and reported that a new retail project opened up: “Project Cup.” Dawson said the activity was okay but that there had not been a lot of industrial activity lately, but was unsure as to the cause of that.
Councilwoman Shelley Nelson gave the Public Works report (in lieu of Councilman Jackson’s absence): she reported that the city is exploring sign placement and other solutions to keep the Frisbee disc golf course a little more contained – especially along the edge of the course where residents are getting baskets full of Frisbees collecting on their properties. There is talk of potentially moving the 8th disc golf “hole” or possibly putting up netting as well.
Councilwoman Nelson reported that staff is keeping a close eye on the finishing punch list for the Artesian Pool improvements. Also, the Parks and Rec staff is in discussions with the Missouri Department of Conservation regarding revisions to phases with the Antioch Park Urban Conservation area concerning culverts and head-walls there. She reported that the Aquatic Center boiler building work is underway and (the Aquatic Center is closed for the construction) the work may be done early.
At Waste Water, the city will be exploring cheaper options for the SCADA systems at the plant. Currently, repairs are becoming more difficult and expensive and exploring alternatives might be better financially (and practically) for the city.
It was reported that a manhole was covered by a small building at the Westbridge Inn and Suites. They will be asked to relocate or remove it. Councilwoman Nelson reported that the VaCon Jetter truck is in need of repairs (brake light). Line cleaning arrangements have been arranged while it gets fixed. Also, one rotor gear-reducer needs to be replaced. Councilwoman Nelson reported that Alliance Water is working with Ace Pipe to ensure the original pricing quotes match the current contract.
The Public Safety report was given by Councilman Austin Jones. He reported that the Clinton Fire Department extended offers to two people which would fill two of the three vacant positions there.
Offers were extended to Bayley Heider and Danny Bailey. There is the possibility that the third vacant position might be filled soon, too.
However, it should be noted that even with the vacancies filled, the Clinton Fire Department is still understaffed (according to good practice regulations and standards concerning fire departments).
Councilman Daniel Wilson gave the Finance Committee report: the council approved Resolution No. 16-2023 (contract provisions of services between the city and Clinton Main Street). It is the same as last year except some Cruise Night changes.
The council approved the employee health, dental, and life insurance options. Health and dental were slight increases for the city, however, the life insurance is the same rate as last year. The council also approved the employee health challenge for 2024. This program offers incentives to employees who participate.
Mayor Carla Moberly’s recommendations for the reappointment of Rod Balke to the TIF commission and the reappointment of Bruce Dewsberry to the Board of Adjustment were approved by the council. City Administrator Christy Maggi reported that she will be attending a pre-construction meeting with West Point Construction about the Airport Terminal Project and the second phase for the road and fence.
New business: the council approved Resolution No. 15-2023 establishing the dates for the General Municipal election in 2024.
The council adjourned to executive session at 6:20 p.m.
