By Quinn O’Hara
Photo by Quinn O’Hara
On the evening of May 21, the Clay Center City Council gathered for their regular meeting.
Natalie Muruato, the Director of Grow Clay County, and Morree Floersch, a member of the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation’s Board of Directors, reported on updates to the Clay Center Multigenerational Life Center. Both reported on several proposed additions to the Life Center’s construction plans. The proposed additions, such as a storm shelter and a larger gymnasium, would require an additional $4 million in funding. Muruato noted that the additional $4 million is not necessary to make the project happen, but rather to add several quality-of-life updates to the plans before the structure is built.
Mayor Jimmy Thatcher reminded citizens to mow their grass and keep the city looking clean. He also reported that the Clay Center Police Department is organizing a grant to replace their vests. Thatcher said the vests need to be replaced every five years. The total cost of replacement would be $9,000 and the grant would provide a 50% match in funds.
City Attorney Dustin Mullin reported that the Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning change for the Savaner Addition.
The Council then unanimously voted to approve the addition of Mick Payne to the Clay Center Carnegie Library Board.
The Council also unanimously voted to approve the $650,000 Moderate Income Housing Agreement Grant. In a separate motion the Council also unanimously voted to approve the construction contract for the grant.
Councilmember Daton Hess reported on the progress of the 2024 CCLIP project which is currently replacing handicap ramps along a section of Highway 15 in Clay Center. Hess reported that half of the ramps have been completed. Due to rain delays, the whole project is estimated to be completed by the 4th of July.
Councilmember Phil Kasper thanked the Clay Center and Manhattan Masons who helped to clean 300 lbs. of garbage from Huntress Creek over the weekend. Mayor Thatcher also gave his thanks to the group.
