by Amanda Rink, Editor
The Clarion City Council held its first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the Council Chambers. With Mayor Rod Heiden presiding, the council addressed an agenda ranging from leadership appointments to updates on ongoing city projects.
Water Treatment Plant
The council approved a $541,500 payment to Peterson Construction for the ongoing Water Treatment Plant project. The council will be led in a facility tour after an upcoming meeting.
Appointments
Council Positions for the new calendar year were appointed and do not reflect changes from previous years.
- Councilmember Dave Flurer was appointed to the role of Mayor Pro-Tem. This ensures leadership if Mayor Heiden is unavailable.
- Steve TerHark kept his position as Police Chief.
- Zach Chizek was confirmed to continue serving as legal counsel for the city.
- The Wright County Monitor was again designated as the city’s official publication.
Committee assignments remain the same as in previous years. City Administrator Clint Middleton shared that in the 2024 calendar year, the Human Resources and Finance Committees met the most.
Improving Properties
Two development agreements were approved.
- A development agreement with Holly Narber requires the demolition of a deteriorating building directly south of her office and west of City Hall by March 31. The city will retain the deed until demolition is complete. It is unsure what Narber, who operates the local State Farm Insurance, will turn the empty lot into.
- A second development agreement was approved for a project involving apartments above the old Coast to Coast building managed by White Fox Holdings LLC. The project is currently in its “reporting phase” and this agreement continues to check boxes that are required by the federal and state government, according to Middleton.
Newly Certified Water Operator
The council also approved a $0.50 hourly wage increase for Brady Lyons, who recently completed certification as a Grade 1 Water Operator. The council acknowledged his achievement during the meeting as well.
In other Updates, the Council heard:
- A new ambulance has been ordered for fiscal year 2027. Ordering in advance saved the city about $14,000.
- The city acquired a lot in the 500 block of East Commercial through a tax sale.
- Mayor Heiden addressed a resident complaint about stagnant steel at the Gold Eagle deconstruction site.
With committee assignments finalized and development agreements in motion, the council adjourned for the evening. The next City Council meeting will be on January 21, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
