In their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 5, the Clarion City Council approved two resolutions as preliminary steps toward the spec building project. As previously reported, Daybreak Foods is in the process of acquiring the building at 225 Nelson Ave. and some surrounding property in the Clarion Industrial Park area. The resolutions approved allow the city to enter into 0% interest loans of $100,000 each with Prairie Energy and Corn Belt Cooperatives if and when development at the spec building and surrounding area happens. The council also approved an Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.
The council handled various yearly organizational tasks. Andy Young was again appointed mayor pro tem. Steve TerHark was re-appointed as police chief while Zach Chizek will keep the role of city attorney. The Wright County Monitor will remain the city’s official publication for the year.
In the individual reports, Middleton reported that Trisha Barz accepted the deputy city clerk job. Barz had formerly held the position for seven years. Director of Public Works Jon DeVries noted that preliminary steps toward the future water treatment plant continue. The preliminary engineering report has been completed as well as sending the intended use plan to the DNR. DeVries added that the plan is still to be ready for bid letting for the project on January 1, 2022. Grants and loans through CDBG and the USDA will be sought. Chief TerHark reported that EMS staff have been receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Chizek noted that the city had also received notice of a default judgement against Che Hanson for properties at 1407 and 1413 Central Ave. Per the judgment, Hanson has to clean up the properties by March 1 or the city will do it and bill him.
Council member Jim Williams announced he has accepted a job in a different town and is in the process of relocating. He said he will continue his council duties until he is unable or no longer a Clarion resident.
