Clark council introduces $1.73 million bond ordinance for road, parking and equipment projects

The council introduced Ordinance 24-06, a bond ordinance to appropriate $1,730,000 for multiple capital improvements and equipment purchases. The clerk read the ordinance language and the president opened the floor for a motion to introduce; the motion passed and the public hearing was set for April 15.

The president and business administrator described the package: parking lot construction and reconstruction (including Bartell Field and municipal parking), paving of several local streets and one half of Valley Road timed to a DOT grant, and purchase of a $275,000 dump truck with plow and spreader for the Department of Public Works. The ordinance also funds $100,000 for library furniture (to be supplemented by library contributions) and $100,000 for recreation center bathroom renovations. The mayor noted a DOT grant of approximately $346,690 and a down payment of $66,310 to offset a portion of the cost.

Council members moved and seconded the introduction; the clerk confirmed the public hearing will occur on April 15 and invited the public to review the capital program materials presented at the prior workshop. Resident John Greaves asked during public comment whether the town was issuing bonds in addition to receiving the DOT grant; the administration confirmed that the bond amount and grant are both part of the capital financing plan and explained the bond/grant/down-payment breakdown.