Robert Johnston

The meeting included proceedings for the Public Works Authority and the Industrial Authority, alongside the regular City Council agenda. Discussions for the Public Works Authority centered on acknowledging a received DEQ permit for a sewer line extension on Chapman Road and later adjourned. The Industrial Authority reviewed the preliminary plot for industrial property owned on Commerce, discussing easements for gas lines and fiber optics, sewer line design (including the potential need for a lift station), and strategies to make the project more attractive to local contractors, possibly through phasing or modifying roadwork, to manage high contractor selectivity and rock obstacles. The City Council agenda covered approving the consent agenda, authorizing the purchase of a used lawnmower for Parks and Recreation to better maintain turf conditions, planning for an upcoming fly-in event on September 14th to promote the airport and city improvements, and reviewing a proposal for a community cleanup and pride program involving adopting parks, streets, and neighborhoods. The discussion regarding feral cat ordinances was tabled for further research and ordinance review.

The meeting commenced with a prayer. Key agenda items included reports on completed airport projects and planned recommendations for upcoming golf memberships for the recreation authority. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Public Works authority, specifically concerning the mandated rehabilitation of wastewater treatment clarifiers. Due to severe deterioration found during initial work, the plan shifted to dropping the original bid and rebidding for only one clarifier this year, with the second budgeted for the following year. The council also considered and approved actions related to property sales, including the purchase of the old animal control building by Jose Martinez for $48,000. A financial presentation reviewed governmental and business-type activities, noting increases in assets due to a lease termination with the hospital, resulting in a $4 million increase in capital assets. The council discussed and approved a proclamation recognizing the Clinton Ministerial Alliance for their community ministry. Further discussion involved municipal ordinance revisions related to tobacco settlement funds and clean indoor air policies. Finally, the council addressed authorization requests for capital improvements, including the purchase of two new police units.

The proceedings began with a public hearing regarding the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which involved reviewing city asset inventory and mapping, with input from the planning committee. Subsequent agenda items addressed approvals for the Recreational Authority consent agenda, including appointments to the Golf Advisory Board. Under the Airport Authority agenda, the council reviewed and approved the renewal of a no-cost agreement with the FAA for maintaining navigational aids (Visual Approach Slope Indicators). The Public Works Authority agenda involved approving several financial matters: payment related to Oklahoma Water Proposal obligations (approximately $830,000), approval of a payment of $7,485 to SQ Drilling for completion and flow testing of the Dixon well, and approval of materials for the water line project, specifically focusing on bids comparing Ferguson and Pioneer's quotes, and ensuring necessary casing pipe was included. Furthermore, acknowledgment of receipt of a construction permit was noted. Significant discussion occurred regarding the Dixon well status and water supply, noting it may become operational in early March and confirming existing water reserves. Finally, the council addressed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding application requirements, including adopting a resolution for $37,500 in matching funds for the purchase of three police cars and approving a resolution related to the Community Revitalization process, confirming that a public hearing on the matter had previously been conducted.

The proceedings included discussions and decisions regarding proposals for curbside single-stream recycling services, where three options were presented, including one where the city handles all trash services for no additional cost to citizens. This item did not result in an immediate action due to a lack of a second for the motion to proceed with the Republic plan. Additionally, the Public Works Authority portion of the meeting addressed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canute concerning potential water sales. This MOU addressed water supply for peak times, referencing facility upgrades and contaminated wells (uranium and alpha radiation) impacting existing Clinton wells. The discussion highlighted the potential for a 40-year water source agreement with Canute at a cost of $2.70 per thousand gallons for guaranteed volumes, which staff viewed as a win-win short-term solution while long-term facility upgrades are years away. The City Manager also provided an update regarding holiday trash pickup schedule alterations, noting a one-day delay due to Christmas Day.

The proceedings involved two main authorities: the Clinton Airport Authority and the Clinton Industrial Authority. For the Airport Authority, the council approved a consent agenda and discussed an Airport Maintenance Agreement with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission concerning a 90% grant application to rehab the tarmac, runway, and taxiway. The Clinton Industrial Authority meeting addressed several action items related to funding for a new fire station construction project, specifically approving a resolution authorizing borrowing money and discussing related finance agreements, including a $4 million construction project financing. They also approved a certificate of incumbency with a minor amendment, a promissory note agreement, and a security agreement concerning the loan. A significant discussion involved the proposed sale of approximately 9 acres of city property on Red Chapman Road to Mr. Kon Modi for the development of a new hotel. The council decided to enter into negotiations regarding the sale, focusing on setting terms for construction timing, development stipulations, and ensuring the city recoups fair value for the land, potentially through a mechanism related to the TIF district.