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Clinton Street project up for county funding

19th Avenue N. to be extended to Mill Creek

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By Dave Vickers | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 |

CLINTON, Iowa — Funding for a key link to Clinton’s Mill Creek Parkway was debated Monday by the Clinton County Board of Supervisors.

The supervisors heard a variety of comments on the extension of 19th Avenue North to Mill Creek Parkway, but had to make it clear several times that the public hearing was on the issue of bonding $750,000 the city has asked the county to contribute to the $6.58 million project, not the project itself.

Board members said some of the concerns raised about the project should be taken to the City of Clinton.

Clinton County Attorney Mike Wolf said the supervisors could allocate the money through the general fund, refer it to a bond vote requiring a 60 percent majority or pass the bond on their own with a “reverse petition” that could force it to a vote.

Some who spoke at the 90-minute meeting were opposed to the county funding the project, others wanted a referendum and others urged the board to move ahead on their own.

Nicole Baker of 1712 9th St. NW wanted a referendum so it would pass and show the county’s support for the highway coalition that has been working on transportation projects. Tom Canon of 1919 N. 6th St. wanted the county board to veto its portion of the funding completely.

Members of the Highway 30 coalition explained the extension is important to transportation improvements and regional cooperation is vital to efforts to gain more state and federal transportation dollars.

The first phase of the project is moving ahead, with a bid letting soon on the first phase from Mill Creek Parkway to an extension of Springdale Drive.

Board member Jill Davisson said the county had committed to provide the funding in December 2006 and now it was question of where it comes from. Board member Dennis Starling said he favored a referendum so the public can have a say in how tax dollars are spent. Board chairman Grant Wilke also leaned toward a referendum. No immediate decision was made.

The board did agree Monday to provide $100,000 to the Clinton County Conservation Board’s efforts to building an eco-center at the Rock Creek area. That would be part of $400,000 in matching funds for the board to seek a $1 million grant from gaming revenues distributed by the Clinton County Development Association. The vote was 2-1, with Starling voting no.