[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6561729,"mediaKeyId","3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879","parentId",3287754,"title","Votes at a glance: Clinton council actions on May 6 — sewer contract, development agreements, sidewalk ordinance, and more","audioSeconds",6535,"startMs",465000,"endMs",7000000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879&start=465&end=7000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879/thumbnail_465000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561729/Clinton-City/Clinton-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Clinton-council-actions-on-May-6-sewer-contract-development-agreements-sidewalk-ordinance-and-more","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561729-209eeb9e0cda3c0cf0e16d95ea73dbbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131266&Signature=JufO4m2YSx799V-9hB70wptp991kHUtILmlg7EgJ3T6hFZIDVORhv2uwRXqQqtBmcgizmoLbMVNbiVPWeHFQR4iX95nSdL0-3lyicdEAdKQliBaDubH4PbLmZzcqmrbDSQrN5~WskIKNBveUmvSFzRl95KNNnW7jBZp7j~N9TYADLqbXrG0luOmIdUFb3Cz9ioDPGzvKk6xBozNXMowFmfbMORXapieww8BhmH2LQR7sMc1c2yYs4~dZ44CYR65oq4DM-4OHB5QVG-HeX3wFr4qjKj1IIT1yrKjaxlPAbm3ooAf1zBNNkNdWcChHAVFEmtVSsG-LttGwqwvrjKvLEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clinton","date","2025-05-13T21:12:03Z","article","The Clinton City Council took multiple formal actions on May 6. Below are concise summaries of each vote, the outcome and key details pulled directly from the meeting record.

Votes at a glance

1) Amendment to amended and restated agreement for private development with Riverstone Development LLC
- Action: Resolution approving and authorizing an amendment to the amended and restated agreement for private development with Riverstone Development LLC and providing for publication of notice.
- Outcome: Adopted (unanimous roll call vote recorded in meeting).
- Notes: No public comment recorded during the hearing on this item.

2) Accept and award contract: Project A-2025 Second Avenue South Sewer Separation (Bluff Boulevard to South Fourth Street)
- Action: Resolution accepting the bid and awarding contract for the Second Avenue South Sewer Separation project (Project A-2025).
- Outcome: Adopted (unanimous roll call vote recorded in meeting).
- Notes: No substantive public discussion reported at the vote.

3) Appointment to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
- Action: Mayor’s recommendation to appoint Maria Savodchka to a 4-year term on the Parks and Rec Advisory Board; council acknowledged existing vacancies in Neighborhood Improvement Commission and Vehicle for Hire Board.
- Outcome: Adopted by roll call (unanimous vote recorded).
- Notes: Standard appointment process; no public controversy reported.

4) Resolution fixing date for meeting on authorization of loan and issuance of up to $4,400,000.048000 taxable sewer revenue capital loan notes
- Action: Resolution fixing a date for a meeting on authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement and the issuance of not-to-exceed $4,400,000 taxable sewer revenue capital loan notes and providing for publication of notice.
- Outcome: Adopted (unanimous roll call vote recorded).
- Notes: Procedural resolution to advance loan authorization process.

5) Resolution endorsing CPF grant application for North River Drive (amended)
- Action: Endorsement and authorization for matching funds for a CPF grant application; the council later amended the application footprint and match terms during the meeting (see separate article on the North River Drive debate).
- Outcome: Adopted as amended (4–3 vote).
- Notes: See standalone coverage for extensive public testimony and technical detail.

6) Termination agreement with Spyber America LLC
- Action: Resolution authorizing execution of a termination agreement between the City of Clinton and Spyber America LLC terminating the amended agreement for private development.
- Outcome: Adopted by roll call (unanimous vote recorded).
- Notes: Staff described the developer pausing operations to reorganize and consolidate; existing equipment reportedly remains in South Clinton.

7) Ordinance (third consideration) — sidewalk code amendments
- Action: Third consideration and adoption of ordinance amending sections related to sidewalks (code references given in the ordinance title).
- Outcome: Adopted (roll call indicates unanimous 'yes' votes where recorded).
- Notes: Council followed with a resolution to implement a sidewalk repair program; council later voted to postpone final implementation details to the May 27 meeting after brief discussion about invoicing and payment timing.

8) Sidewalk repair program resolution
- Action: Resolution implementing the sidewalk repair program (details included invoicing and a voluntary replacement cost-share program tied to bonds/funding availability).
- Outcome: Council moved to postpone the resolution until the May 27 meeting to revise payment language (motion to postpone adopted by roll call).
- Notes: Council discussed removing a clause that allowed 180 days to pay and replacing it with payment-before-work-commences language; staff and the city attorney will adjust draft language for the next meeting.

9) CDBG-CV homelessness operations assistance public hearing
- Action: Resolution to establish a public hearing for Community Development Block Grant–Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) homelessness operations assistance application (YWCA to be the applicant/primary shelter provider in Clinton/Jackson counties).
- Outcome: Adopted (unanimous roll call vote recorded).
- Notes: Staff and YWCA representatives described the funding as non-congregate shelter (hotel/motel) support and clarified it is targeted to homeless shelter operations rather than permanent supportive housing.

Procedural notes and where to find materials
- Council used roll calls for adoption on multiple items; in most cases the roll calls were unanimous for routine items.
- Materials, bids, appointment letters and application documents referenced at the meeting will be posted by city staff as part of the record in advance of the corresponding public hearings or subsequent council action.

Speakers and staff who appeared for or about these items (selected)
- City staff present for votes: Anita (staff), Jason Crafts (city engineer), Pat (city administrator/city attorney - not formally identified in transcript), Matt (staff noted for follow-up), and others.
- YWCA representative for the CDBG-CV item: Shannon (YWCA executive director, identified in transcript).

Authorities referenced
- ordinance: City code sections 97.026, 97.028 and 97.029 (sidewalks) — amended by ordinance adopted at third reading
- grant: CDBG-CV (Community Development Block Grant–Coronavirus)
- contract: Project A-2025 sewer separation contract (award of bid)

Actions (summary entries)
- Riverstone Development LLC amendment — resolution adopted (unanimous)
- Sewer separation Project A-2025 — contract award resolution adopted (unanimous)
- Mayor’s appointment (Maria Savodchka) — adopted (unanimous)
- Resolution fixing date for taxable sewer revenue capital loan notes (up to $4,400,000.048000) — adopted (unanimous)
- Spyber America LLC termination agreement — adopted (unanimous)
- Sidewalk ordinance (third reading) — ordinance adopted by roll call
- Sidewalk repair program — postponed to May 27 for language edits
- CDBG-CV homelessness operations assistance — public hearing set (adopted)

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"loan_resolution\",\"detail\":\"Resolution fixing date for meeting on authorization for up to $4,400,000 taxable sewer revenue capital loan notes\",\"value\":\"4400000.048\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Council member Shemmers\"},{\"category\":\"sidewalk_program_funding\",\"detail\":\"Sidewalk repair program initial allocation referenced general obligation bonds and $200,000 of bond funds\",\"value\":\"200000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Council member Obren\"}]

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"Riverstone Development LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Spyber America LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"YWCA Clinton\",\"type\":\"nonprofit\"},{\"name\":\"Maria Savodchka\",\"type\":\"person\"}]

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":30,\"duration_minutes\":180,\"items_count\":15},\"implementation_risk\":\"low to medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"prior meeting\",\"note\":\"Several items (e.g., prior CPF application) were discussed in past meetings; some projects have multi-year timelines.\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"votes\",\"contracts\",\"sidewalks\",\"sewer\",\"appointments\",\"CDBG-CV\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"riverstone_vote_465\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":60,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a resolution approving and authorizing amendment to the amended and restated agreement for private development with Riverstone Development LLC and providing for publication of notice thereof. I move that it be adopted as presented.\",\"global_start\":465,\"global_end\":482,\"tc_start\":\"00:07:45\",\"tc_end\":\"00:08:02\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"spyber_termination_6926\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":80,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a resolution authorizing execution of a termination agreement by and between the city of Clinton and Spyber America LLC terminating the amended agreement for private development by and between the city of Clinton and Spyber America LLC. I move this be adopted as read.\",\"global_start\":6926,\"global_end\":6980,\"tc_start\":\"01:55:26\",\"tc_end\":\"01:56:40\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]},

salience:{\"overall\":0.55,\"overall_justification\":\"Multiple routine legislative actions and several items with operational impact (loan date, sewer contract, sidewalk ordinance); the North River Drive item had separate coverage due to public debate.\"},

engagement_forecast:{\"newsworthiness\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.15,\"local\":0.85},\"notify_recommendation\":{\"audience\":\"city\",\"reason\":\"Multiple municipal actions affecting contracts, loans, public works and shelter programs.\"},\"predicted_interest\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.15,\"local\":0.85},\"predicted_click_through\":0.18,\"predicted_read_time_minutes\":2.5},

graph_signals:{\"jurisdictions\":[\"US-IA-CLI\"],\"ontology_topics\":[\"contracts\",\"ordinance\",\"grants\"],\"entities\":[{\"id\":\"riverstone\",\"name\":\"Riverstone Development LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"id\":\"spyber\",\"name\":\"Spyber America LLC\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"id\":\"ywca\",\"name\":\"YWCA Clinton\",\"type\":\"nonprofit\"}],\"events\":[]} }

],","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council - May 13 2025 - Amended","oneSentenceSummary","The Clinton City Council approved several routine and substantive measures on May 6, including a private development amendment, awarding a sewer separation contract, adopting a sidewalk code ordinance, ending an agreement with Spyber America LLC, and scheduling hearings on other items.","taxTitle","Clinton City, Clinton County, Iowa","taxId",55531,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561734,"Council schedules public hearing on proposed FY24–FY25 operating budget amendment; staff outlines $6.2M revenue, $6.2M+ expense changes",461,1319000,1780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879&start=1319&end=1780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879/thumbnail_1319000.jpg","/articles/6561734/Clinton-City/Clinton-County/Iowa/Council-schedules-public-hearing-on-proposed-FY24FY25-operating-budget-amendment-staff-outlines-62M-revenue-62M-expense-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561734-ce7477097c18477ebafda9afd071db9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131266&Signature=SIlUn4yjN1V2uC9w0-qgwtT9vPwHkoPirq5RkseQ0VEKIXABaHcZNki~3OcwsOIlw7hwo~0St~EifVsakf2nm-yioyw~q2wxwPFeep0mDlV2-W4dZQ6ZXrp9IcJlzKHCsLgKDMJB-5NacgXY-Ggz2QYjbAtnF8p2l2FIHOh3B64LhtOGiQAm4AgcnCmKWhpv23RTyowuemTK-b4BViEtlrM3WJ~BG6lY7ayNjR0BcARkhmVMjU-EtQLPdYMEJpq9voOzzNEg76-vK3Mo-ae6Vz2KlyJ7of2SI0tgo7~bstM3lUxcuIM4uTMDxqOtn0040Ww~vvoaCxt6Oh5-NUbXpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clinton City Council voted on May 6 to set a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the city’s fiscal year 2024–2025 operating budget after city staff outlined a range of revenue and expense adjustments.

City finance staff said the amendment package includes an approximate $6.2 million increase in revenues tied to intergovernmental grants and reimbursements and a corresponding set of expense increases across departments that together require a formal budget amendment.

Why it matters: Iowa law requires a published hearing before the council may adopt changes that increase spending beyond what was originally budgeted. The amendment consolidates reimbursements, grant proceeds and unanticipated departmental costs into the FY25 budget so the city can legally record and spend those amounts.

Major revenue and expense items described by staff (Anita)
- Revenues (approx. +$6,200,000): intergovernmental revenues for grant funds such as HUD (health and social services), a RISE grant for the rail park, Iowa DOT pavement management grants, reimbursements from Atlas for rail park work (roughly $2,377,000), $68,000 in library special revenue and other charges for services. Staff said some of these items were not budgeted at the time the FY25 budget was set.
- Expenses (selected increases): public safety (+$1,200,000 across general and special revenue funds, including fire training-related costs), public works (road use tax items), health and social services (HUD grant activity), grounds and facilities (wage and commodity increases), community and economic development (TIF LMI roof program, economic development grants), and capital projects (notably a $2,100,000 repayment connected to the rail park 28E agreement and $262,500 in Brownfields expenditures tied to the YMCA).

Staff clarifications provided at the meeting
- Timing: Many of the increases reflect projects and reimbursements that were authorized but not expended in FY24 and now need to be carried into FY25. Staff explained that state or grant reimbursements received after the FY24 budget was set must be recorded in the current fiscal year via amendment even when they offset associated expenditures.
- Fund sources: Several expenditures will be paid from departmental special revenue funds or fund balance (not strictly general fund property-tax dollars), including sewer fund overtime and landfill-related charges (sludge disposal fees) and a capital equipment purchase for sewer operations.
- Example items: Fire training using donated railcars (donated by Lyondell) generated unexpected training-related expenses; the realpark 28E repayment was identified as a major capital item that must be accounted for in FY25 because actual project spending slipped into the new fiscal year.

Council discussion and action
- Council members asked clarifying questions about health insurance claim trends, police department wage and benefit changes, and how the amendment treated reimbursements. Staff answered that much of the amendment just formalizes revenues and expenses that have already been approved or incurred but were not in the original FY25 budget.
- The council voted by roll call to set the required public hearing on the proposed amendment; the vote carried unanimously.

Next steps
- A public hearing has been scheduled (per the resolution the council adopted) to allow citizens to comment before any final adoption of the budget amendment. Staff will post the detailed amendment and supporting documents in advance of that hearing.

Speakers cited
- Anita (city staff; presented the amendment package)
- Council members who asked questions during the briefing: Council member Sealy, Council member Davis, and others

Authorities referenced
- grant: HUD grant (not specified by number)
- grant: RISE grant (rail park)
- grant: Iowa DOT grants (pavement management)

Actions
- kind: \"resolution\"
motion: \"A resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the FY24–FY25 city operating budget.\"
mover: \"Council member Obren\"
second: \"unspecified\"
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Shemmers\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Detterman\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Sealy\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Davis\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Obren\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Musman\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Kearns\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally:{\"yes\":7,\"no\":0}
outcome:\"approved\"
notes:\"Public hearing date set; staff to publish amendment details before hearing.\"

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"revenue_increase\",\"detail\":\"Proposed increase in revenues for FY25 amendment, including grant reimbursements and other intergovernmental funds\",\"value\":\"6200000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Anita\"},{\"category\":\"realpark_repayment\",\"detail\":\"Repayment for Realpark 28E agreement included in capital projects\",\"value\":\"2100000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Anita\"},{\"category\":\"atlas_reimbursement\",\"detail\":\"Reimbursements from Atlas for rail park work\",\"value\":\"2377000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Anita\"}]

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"HUD\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"RISE\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"Iowa Department of Transportation\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Atlas\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Realpark 28E agreement\",\"type\":\"other\"}]

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"City of Clinton\"],\"funding_sources\":[\"HUD\",\"RISE\",\"Iowa DOT\",\"Atlas reimbursements\"],\"impact_groups\":[\"city departments\",\"taxpayers\",\"service recipients of HUD-funded programs\"]}

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":4,\"duration_minutes\":40,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"FY25 budget adoption\",\"note\":\"Initial FY25 budget set; amendment required to record grants/reimbursements received after budget adoption.\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"budget\",\"FY25\",\"grant_reimbursements\",\"realpark\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"budget_amendment_presentation_1319\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening, mayor and council. So every year, we propose an I propose an amendment to the operating the current operating budget if there's expenses that look like they're going to exceed, what we budgeted...\",\"global_start\":1319,\"global_end\":1375,\"tc_start\":\"00:21:59\",\"tc_end\":\"00:22:55\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"budget_amendment_vote_1777\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Thanks, Anita. Can we have roll call, please?...\" ,\"global_start\":1774,\"global_end\":1780,\"tc_start\":\"00:29:34\",\"tc_end\":\"00:29:40\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]},

salience:{\"overall\":0.63,\"overall_justification\":\"Budget amendments affect near-term spending authority and legal compliance; several multi-million-dollar items included.\"},

engagement_forecast:{\"newsworthiness\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.10,\"local\":0.85},\"notify_recommendation\":{\"audience\":\"city\",\"reason\":\"Budget amendments reflect material changes to city finances, funding and will inform public services.\"},\"predicted_interest\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.10,\"local\":0.85},\"predicted_click_through\":0.22,\"predicted_read_time_minutes\":3.0},

graph_signals:{\"jurisdictions\":[\"US-IA-CLI\"],\"ontology_topics\":[\"budget\",\"grants\"],\"entities\":[{\"id\":\"anita\",\"name\":\"Anita\",\"type\":\"person\"}]}} ,

{ ","City finance staff told the council the proposed operating budget amendment increases revenues by about $6.2 million and adds roughly the same in expenses to cover grants, intergovernmental reimbursements and unanticipated costs; the council voted to set a public hearing on the amendment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561739,"Clinton council narrows North River Drive grant application after lengthy public debate",4812,1788000,6600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879&start=1788&end=6600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287754-3144c46262bacee95015cded1dd6a879/thumbnail_1788000.jpg","/articles/6561739/Clinton-City/Clinton-County/Iowa/Clinton-council-narrows-North-River-Drive-grant-application-after-lengthy-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561739-470ce62d1a401ff8a0905dd8424b7f77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131266&Signature=ApEKLdXcY9zcBzYFmfSvjuHsw6Fx6cTO7gC8EFQ5zzyhxN28nHqprNpfAPUFmxgxp837~EE1p-pX2sOSYtqoFUjitLwHbLRPoiwUX2qUTTt-DwbKr9BmJvV7Y1D5idWEtcQu2pqwEdQm1W8FNsvCHYi3L7iONmID1OnJrDtzqNMAHZQ78UhoBD3FYwPtEHDckIcClAVw1xfJDwY10Zik-8DWWU8PvwgoTdx~0Ui1T0wH~G3cVhovtZN9bCMCX3Q29dZ6b~UWVJkwBZ3k~J9tETuQXI6KIzgYK1puSlsfTTZUdbZRYY4pJOKrO3MI084MwcGL9f49FQ0D3e2N-u4FBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clinton City Council voted 4–3 on May 6 to amend a previously endorsed Community Project Funding (CPF) grant application for the North River Drive project, narrowing the project footprint after extended public comment and technical briefing.

The amendment, adopted after public testimony from more than a dozen residents and technical remarks from consultant Wade Greiman of Snyder & Associates, directs staff to revise the CPF application to a shorter segment of the proposed roadway (a portion running from roughly Eighteenth Avenue North to Main Avenue) and confirms a city commitment limited to $200,000 as the local match while leaving the remainder of potential construction funding to outside sources and future grant opportunities.

Why it matters: The proposed North River Drive would add or reconstruct roadway on top of the existing levee and replace the current bike trail where it sits on the levee in parts. Supporters say the project could improve riverfront access, spur economic activity in the Lyons/Main Avenue corridor and make some river access points more usable. Opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts (notably at Joyce’s Island), loss of a quiet riverfront bike/trail experience, potential tree removal, the project’s high eventual construction cost and uncertainty about long-term funding.

What the council heard
- Residents and property owners were sharply divided. Supporters including property owners and small-business advocates said improved visibility and connectivity could help revitalize the Lyons/Main Avenue commercial strip and attract customers; several speakers noted private investment they have already made on Main Avenue.
- Opponents, including speakers who said they regularly use the levee trail, pressed the council to avoid disturbing Joyce’s Island, preserve wildlife (several mentioned eagles and other birds), and questioned whether road access would actually produce significant economic benefits for Lyons.
- Technical presenters and staff said federal permitting and environmental review are underway or near completion for parts of the corridor and underscored that the CPF application funds were intended for planning and design (a “shovel-ready” phase) rather than construction.

Key details presented by city staff and consultants
- Applicant history: The project team previously sought CPF funds and received a preliminary $1 million preliminary award that was not enacted into law during reauthorization; the May 6 action is a reapplication to the congressional CPF program.
- Scope and cost: The CPF application sought roughly $1,000,000 in CPF funds to make the project “shovel ready” (planning, design and permitting). The full construction cost estimates discussed by council and staff ranged widely during public remarks, commonly cited near $20 million for full build-out; councilmembers and staff noted those numbers are preliminary and subject to escalation over time. The resolution at the meeting described a planning/design scope estimated at $1.9 million.
- Local match and timeline: CPF requires a local match; the council confirmed a $200,000 city match cap in the amended motion. Staff and consultants explained that design and permitting work typically would be executed over 2–3 years if funded; permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 408 and associated NEPA work can take multiple years. Consultants estimated environmental documents and permitting likely will need revisiting within about five years, especially if species or habitat conditions change.

Council deliberations and the vote
- Council members repeatedly returned to two themes: (1) whether the project would actually produce economic revival in Lyons and (2) how to limit city exposure to a large future construction bill. Multiple council members said they would prefer a shorter phase to reduce environmental and fiscal exposure.
- After a motion to amend the project's limits (shortening the corridor to the Eighteenth Avenue North–Main Avenue portion) and language limiting the city's cash commitment to $200,000, the amendment passed on roll call. The final vote to approve the resolution as amended passed 4–3 (Shemmers: no; Detterman: yes; Sealy: yes; Davis: no; Obren/O'Bran: yes; Musman: no; Kearns: yes).

Public agencies, permits and grants mentioned
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Section 408 permitting and coordination were described as part of the permitting path.
- Federal CPF (congressional Community Project Funding) — the funding program under which the $1,000,000 planning request was submitted; congressional staff signaled preference to keep the application footprint consistent year-to-year but accepted the council’s amended scope.
- Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) — referenced by staff as a potential source for related funding and coordination historically.
- RISE grants, Iowa DOT pavement management grants, HUD, and other intergovernmental funds were discussed as examples of funding sources that have helped prior projects in Clinton.

Concerns and next steps
- Environmental and wildlife concerns: multiple residents and an Iowa DNR contact mentioned in public comment urged the city to avoid any approach that would require cutting through Joyce’s Island habitat; consultants said a small number of trees near the south curve of the corridor could be affected and that mitigation would be evaluated.
- Funding and implementation risk: Council members and staff repeatedly noted that even if planning funds are secured, construction would require additional federal grants, philanthropic donations or bonding; if a future city match is not available, the project would remain unbuilt.
- Administrative steps: City staff will revise the CPF application language to reflect the amended footprint and continue the NEPA/permitting work. Staff and community partners were also urged to pursue local philanthropic match and other government funding.

Speakers (attributed in article where quoted)
- Wade Greiman, Snyder & Associates (consultant)
- Gabby Torres, resident and Main Avenue property owner
- Brenda Thornton, business owner (Sweetheart Bakery / Homer’s Deli)
- David (Dave) Mueller, resident
- John Nichols, resident and property owner
- Celeste Robbins, resident (public commenter)
- Melody Carr and Brian Bell, residents (public commenters)
- Dennis Slaver, resident and project advocate
- Anne Colby, resident and property owner
- Kevin McQuiston, resident (asked about match funding)
- Council members present who spoke during debate: Council member Obren, Council member Sealy, Council member Detterman, Council member Musman, Council member Kearns

Authorities referenced
- grant: \"Community Project Funding (CPF)\", referenced_by:[\"article body\"]
- other: \"U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 permitting\", referenced_by:[\"article body\"]
- grant: \"RISE grant (rail park)\", referenced_by:[\"article body\"]
- grant: \"Iowa DOT pavement management grants\", referenced_by:[\"article body\"]

Actions
- kind: \"resolution\"
motion: \"Resolution endorsing a Community Project Funding grant application for North River Drive and authorizing matching funds (as amended to shorten scope).\"
mover: null
second: null
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Shemmers\",\"vote\":\"no\"},{\"member\":\"Detterman\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Sealy\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Davis\",\"vote\":\"no\"},{\"member\":\"Obren\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Musman\",\"vote\":\"no\"},{\"member\":\"Kearns\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":4,\"no\":3,\"abstain\":0}
legal_threshold: {\"met\":true,\"notes\":\"Simple majority for a resolution; quorum present.\"}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"Resolution amended on the floor to shorten the project footprint and keep city match capped at $200,000; external fundraising expected for remainder.\"

clarifying_details:[{\"category\":\"local_match\",\"detail\":\"City to commit up to $200,000 toward CPF application match\",\"value\":\"200000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Council member (motion)\"},{\"category\":\"cpf_request\",\"detail\":\"CPF planning/design funding requested\",\"value\":\"1000000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Staff/consultant\"},{\"category\":\"planning_estimate\",\"detail\":\"Design/permitting package scoped at approximately $1,900,000\",\"value\":\"1900000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Staff/consultant\"},{\"category\":\"construction_estimate\",\"detail\":\"Full construction discussed in public comments; widely cited estimate near $20,000,000 for full corridor\",\"value\":\"20000000\",\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Public commenters\"},{\"category\":\"timeline\",\"detail\":\"If funded, design and permitting expected to take about 2–3 years; NEPA items may require revisit within roughly 5 years\",\"value\":\"2-5\",\"units\":\"years\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Wade Greiman, consultant\"}]

proper_names:[{\"name\":\"North River Drive\",\"type\":\"program\"},{\"name\":\"Joyce's Island\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Snyder & Associates\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Community Project Funding\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Iowa Economic Development Authority\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Clinton\",\"type\":\"location\"}]

community_relevance:{\"geographies\":[\"Clinton (North End / Lyons / Main Avenue)\"],\"funding_sources\":[\"CPF (federal), RISE, Iowa DOT, HUD, philanthropic\"],\"impact_groups\":[\"Main Avenue property owners\",\"riverfront trail users\",\"park/wildlife advocates\"]}

meeting_context:{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":20,\"duration_minutes\":150,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"high\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2024-?\",\"note\":\"Project previously applied for CPF funds; preliminary award not enacted in reauthorization.\"}]}

searchable_tags:[\"riverfront\",\"transportation\",\"CPF\",\"grant\",\"environment\",\"Lyons\",\"Joyce's Island\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"north_river_drive_start_1788\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"A resolution endorsed in a community project funding grant application for the North River Drive project and authorizing matching funds...\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"north_river_drive_end_6598\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"K. So the amendment to change the project scope passes... That motion passes... the resolution as amended passes 4 to 3.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]},

salience:{\"overall\":0.78,\"overall_justification\":\"Large public turnout, substantive environmental and fiscal consequences, multi-year permitting and substantial potential cost.\"},

engagement_forecast:{\"newsworthiness\":{\"national\":0.05,\"regional\":0.25,\"local\":0.92,\"justification\":\"Local infrastructure, funding and land-use impact; active local debate.\"},\"notify_recommendation\":{\"audience\":\"city\",\"reason\":\"Significant local public debate and formal council vote; potential long-term fiscal impacts.\"},\"predicted_interest\":{\"national\":0.02,\"regional\":0.20,\"local\":0.95},\"predicted_click_through\":0.28,\"predicted_read_time_minutes\":4.2}}

","After more than two hours of public comment and council discussion, the Clinton City Council voted 4–3 to amend a proposed congressional Community Project Funding (CPF) application for North River Drive, shortening the route and keeping a city match cap at $200,000 while asking volunteers and local groups to pursue additional funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Clinton council actions on May 6 — sewer contract, development agreements, sidewalk ordinance, and more

Council schedules public hearing on proposed FY24–FY25 operating budget amendment; staff outlines $6.2M revenue, $6.2M+ expense changes

Clinton council narrows North River Drive grant application after lengthy public debate