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Clintonville to borrow $2 million

The Clintonville City Council voted 8-0 to authorize $2.035 million in general obligation promissory notes Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Alderpersons Mike Hankins and Mark Doornink were absent-excused from the meeting.

“There was a $60,000 difference between the winning bidder’s interest rate and the highest interest rate among all bidders,” explained Todd Taves, who presented a sale day report to the council on behalf of Ehlers, the city’s financial advisor. “The final sale results are $41,000 lower than expected, which is a good thing. The rating from S & P came back as A+/Stable, which is also a good thing.

“Unlike many businesses, the city is not borrowing to pay for bills, but for improvements and infrastructure,” said Taves, noting that this borrowing is for a period of three years, from 2014-16, covering capital projects. “It’s typical to finance over a long period of time, as assets will serve the city for several years, spreading the cost of the improvements and infrastructure over their useful lives.

“The city has been fairly aggressive in the past – you’re quickly paying back what you borrow in order to minimize interest payments,” added Taves. “The cost of the money that you’re borrowing is less than 2 percent, which is fairly nominal.”

A final amount of $2.035 million in 2014 General Obligation Note for 2014-16 Capital Projects was approved by an 8-0 vote.

Funds carryover

The following items were approved to be designated in their respective areas as carryover items from 2013 to 2014:

• Waupaca County Grant – $1,000

• Community Garden Grant – $2,135.35

• Disc Golf Course Donations – $3,786.87

• Donations/Fees – $1,001

• Park Improvements – $10,101.95

• Swimming Pool – $1,579.29

Citizens Forum

Mary-Beth Kuester spoke to the council regarding Winter Whirl and building permits.

“First, I want to congratulate Justin Mc Auly and the City Recreation Department on their successful Winter Whirl activities,” began Kuester. “What a wonderful way for the community to take a break from this bitterly cold winter and enjoy fellowship and tummy warming chili and chicken soup. 4-H clubs provided delicious strawberry sundaes—they picked the strawberries last summer—for just $1 and attendees could sample soup or chili for as little as 50 cents.

“The historic old armory provided a great venue for some of the events as did the senior center and several area churches,” continued Kuester. “All of this was done without much cost to the city if any and I understand profits were up from last year with money going to support wrestling activities. I had fun serving my chicken soup and understand competitors doubled from the year before. I saw Greg Rose taking photos but did not see any other city representation so I hope you were able to take in this fun activity at another venue. I know a number of groups are willing to help out next year and St. Martin plans to host ice races to provide some outdoor activity.

“My second topic is prompted by an article in the Appleton Post Crescent reporting that the city of Hortonville, because it is losing new housing starts and growth to Greenville, is slashing the cost of a new house building permit in half,” said Kuester. “There were 90 new housing starts in Greenville and just two in Hortonville. True, Greenville is closer to Appleton and many more jobs but people do commute greater distances. The Hortonville community is touting its excellent school system as well.

“I inquired about the cost of building permits in Clintonville and found that costs are based on a per square foot basis for most items but I estimate a cost of $638 for a 1,500 square foot home,” said Kuester. “I will need to verify my calculation but if I am in the ballpark, we offer a real bargain to new home builders. Perhaps our town could provide incentives to the many workers in our industrial park who commute by offering affordable rates for building here. I also note that there are some 150 homes for sale in the City of Clintonville. Perhaps we could work with employers to encourage workers to consider these homes, perhaps providing assistance in purchasing these very reasonable houses. The city plans to expand our industrial park. Can we tie this to efforts to increase the tax paying population of the city? Like Hortonville, we have an excellent public school system to offer. Let’s take up the challenge of filling our housing stock and attracting new residents. Many workers employed in Clintonville commute considerable distances. With the price of gas, this may be the time to encourage them to join us here.”

County judicial candidates Edmund Jelinski and Vicki Clussman spoke to the council regarding their candidacies.

School Crossing Guard Recognition

Mayor Judy Magee gave special recognition to school crossing guards Juan Gonzales, Judy Janke and Tracy Flanagan for their service to the community. All were presented with a special framed proclamation from the Mayor.

In other business, the council approved the following items:

• Suspending the rules for Ordinance 1093;

• Adopting Ordinance 1093 – Heavy Truck Route (2nd reading);

• A funds request for the EAA Commercial Site Accommodations website; the council approved spending up to $75 per hotel to advertise in the 2014 EAA accommodations website; and

• Mayor Magee’s appointment of Polly Goodell to the Transit Commission; Goodell will replace Bill Linske, who passed away recently.

The council adjourned into closed session to discuss a new loan, the sale of land, and 2014 Law Union negotiations. Upon returning to open session, the council voted to ratify the LAW Police Union Contract for 2014-15, and also voted to approve a $50,000 Revolving Loan for Infiniti Metals (doing business as Utility Tool and Trailer) at 4 percent interest for seven years to facilitate their expansion.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at City Hall.

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