The Clarion City Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 4. Though the agenda contained the first readings of two ordinances, only one was completed. The council did hold the first reading of Ordinance 601 pertaining to water rates. The ordinance did not deal with changes in costs for residents. Rather, it deals with when water payments must be received by the city. The amendment notes that if the 15th of the month should fall on a weekend or a holiday when the city hall is closed, people will have until the next business day to pay their bill. This wasn’t the rule previously.
The other ordinance on the agenda pertained to zoning regulations. The ordinance would have amended regulations governing what type of buildings can be on the highway 3 business district. City officials are concerned about existing city rules that leave it open for structures like apartments to be built in the business area. Rather than hold the first reading though, the council decided not to take up the matter when City Attorney Zach Chizek explained that the state may soon passing legislation that would render the new ordinance moot. The council plans to wait to see what happens at a state level.
The council approved a resolution terminating a previous agreement related to increased compensation for the city clerks that was in place between city administrators and as the new admin was learning the position. The group did approve a slight raise for deputy clerk Ana Juarez since she is now doing city payroll.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Superintendent Dr. Bob Olson came before the council briefly to present City Administrator Clint Middleton with a plaque signifying an award of merit for his 17+ years on the local school board. Dr. Olson also expressed his desire to continue the strong partnership between the school district and the city.
In other business, the council approved the annual urban renewal report. They also voted to renew some CDs for 12 months through First Citizens Bank with a rate of 1.68%.
