At the October 20 Clarion City Council Meeting, Greg Polzin, Iowa Specialty Hospitals’ Chief Financial Officer, appeared before the council to ask them to set up a public hearing for the hospital to enter into a loan agreement. Polzin said the hospital hopes to borrow an amount not exceeding $4 million to build a clinic in Webster City. ISH is currently renting space but is planning to expand that operation. The hospital operates as a city enterprise so must seek council approval before entering into debt. The hearing was set for November 17.
The council held a public hearing authorizing the sale of land at 410 S. Main Street to Philip Webb. The resolution for the sale passed. Another resolution approving an agreement with Public Consulting Group was also passed. This measure will start the process for the city to participate in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Program explained last meeting. This program would allow the city to receive supplemental payments that cover the difference between the city’s costs and Medicaid reimbursements on eligible ambulance activity.
In the open forum section of the meeting, Clarion citizen Bill Kem read a letter to the council asking the city to work to increase the salaries of Clarion Police Officers. (This letter is reprinted on page 3 as a Letter to the Editor).
In his report, Public Works Director Jon DeVries explained the installation of new watermains are nearly complete. The restoration of the road crossings will begin in mid-November and the driveways and sidewalks will begin after that. Depending on the weather, it may be possible that not all the sidewalks and driveways will be finished before winter, DeVries said. If there are driveways not yet finished before winter, City crews will maintain those driveways till they are restored next spring. He also noted, as observed during recent hydrant flushing, the water main project has tremendously increased the volume and pressure in the southern portion of Clarion.
In City Administrator Clint Middleton’s report, he noted that due to the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows School District’s recent decision, the city will not be moving forward with a certain real estate opportunity. Middleton said this opportunity would have addressed some of Clarion’s major ‘wants,’ including enhanced space for the recreation department and a daycare. He added that due to the school’s current facility usage policies because of COVID, gyms will not be available for winter rec activities. When the school revisits that policy, likely early next year, rec activities will be ready to start right away, Middleton confirmed.
