City Council

Clarinda City Council Minutes Wednesday, June 28, 2023 City Hall – 5 p.m. The Clarinda City Council met at City Hall on June 28,2023 at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Craig Hill presided over the meeting with the following Council Members present: Jeff McCall, Austin Ascherl, Kaley Neal, Matt Ridge, and James Shore. Mayor Craig Hill asked for all to recite the Pledge of Allegiance Adopt Agenda Motion by McCall to adopt the agenda. Seconded by Ascherl. Vote was unanimous. Public Comment Tracee Knapp, Constituent Services Representative for Congressman Zach Nunn, informed the council the Federal services that her office provides. She stated that they deal with IRS, Social Security, Passports, Veterans issues and Grants. Councilor Shore entered the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Consent Agenda Councilor Ascherl made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of (a) the June 14,2023 Regular Council Minutes, (b) Country Club Liquor License and Frontier Lanes Inc. Liquor License. Cigarette Permits for Casey’s General Stores, Ding’s Honk’n Holler, Hy-Vee Food Stores, Fareway Stores, Inc., and Dollar General. Seconded by Neal. Vote was unanimous. Motion to go into closed session under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5, section I, to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered. Mayor Hill requested a motion to go into closed session under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5, section I, to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered. Motion by Neal at 5:05 p.m. to go into closed session. Seconded by Ridge. Vote was unanimous. Motion to return to Open Session Mayor Hill requested a motion to return to Open Session. Motion by Ridge at 5:56 p.m. to return to Open Session. Seconded by Shore. Vote was unanimous. Resolution # 2063 Approving Compensation for City Manager Motion by Shore to approve Resolution Number 2063 Approving Compensation at a 3.75% increase for Fiscal Year 2024 and a 3-year contract for City Manager. Seconded by Ascherl. Roll Call: Aye: McCall, Ascherl, Neal, Ridge, and Shore Nay: Motion Carried. Council Communications Councilor McCall was concerned the Manhole cover at 16 th and Garfield has not been fixed. Councilor Ascherl thanked the Public Works department for the town being mowed, weeded and he enjoys the new sound system on the square. Councilor Ridge requested an update on the progress on the street light at Hwy 2 and Garfield Street. Manager Communications Manager McClarnon thanked the council for his raise and 3-year contract. McClarnon reported that the clean-up day’s numbers were down in total tonnage from last year and had half the tv and computer monitors, but the total cost of $9,416.25 is also lower than in the past. McClarnon stated that this is a good service for the public and would like to continue this in the future. McClarnon reported that the river levels are down to 57 cubic feet per second and at 15 cubic feet per second is when water conservation measures are needed. McClarnon stated that the High Road Concert last weekend was successful and attended by 500 to 600 people. McClarnon reported that the siren by the Lutheran School is not working. Chief Brothers has contacted a company to look at the siren and provide an estimate. Manager McClarnon stated sirens are old technology and asked that the council give guidance on repairs once an estimate is obtained. Councilor McCall stated the other working sirens can give adequate warning. Councilor Neal would like it to be communicated to the public if the council decides not to fix the siren. Neal stated during storms people still rely on the siren system. Mayor Communications Mayor Hill thanked the crew for fixing the tube on 22nd street by the hospital. Hill was approached by Boy Scouts of America to start a troop in Clarinda and asked for volunteers to get this going. The 4th of July is coming, and fireworks are being sold, the city code allows fireworks to be shot off in town June 29th thru July 8th till 10:00 p.m. On July 4th fireworks can be shot off until 11:00 p.m. Please respect your neighbors and have a happy and safe 4th of July. Adjourn Motion by McCall to adjourn the meeting at 6:03 p.m. Seconded by Ascherl. Vote was unanimous. Mayor: Craig Hill Attest: Paula Gray