City Council discusses Housing Rehabilitation Fund Application

            Clarion’s City Council met at their regularly scheduled time and place Monday night Dec. 2, as they attended to the City’s business. Special to the meeting was Kathy Showalter who reported on the grant process and offered the Resolution to approve the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Fund Application to assist moderate-to-low income homeowners in Clarion.

            The Council passed the resolution after debate concerning the process for accepting applications – it will be on a first-come-first-served basis for qualifying applicants in order to be as fair and impartial as possible.

            Sholwalter informed the meeting’s attendees that the survey sent to residents of Clarion had been returned at almost an unprecedented rate – 83% - with 70% of those responding falling into the target group of low to moderate income homeowners.

            A planned “’Windshield survey’ will take place shortly, grading properties on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 being no improvement needed; to 5, where extensive repairs necessary. According to Showalter, they have been “working on this for quite a while to assure quality housing for all residents.” There will be further information concerning the application process when the details have solidified.

            Also discussed was the Iowa State Traffic Flow and Movement study, and how it pertains to local traffic safety, “If people would just drive the speed limit and pay attention we’d have no problem, but you know how that goes.” said Council Member Lindsey German, as the discussion turned to the number of instances of near accidents at some in-town intersections.

            The council touched on the need to remove the compost/brush pile to a different location, as well as the automatic sewer and water increase of 1.6%. set to implement in January with or without action by the Council.