The Clarion City Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 15, was a whirlwind of resolutions. Throughout the course of the meeting, the council approved 14 resolutions, mostly pertaining to different water projects that the city is undertaking.
Several resolutions were regarding the well project that the city is working on finishing. The council approved various pay requests for the different contractors involved. Public Works Director Jon DeVries added that half of this project is covered by Community Development Block Grants. The council also okayed two change orders due to the well having to be dug deeper to achieve desired pressure and asphalt being needed.
Another round of resolutions were approved for certificates of substantial completion for the three parts of the well project. This is largely a clerical step as the project nears its end.
A couple more resolutions set up two public hearings for financing for the water main improvement project that is underway. These are to satisfy grant requirements. A pay request was approved for the water main project as well. DeVries added in his report that restoration of streets, sidewalks, and driveways affected by the project should have begun this week.
City Administrator Clint Middleton explained a resolution requesting reimbursement from the Iowa COVID-19 Government Relief Fund. After noting at last meeting that the city really didn’t qualify for COVID money, he said the grant has since been reinterpreted to allow Clarion to apply. The city is eligible for up to $64,383 should the application be accepted.
City Attorney Zach Chizek commented on the final resolution, which allowed the city to take back possession of two lots in the Gates Subdivision from IHB/Superior Coating Group. With the county supervisors agreeing to abate assessed taxes on the property, the city can take it back over to try to develop or sell it.
During the reports section of the meeting, the council asked Middleton about how the census was going. He noted that counting is scheduled to wrap up September 30, so people can still complete their census if they have not yet.
