CLINTON —
An agreement is in the works to make the county more of a partner in the railport project.
Clinton County and the City of Clinton entered into a 28E agreement in 2009 for the railport project. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, a discussion was held on amending that agreement.
Mayor Mark Vulich told the board that under the current agreement, the county basically became a banker to the city, loaning it money for the project. In the original 28E agreement, the county participation was limited to its contribution of $600,000. The county was not allowed to participate in and would not be responsible for the development of management of the railport. The city was given development and management control of the project
Vulich, City Administrator Jeff Horne and Clinton Regional Development Corp. President and CEO Steve Ames attended Monday’s meeting with the goal of renegotiating this agreement to allow the county to have some input into the project. Horne said they project should be regionalized, since they hope it will benefit the entire region. He added that working together benefits everyone.
“We’ve always spoken as a voice, as an area, as a region; not just as a small part of the county or even one part of the city,” Supervisors Chairman Brian Schmidt said.
Those at the meeting agreed that this is best for the project.
“The environment with state and federal government anymore is if you aren’t working as a region, they just pass you over,” Supervisor Jill Davisson added.
Davisson told the board and the visitors that she had never been in favor of the original 28E agreement due to its wording. She did not feel it was right that Clinton citizens were taxed doubly, once for being part of the county and once for being part of the city. Davisson said she feels this agreement is much better.
The amended agreement will offer the county a voice in the project. The biggest change in the agreement concerns the creation of a Management Committee, which will be responsible for the management and determination of final infrastructure built out of property lying within the railport. The Clinton mayor and the supervisors will each appoint three members.
According to the amended agreement, the Management Committee shall manage funds from the sale or transfer of lots or property in the railport. The committee shall have full, complete and exclusive authority to expend money for railport purposes. This group will manage and determine infrastructure, including water lines and mains, sewer lines and mains, sidewalks, curb and gutter, streets, storm sewer, retention pond construction, telephone, cable, electrical, signage and fiber optics. Other duties of the committee are outlined in the agreement.
County Attorney Mike Wolf suggested that the board have a full public hearing on the amendment, with the agreement published and posted for citizens to read. Supervisor John Staszewski said he felt the process was too rushed last time. He wanted it to go slower this time so everyone has a chance to express their opinions.
“Interest is heightening on the site,” Ames said about the railport.
Ames told the board that phase one of the project, including the development of the infrastructure, was completed in January. Now the committee would work on developing phases two and three of the project.
Local News
June 19, 2012
County’s railport role enhanced
Amended agreement with city gives county more of a voice in project
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