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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
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: First Thursday - 6:30 p.m Workshop or Regular meetings: Third Thursday - 2:00 p.m. Greenwood Cemetery Board meeting: Third Thursday - 10:00 a.m. RFPAC Meeting: Saturday, TBA 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. If 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 is 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 |
September 11,2009
From the Mayor's Desk
Many families are experiencing notable changes in their lives these days as children still at home
have new and different activities and others have moved forward to attend college. An absence
from the family unit or additional activities added to the family schedule create demands for
differing ways of living for every member of the family.
- So are the results of changes and absences in City Government. During the past four years
members of the Board of Alderman have changed with elections and a resignation; employees
have come and gone and each time everyone in Clarksville is in some way affected. The
challenges resulting from such changes can be positive or negative. In either case, the journey is
fraught with difficulties.
Previous administrations created reserves/saving accounts, some mandated by State Law,
to maintain available collateral for times such as this when income is low and expenses are high.
Although building a workable budget for this year presented the need for particularly painful
decisions, the dedication to serving the best interest of Clarksville
is unwavering.
The vacated Board position has been filled as Erin Garrison was appointed and sworn in to serve as
North Ward Alderman. From 18 applicants, a new City Clerk will soon be selected. Engineering
firms are being sought to address the waste water issues and the additional requirements from
DNR. Storm Water Drainage and an Emergency Access Route are being addressed through a
grant already awarded. The Flood Mitigation Committee is engaged in assessment, seeking input
from Flood Plain Residents, and defining areas of responsibility. These efforts and achievements
are directed toward positive successes for the entire Clarksville community.
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
September 4, 2009
From the Mayor's Desk
It is difficult to write about anything these days that does not touch on the financial crisis currently gripping the nation. Conversations everywhere involve the
credit market, the stock markets, the broad impact on personal life, and on businesses as well as state and local governments.
As government officials move from crisis to crisis, and from fix to temporary fix, an essential question is what processes are in place to manage the risks of
future crises? How can preparation and dissemination of information be improved in order to make more informed decisions and to better equip public servants to
handle the next crisis?
Earlier this year a group of Clarksville citizens began meeting with the members of FEMA’s Long Term Recovery Group. An outgrowth of this effort is that
the citizens group adopted the name “The Clarksville Roundtable”. The initiatives of this group have now been organized into four committees adopted by the
City.
One of the four committees is the Flood Mitigation Committee. This group has begun their assessment of the management of the flood of 2008. They are
preparing to seek input from Flood Plain Residents. These efforts are intended to help develop and more clearly define the areas of the City’s responsibility to
citizens to provide assistance in the event of natural or man-made disasters and emergencies.
The mission to build plans for a long term recovery process and to organize efforts for recovery will no doubt serve the community well in future emergencies.
The members of this committee, under the leadership of Bud Garrison, Committee Chair, are to be commended on the progress they have already made and the
plans they are in the process of establishing.
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
From the Mayor's Desk
It is difficult to write about anything these days that does not touch on the financial crisis currently gripping the nation. Conversations everywhere involve the
credit market, the stock markets, the broad impact on personal life, and on businesses as well as state and local governments.
As government officials move from crisis to crisis, and from fix to temporary fix, an essential question is what processes are in place to manage the risks of
future crises? How can preparation and dissemination of information be improved in order to make more informed decisions and to better equip public servants to
handle the next crisis?
Earlier this year a group of Clarksville citizens began meeting with the members of FEMA’s Long Term Recovery Group. An outgrowth of this effort is that
the citizens group adopted the name “The Clarksville Roundtable”. The initiatives of this group have now been organized into four committees adopted by the
City.
One of the four committees is the Flood Mitigation Committee. This group has begun their assessment of the management of the flood of 2008. They are
preparing to seek input from Flood Plain Residents. These efforts are intended to help develop and more clearly define the areas of the City’s responsibility to
citizens to provide assistance in the event of natural or man-made disasters and emergencies.
The mission to build plans for a long term recovery process and to organize efforts for recovery will no doubt serve the community well in future emergencies.
The members of this committee, under the leadership of Bud Garrison, Committee Chair, are to be commended on the progress they have already made and the
plans they are in the process of establishing.
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
From the Mayor's Desk
December 18, 2009
The dictionary definitions for PREPARE include: to make oneself ready, make
arrangements, provide for and provide against. Once again Clarksville has been cautioned
to do just that as customers of Ameren UE were without gas last week-end. Fortunately the
temperature was not sub-zero, the sun did shine and the repair did not take as long as first
anticipated.
The Ameren personnel were here promptly, made necessary contacts promptly, kept City
Officials advised, and worked through until the repair was complete and meters and pilot
lights in homes were checked. They were courteous, supportive and helpful beyond
expectations even when some meter locations seemed impossible to identify.
Bud Garrison, the emergency management operator for the City was on duty from beginning
to end of this emergency event. He made the contacts and put preparations in place to
house those who might need it, transportation for those requiring it, and food supplies if
necessary.
Today is Friday and Mrs. Claus came to the office this morning. She invited me to go to
Clopton School with her to visit K – 3rd grade and let them know that Santa would be in
Clarksville Santa Land on Saturday and Sunday. It was a delightful moment to watch the
faces as she entered the room and the major efforts made to speak directly to her. The
questions included “How did you get here?”, “Are you really married to Santa?”, “We don’t
have a chimney, will he know to come to the door?”, “Will you tell Santa that I know I’ve
been naughty but that I am really trying?” and Will you really be in Clarksville?”
Santa Land was created for children of every age. It is a Christmas Gift wrapped with
warmest wishes! How fortunate we are to have Santa and Mrs. Clause in Clarksville.
May your Holidays be filled with family, health, and happiness and may the lights of this
Holy season affirm hope for a safe and peaceful future.
Jo Anne Smiley
December 18, 2009
The dictionary definitions for PREPARE include: to make oneself ready, make
arrangements, provide for and provide against. Once again Clarksville has been cautioned
to do just that as customers of Ameren UE were without gas last week-end. Fortunately the
temperature was not sub-zero, the sun did shine and the repair did not take as long as first
anticipated.
The Ameren personnel were here promptly, made necessary contacts promptly, kept City
Officials advised, and worked through until the repair was complete and meters and pilot
lights in homes were checked. They were courteous, supportive and helpful beyond
expectations even when some meter locations seemed impossible to identify.
Bud Garrison, the emergency management operator for the City was on duty from beginning
to end of this emergency event. He made the contacts and put preparations in place to
house those who might need it, transportation for those requiring it, and food supplies if
necessary.
Today is Friday and Mrs. Claus came to the office this morning. She invited me to go to
Clopton School with her to visit K – 3rd grade and let them know that Santa would be in
Clarksville Santa Land on Saturday and Sunday. It was a delightful moment to watch the
faces as she entered the room and the major efforts made to speak directly to her. The
questions included “How did you get here?”, “Are you really married to Santa?”, “We don’t
have a chimney, will he know to come to the door?”, “Will you tell Santa that I know I’ve
been naughty but that I am really trying?” and Will you really be in Clarksville?”
Santa Land was created for children of every age. It is a Christmas Gift wrapped with
warmest wishes! How fortunate we are to have Santa and Mrs. Clause in Clarksville.
May your Holidays be filled with family, health, and happiness and may the lights of this
Holy season affirm hope for a safe and peaceful future.
Jo Anne Smiley
January 8, 2010
From the Desk
Reflecting on 2009 there is a sense of pride that Clarksville has weathered economic challenges
while continuing progress. With the leadership of the members of the Board of Alderman and the
efforts of each employee, a sense of the positive is being rekindled.
When the Budget for the year was presented and the facts were presented it was clear that the
economic downturn would have its affect on Clarksville. Without income for the Fire Department
all bills have continued to be met from General Funds. The street department is dealing with the
lack of equipment, failure of equipment to work and the necessity for replacing tools and supplies.
Whether it is batteries for the fire engine, a replacement furnace for the maintenance shop, or the
necessary larger amounts of salt for roads, unexpected expenses continue to arise.
Clarksville recently survived another emergency with the loss of gas service.
During the hours of that experience some good things occurred. For example our Emergency
Management Officer quickly swung into action, made contacts and arrangements for the “just in
case” moment, Ameren UE personnel were prompt, polite, thoughtful and helpful and the event was
concluded earlier than first anticipated. The Visitor Center became the command post for Ameren
UE during their time here and the result of that hospitality and the manner in which they were
received by the community at large prompted a donation to the River Heritage Center of $1000
which will be used for the utility expenses in the Visitor Center during Eagle Season.
The completion of the water plant and the resolution to the issues surrounding it; the
finished walking path in the park; the engagement of Klingner & Associates Engineers
to address DNR regulations for the lagoon and plan for the future of the wastewater system; the
design of Emergency Management function and grant application under the direction of Bud
Garrison; the hiring of employees who “hit the ground running” including a City Clerk, a Water
Plant Operator, a Street and Maintenance Manager and a part time employee are but a few of the
reasons for optimism.
Rights and responsibilities are important elements of life as we know it. Failure to respect and
adhere to them can certainly produce negative results. It is a right of every citizen to disagree with
and or question the position, actions or non-actions of those serving in government. This right and
the subsequent petition signed by a number of Clarksville residents for a State Audit is an item that
was to have been included in the Board of Alderman meeting agenda on Thursday, January 7, 2010.
However the auditor, anticipating the weather, re-scheduled the meeting for Tuesday, January 12,
2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room of City Hall. Some of those who initiated the petition
will have contact with the auditor prior to this open meeting.
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
From the Desk
Reflecting on 2009 there is a sense of pride that Clarksville has weathered economic challenges
while continuing progress. With the leadership of the members of the Board of Alderman and the
efforts of each employee, a sense of the positive is being rekindled.
When the Budget for the year was presented and the facts were presented it was clear that the
economic downturn would have its affect on Clarksville. Without income for the Fire Department
all bills have continued to be met from General Funds. The street department is dealing with the
lack of equipment, failure of equipment to work and the necessity for replacing tools and supplies.
Whether it is batteries for the fire engine, a replacement furnace for the maintenance shop, or the
necessary larger amounts of salt for roads, unexpected expenses continue to arise.
Clarksville recently survived another emergency with the loss of gas service.
During the hours of that experience some good things occurred. For example our Emergency
Management Officer quickly swung into action, made contacts and arrangements for the “just in
case” moment, Ameren UE personnel were prompt, polite, thoughtful and helpful and the event was
concluded earlier than first anticipated. The Visitor Center became the command post for Ameren
UE during their time here and the result of that hospitality and the manner in which they were
received by the community at large prompted a donation to the River Heritage Center of $1000
which will be used for the utility expenses in the Visitor Center during Eagle Season.
The completion of the water plant and the resolution to the issues surrounding it; the
finished walking path in the park; the engagement of Klingner & Associates Engineers
to address DNR regulations for the lagoon and plan for the future of the wastewater system; the
design of Emergency Management function and grant application under the direction of Bud
Garrison; the hiring of employees who “hit the ground running” including a City Clerk, a Water
Plant Operator, a Street and Maintenance Manager and a part time employee are but a few of the
reasons for optimism.
Rights and responsibilities are important elements of life as we know it. Failure to respect and
adhere to them can certainly produce negative results. It is a right of every citizen to disagree with
and or question the position, actions or non-actions of those serving in government. This right and
the subsequent petition signed by a number of Clarksville residents for a State Audit is an item that
was to have been included in the Board of Alderman meeting agenda on Thursday, January 7, 2010.
However the auditor, anticipating the weather, re-scheduled the meeting for Tuesday, January 12,
2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room of City Hall. Some of those who initiated the petition
will have contact with the auditor prior to this open meeting.
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
