Street projects highlight 2022
By Bert Lehman
When looking back at the accomplishments of the city of Clintonville in 2022, street projects topped the list.
City Administrator Caz Muske said the city completed four full-reconstruction road projects and three resurfacing projects in 2022.
The four full-reconstruction projects included Paulina, Shaw, 13th and 14th streets. Funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program were used for the full-reconstruction projects. The three resurfacing road projects included Dodge, Ilo and Bucholtz streets.
After years of sitting vacant, the Merc building was razed. CDBG grant funding and WEDC Brownfield Site Assessment Grant funding was used for the Merc demo project, Muske said.
The Memorial Bridge was also painted, and various storm sewer upgrades, water meter and hydrant upgrades, wastewater manhole and line upgrades, and electric transformer upgrades were completed, Muske said.
In addition to those projects, the city also completed crack and chip sealing on the runways at Clintonville Municipal Airport.
There were also upgrades to various city buildings. The building that houses Clintonville City Hall and the Clintonville Fire Department received a facade lift. Carpeting was upgraded in the Clintonville Library, Fire Department and Clintonville Community Center.
Other accomplishments included the city’s sidewalk improvement program and a trail upgrade at Seven Maples Nature Area.
New equipment
The city also purchased new equipment in 2022. The Clintonville Parks and Recreation Department purchased a new mower and a new UTV. The Clintonville Police Department purchased a new squad car, rifles, tasers and squad radios. It also added a new K9 officer after the previous one left the department.
Several city businesses also received business improvement grants from the city. Businesses included Urban Cottage, 1 Vision, B&H Fashion Wear, Appeal Digital Image, Landmark Motel, Journey to Wellness and Brewed Coffee Shop.
“We have some amazing city teams and they deserve the recognition,” Muske said. “Usually when we hear from our residents, it’s when something is wrong – which is part of what we are here for. However, we are always grateful to get the occasional pat on the back.”
2023 goals
Muske said one of the top goals for 2023 is the construction of an aqua park in the city. The design and engineering for the project was accomplished in 2022.
The city has one resurfacing road project scheduled for 2023.
More storm sewer upgrades, water meter and hydrant upgrades, wastewater manhole and line upgrades and electric transformer upgrades are scheduled to take place in 2023. The city’s sidewalk improvement program will continue.
Water and wastewater lines will be extended on Kratzke Road.
The site of the Merc building is scheduled to be improved with the addition of fencing and masonry.
The city also has scheduled replacements for various departments. Replacements include: an aerial ladder truck for the Clintonville Fire Department, a truck for the Parks & Recreation Department, versatile equipment for the Department of Public Works, a squad car for the Clintonville Police Department, an office car for Clintonville Utility, and various wastewater and electric equipment. The roof on the Clintonville Community Center is also scheduled to be replaced.
Muske said the city plans to award seven business improvement grants in 2023.
“As is every year, the 2023 budget process was a challenging one,” Muske said. “The demands of our community and elected officials are infinite; however, the resources to accomplish the demands are finite. Regardless of the challenges, our city teams love our community and will continue to do the best they can with what they are handed. We know what we have planned to accomplish in 2023 will not solve all of our community’s struggles, but we will serve to the best of our abilities with pride in our hearts.”