In the last Clarion City Council meeting of 2019, held Tuesday, December 17, the group tackled several agenda items. Many agenda projects again dealt with current and upcoming water projects. The council approved pay requests for both Peterson Construction and GM Construction for well project related work. They also approved a loan agreement for $826,000 providing for the issuance and payment of water revenue bonds. ISG engineer Nick Buse explained that that amount should cover the well project.
The council discussed continuing the ServLine Program that was started earlier this year. ServLine functions as an insurance program to cover water loss due to leaks or sewer line breaks. Unless the city decides to cancel ServLine, the service will be automatically renewed. Both City Administrator Clint Middleton and Billing Clerk Diane Marty, who handles water bills, note that they feel the program has been useful. They explain that ServLine has paid out over a dozen people who have had water issues. Councilman Jim Williams said, “It’s doing what it’s supposed to and seems to be successful.” The rest of the council is also satisfied with ServLine.
Middleton explained how city hall will be handling late water bills. He reminded everyone that the water bills are due the 15th of the month and a $10 fee is issued if a bill is paid late. Middleton said they do have policies regarding payment plans should people have extreme circumstances that prevent them from paying a bill. Those plans are only to be used rarely and require signing an agreement at city hall and also include an administrative fee.
The council discussed whether or not to proceed with a municipal infraction for the properties located at 1304 Central Ave E owned by Che Hanson. Hanson previously received an abatement allowing him more time to clean up his properties that were in violation of city ordinances. Middleton noted that he, councilman Dan Hennigar and code enforcement officer Ted Knutson had recently had a positive meeting with Hanson about continued improvements to his properties. Various council members agreed that they have seen good progress in the last few months. They decided to continue the meetings with Hanson to promote more progress rather than pursue a municipal infraction.
In individual reports, Police Chief Steve TerHark reported that officer Savannah Schnetzer has completed her time at the law enforcement academy and will be back on the regular schedule now. He also noted that he is still seeking applications for another officer position. Middleton reported that plans for Iowa’s Ride are going well. Committees are being formed presently. If people are interested in volunteering, they can contact Craig Grebner at Brothers Market.
Several councilmembers, in addition to Mayor Duane Asbe, thanked Teresa Lancaster for her time serving on the council. Last week was her final meeting, as Shayne Hennigar will take over the seat in January. Asbe said, “We have appreciated your passion for the city.” Dave Maxheimer added, “Thanks for adding a little extra spice to the council and not standing back when you wanted to get things done.” Lancaster thanked the council for appointing her to serve. She said, “It has been really enlightening to be part of this process, and I encourage other people not to sit back and get involved.”
