Council adopts ordinances permitting certain city officials’ business relationships, sets hearing to vacate University Street and receives CCU audit update

The Clarksville City Council adopted several ordinances to permit specific vendors to provide services to the city even when an alderman or municipal employee has an interest, provided the transactions comply with state law and bidding rules.

Council read and adopted ordinances authorizing Hunter Towing to provide towing services and Plane Works to provide pool repair services; council members said the rules allow necessary flexibility in cases such as a firefighter who is also a certified diver and can save the city money on specialized services. Council explicitly discussed that any contract must still comply with applicable bidding requirements and state law.

Council also approved a resolution setting a public hearing for August 12, 2024 on a petition by the University of the Ozarks to vacate University Street while retaining utility easements; the move is related to a planned trailhead realignment to improve a dangerous intersection.

Roy Young of Clarksville Connected Utilities delivered an operational update and said prior CCU audit red flags had been referred to the appropriate authorities, addressed administratively, and did not rise to criminality; he reported work on lead/copper sampling, a recent 12‑inch water main leak and broadband subscriber numbers. Police and fire chiefs provided monthly statistics before the council adjourned.