Clayton council approves rezoning at Sweet Potato Ridge Road, vacates part of Flower Street and clears paving contracts

The Clayton City Council on March 16 approved a package of land-use and public-works measures, including a rezoning that parcels a farmhouse at 5123 Sweet Potato Ridge Road for historic designation, the vacation of part of Flower Street, a contract for the 2026 paving program, and a contract to widen a section of Oak Road.

City planner Mr. Carville told the council the rezoning, filed as PC 2601, seeks to reclassify 2.925 acres of a roughly 40-acre parcel from RCD2 to RCD1 to separate the farmhouse from surrounding farmland and facilitate a potential historic designation. "The request is to reclassify 2.925 acres of a roughly 40 acre parcel," Mr. Carville said, and staff noted the Planning Commission gave the request a unanimous recommendation at its Feb. 23 meeting. Mr. Carville said 36.416 acres would remain in RCD2 and staff recommended approval.

Councilmembers asked follow-up questions about lot sizes and the age of the house (discussed as originating in the 1800s). After opening the floor for public comment — during which no residents spoke on the application — the council approved Ordinance 261 to amend the official zoning map. Mr. Gorman moved approval and Miss Kelly seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

On a separate land-use item, the council approved Ordinance 03264 to vacate part of Flower Street. Councilmember York raised concerns about the effect on nearby driveways and access; staff explained property owners have been notified, will share driveway easements where needed, and that easement arrangements have been drafted. The council moved and approved the vacation by voice vote; Mr. Gorman moved and Miss Kelly seconded.

The council also approved three administrative and procurement items. Resolution R32626 updates the city manager’s list of qualified designees to act during temporary absences and passed on a motion and second. For the 2026 paving program, the council authorized a contract with John R. Jurgensson Company; staff explained the bid included an option requiring the contractor to hold asphalt prices to permit a 2026–27 extension. Council approved Resolution R32627 on a motion by Mr. Gorman and a second by Mr. York.

For a road-construction project identified as MOT Oak Road widening phase 1 (project ID 115202), the council authorized a contract with DoubleJ Construction, Inc., accepting a low bid reported at about $3.9 million. Staff said the city secured two grants that cover most project costs and budgeted $600,000 as a contingency should costs rise; a pre-construction meeting is scheduled and tree work tied to ODOT timelines was noted. The council approved Resolution R32628 by voice vote.

Where the transcript provides only voice votes and not roll-call tallies, the council’s approvals are recorded as having passed by voice vote; the meeting transcript does not include individual yes/no tallies for these items. The council then heard routine reports, visitor comments and announcements, moved to an executive session on pending litigation, and adjourned.

The city will move forward with the rezoning implementation steps, record the ordinance and vacating action in county records as required, and begin pre-construction and contract management activities for the paving and Oak Road widening projects.