City Council of Clarksville, MO

City of Clarksville, Missouri
           Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
Clarksville City Hall                                                Phone: 573.242.3336
111 Howard Street                                                         Fax: 573.242.3450
P.O. Box 528                                     Email: cityclerk@clarksvillemo.us
Clarksville, MO 63336                                          www.clarksvillemo.us

Regular meetings: Third Thursday - 6:30 p.m
Greenwood Cemetery Board meeting: Third Thursday - 10:00 a.m.
Planning Zoning - Third Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Clarksville City Hall proudly displays a new City Seal.
(adopted by Ordinance on February 22, 2007 and
received March 13, 2007)

The new City Seal now hanging in the Community
room of Clarksville City Hall is the design and
creation of Mike Brewer.

At the center of this art piece is a carved Eagle backed
by clear skies and the mighty Mississippi River.
As Missouri was the 21st state of the union, there
are 20 stars in the outer circle and one large star
above the eagle representing the state with a
smaller inner star representing the City of
Clarksville.

Below the eagle, grasped in its’ talons, is the 1817 date
of establishment surrounded by an oak leaf wreath
symbolizing strength, stability, honor and
endurance. Around the entire seal is a rope frame
tying all of Clarksville together.

Clarksville City Seal

Reports from Mayor Smiley
City of Clarksville, Missouri

During the past few decades, Clarksville has used generations

of infrastructure investment

for

necessary purposes but in the

meantime has substantially underinvested in its maintenance.

the

City addresses the present situation properly and makes

adequate investment in the

critical

infrastructure needs (water and

sewer lines, streets and sidewalks, storm water drainage,

lift

stations, lagoon etc.) jobs can be created, a boost to business

development can result

generating long-

term revenues that can

jump-start this City’s economy and produce lasting

effects.

Taking a long-term view of infrastructure investment is not

new, easy or inexpensive. It is

however, a necessary step if the

future of Clarksville is to be as bright as many residents desire.

The efforts in which the City is now engaged can perhaps best be

summed up in the following

quote: “Master plans are like road

maps. They chart a hopeful course between the present and

some

intended destination, with milestones along the way. Planning is an

adventure in

communication as well as in design and policy

development. It is a process of compromise and

collaboration in

support of valued goals” – Jon Coe

In meetings during the past few weeks with Residents of

Clarksville, Pike County

Commissioners and Mayors, and

Representatives from State and Federal Offices, specific

interest

has been generated as attention is directed to the Clarksville

Master Plan. Having such

a document

prepared indicates that the

residents of the City are interested in progress and

stability for the

community. Those persons who have voiced their opinions,

attended meetings

relative to planning

for the future, shared in the

enthusiasm generated by the positive direction

in which Clarksville

moving, and contributed money and time to the effort are

making a

difference for the whole

community.

As the City engages in soliciting funding, seeking sources for

implementing choices, growing

governmental and institutional and

marketing relationships, and driving forward to a sustainable

community, there is much to be done by every single individual in

Clarksville. Your counsel and

consideration are important. Your

willingness to listen and to respond is critical. Your pride in

and

enthusiasm for a healthy future for Clarksville is necessary. You

are important in every

aspect.

Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

February 14, 2009

April 11, 2009
Along the River

Our recent election brought to mind several questions regarding priorities
for Clarksville’s future. What can we expect? What can we believe? How do we know what is
fact and what might not be? Questions like these are often in our thoughts and on our lips these
days as we face uncertain financial times and political upheavals, which impact all of life.

For Clarksville we can expect that left “as is” the aging infrastructure will fail to adequately
support the citizens of the Clarksville community. Clarksville can believe that hard work and
dedication to securing the appropriate solutions to these challenges is essential. We all know for
fact that meeting the regulations required by law and providing better services for the residents
will present additional financial strains.

Clarksville’s size is both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge because the city does not
have ample resources to solve the problems before us, but an opportunity because change can be
implemented relatively quickly when working at this smaller scale, with a plan of action and
secured resources.

Hopefully this administration is committed to doing what is best for all Clarksville citizens and
doing it well. Every effort should be directed toward providing clear vision into all aspects of
each project consideration along the way.

It is obvious that community support will assist each step of progress. It is
also evident that all who work to implement changes must have the courage to deliver on
commitments, while at the same time assuming responsibility for
the actions.

Flexibility needs to be an integral part of the process, so that leaders and followers will be more
proactive in both heading off crises and in dealing with those that do occur. Planning and training
are critical of course, but they both require building a tradition of informed dialogue, reasonable
debate and civility in discourse that promotes collaboration across the board.

I appreciate the continuing opportunity to serve as Mayor. In this role, I’ve tried to keep a finger
on the economic pulse by attending meetings on Federal, State, County and local municipal levels
as I believe that successes are connectional for Clarksville. Since most campaign promises are
out-come based, I spoke to what I believe Clarksville deserves and desires. In this term the
projects which I hope to see ongoing include River Front Park, Storm Water and Street projects,
Sewer System upgrades, and Flood Mitigation endeavors. I’d rather be thought of as one who
“attempted” successes than the alternative which is “play it safe and do little or nothing”.

Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

January 22, 2011
From the Desk

Why the need for a Bond Issue for Clarksville on the April Ballot?
The passage of the proposed bond issue will allow the City of Clarksville to
obtain financing to meet deadlines in making required and necessary waste water
and water infrastructure improvements:
1. DNR (Department of Natural Resources) required discharge permit
……..deadline is March 2012 for Clarksville.
2. Next permit cycle … ammonia effluent limits for lagoon.
3. Compliant Sewer System requires inflow & infiltration reduction.
4. Replacement of cast iron and galvanized water mains.
5. Replacement of 50 year old concrete water storage reservoirs.

In a recent interview, American Water President and CEO Donald Correll said, “
Our country’s water and wastewater infrastructure is in serious need of repair.
Both recently received a ‘D-’ from the American Society of Civil Engineers.”

There are three primary funding sources paying for the majority of water
infrastructure across the country: bonds, loans, and available cash on hand.
Some municipalities choose to pay for infrastructure improvements from annual
operating funds rather than borrowing. While this option is available to larger
communities/operations Clarksville like most municipal water providers cannot
bankroll the necessary infrastructure improvements. Thus, the necessity of the
Bond issue on the April 5, 2011 Ballot.

In the meantime, requests are being presented to granting and lending agencies in
order to move forward quickly when the Bond issue is approved. Clarksville has
already received notification that the Missouri Clean Water Commission has
approved a small borrow loan in the amount of $94,300. Four grant applications,
submitted through Joe Bannister of CGR to the Department of Economic
Development more than 18 months ago, are still valid, in process and awaiting
funding. The continuing Clarksville membership in Mark Twain Regional Council
of Governments provides opportunity to seek funding with their assistance. And
most importantly, Mark Bross from Klingner and Associates is working closely
with every aspect of these projects including design and funding.

Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

January 8, 2011
From the Desk

The familiar swearing in of the elected state officials
in the Missouri House and Senate is an interesting
and enlightening experience no matter how many
times you witness it. Being in Jefferson City, in the
Capitol when large numbers of Missourians are
there to share in the celebration is quite different
from arriving on a regular business day. Whatever
your purpose, a visit to the Capitol provides insight
into the complexities of government.

Meeting some of the newly elected persons, who
will have much to say about the future of local
municipalities and the State as a whole, was a
good experience. The comments,
reactions and responses delivered from the floor
and in private gave reason to anticipate positive
action in 2011. It will however, continue to be
important for each municipality to maintain a vigilant
voice on behalf of it’s city with these officials, to keep
needs and concerns updated, and to be informed
as to the direction of legislation being considered.

Like many of you, I am extremely concerned about
the future of our Country, our State and our local
community of Clarksville. The deep wedges being
driven between our nation and our allies, between
parties at every level, and between neighbors and
friends weaken leaders and elected officials ability
to function responsibly.

Each person residing in Clarksville profits from
many who paved the way, whether these are
unknown benefactors, beloved mentors, life long
residents, or those who more recently found and
came to call Clarksville, ‘home’. It is important that
we consider assessment of past accomplishments
and build momentum for future progress. It is
equally important to recognize that where we are
now is the point from which we move forward. The
direction of efforts and hopes for Clarksville need to
be determined and balanced on the edge of
possibilities and accurate information, not on
allegations, suspicion and ‘the word on the street’.

Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

  My report this evening is primarily directed to reminders concerning current issues about which we need to
be fully informed, not only to be able to vote as citizens, but to be able to share the information with our
constituents and help them be prepared to vote.

  First of course is our own Bond Issue. We have flyers that provide both questions and answers. You also
have the communication from Mark Bross that he uses in his presentation at the scheduled meetings. The
next meeting is next Tuesday the 22nd at the Visitor Center. If you have any questions, Mark is available.

  The Tipping Fee proposed by the Pike County Commission will also appear on the April election ballot.
Pike County is seeking a fee of $1.50 per ton on all waste deposited in the Pike County landfill. This includes
waste from outside the County as well. I am told that the figures indicate that as much waste from outside the
County is deposited in the landfill as is collected and deposited inside the County…perhaps more.

  The Tipping fee will increase costs for citizens less than $4.00 annually. The monies raised are to be used
exclusively in Pike County for economic development purposes. The commission will be meeting with City
administrators and publishing additional information in the coming weeks.

  The Enhanced Enterprise Zone Tax Benefit Program is another effort being pursued by Pike County. This is
a Missouri Department of Economic Development Program. The EEZ offers state tax credits accompanied by
local real property tax abatement to NEW or EXPANDED businesses. Initially the concept is to include the
whole County, but Louisiana will be establishing an EEZ of their own. That being said, the rest of the County
will be a contingent Zone as required.

  In addition Plan H and the organization Neighbors of the Mississippi should be forward in our thinking and
in our discussions. Clarksville and other communities in 3 counties will not be free of the need to be diligent
in our FLOOD concerns in the foreseeable future. Thus, we must not only address the present but plan for
the future.

  As I left to go to Jefferson City for the Legislative Conference on Wednesday, Bud Garrison was meeting with
Emergency Management personnel, Engineers, and staff to review plans for action when and if flooding
becomes eminent. While at the Capitol I met with legislators from both the House and the Senate and visited
with Mayors and Board Members from around the state who are also dealing with the promise of and
problems related to flooding. In the Governors’ message we were reminded that 54 counties were in the
SNOW emergency area with all time high levels of snow and dealing with similar problems. He further
recognizes that many of us have very similar challenges, as it relates to flooding and other disasters and the
legislators need to understand the problems and the needs. He believes that the face to face conversations
are paramount.

  The MML sessions were packed with valuable information providing guidelines for conversations with the
legislators. I have copied for your review a few of the outlines that could have impact on Clarksville. I would
urge you to sift through them and prepare questions for discussion at our next meeting.

February 17, 2011                                                                                                                       Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

February 19. 2011
From the Desk

This week has included deeper concerns caused by the predictions of flooding
along the Mississippi River. The Clarksville Emergency Management team led by
Bud Garrison convened to review the continuing plans of action and consider
additional concerns and methods of defense. The St. Louis office of the National
Weather Service provided a webinar with specifics for the Clarksville/Lock & Dam
#24 area. All information, maps and charts indicate that preparations for flooding
are in order.

Attending the Legislative Conference presented by Missouri Municipal League in
Jefferson City provided opportunities to meet with City Officials from across the
State, and to hear from the House and the Senate. Reports from committee
hearings turned attention to subjects involving Public Construction Bidding, Fair
Tax, Streamlined Sales Tax, Billboard Regulations, and Missouri Tax Credit
Programs, to name a few. In meetings with individual Legislators I was allowed to
engage in discussion of flood control (methods and cost) and the greater
requirements for Water and Sewer management being imposed on communities.

While all the subjects mentioned above could have impact on Clarksville at some
time, none is as important for this community to understand as is the passing of the
Bond Issue on the April election ballot. State and Federal law requires that
improvements be made in the City Lagoon, Waste Water and Water systems. Most
immediate is the lagoon disinfection effluent regulation deadline of March 2012.
Meeting this deadline allows the City to avoid fines for non-compliance. Working
together we can be successful in accomplishing the necessary and required
improvements.

In order to access grants and low interest loans through government entities, public
approval is required to authorize the City to seek the financing. Many government
agencies will not provide grant funding unless some funds are also borrowed. The
City
can borrow money without the approval of voters, but with a voter approved bond
issue the City can go to funding agencies and access loan money at lower interest
rates. Subject to availability and with the successful vote on the Bond issue, the
City may be eligible for up to $1.5 million in grant funds…no guarantees.

The City is working for the least cost to the customers while making DNR mandated
improvements. Passing the Bond issue is the most prudent thing to do, because it
allows the City to finance improvements at the lowest cost thus increasing the user
rates in the lowest possible amounts.

Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor

ly 1, 2011

From the Desk

For elected officials in a small community, one of the prime responsibilities

is to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of residents, including

reliable drinking water. Safe drinking water is central to our well-being and

our economic viability, now and in the future.

Most persons take for granted that a turn of the tap in the kitchen or bath

will instantly produce water. However, having good drinking water requires

work. When the water is clean and safe, we can drink it, cook with it, wash

with it, and play in it. Nothing is more important than a clean, safe supply

of water. It directly affects quality of life, public health, environmental

protection, and economic development.

Accompanying the responsibility to provide reliable drinking water is an

equal obligation to be compliant with regulatory requirements for waste

water treatment. Onsite wastewater treatment systems collect, treat, and

release multi gallons of effluent each day. Failing or faltering systems can

pose a serious threat to public health, drinking water resources, and

aquatic life. Failing septic systems are a significant source of ground

water contamination.

The City of Clarksville operates a sewer collection and treatment system

that consists of several miles of clay pipes, manholes, two lift stations and

a lagoon. A large portion of the City lies unprotected from flooding of the

Mississippi River. When flooding occurs, flood waters enter into the sewer

pipes through the tops and sides of submerged manholes. The City’s two

lift stations then pump the combined flood waters and sewage continuously

toward the lagoon treatment system. Because the flood waters carry large

amounts of silt, this sediment can become entrapped in the pipes and the

lift stations. The volume of flood water can effectively render the entire

sewer collection system useless.

The lagoon disinfection project meeting the 2012 regulatory requirements

is the first step in facilitating corrective procedures for improved waste water

service. Comprehensive planning includes dealing with collection,

treatment, manholes, flow monitoring, sewer mapping, and distribution lines

and researching all possible alternatives for the future.

The first storm water drainage project which is scheduled to begin this fall

will assist greatly in each rain event and will be particularly helpful during

flooding events. Each of these projects, though specifically separate,

impacts the other. The coordinating efforts

of engineers, employees and

regulating agencies are moving ahead and

the end results will be improved

service throughout the community.

Jo Anne Smiley