In recent months, business owners in downtown Clinton have approached the City Council regarding crumbling sidewalks needing attention, and Tuesday night the Council took the conversation a step forward.

Commissioner Ken Buchanan says he has been approached by another business owner regarding the sidewalk in front of their business and he feels the City needs to come up with a plan to deal with these problem areas.

Buchanan says there are several problem areas on the square that need attention. There is already engineering work being done for an area on Washington Street. Commissioner Tom Edmunds was not sure how much money the City could dedicate to the project and a new TIF district is new so there is not a lot of money built up in that fund.

Public Works Director Steve Lobb suggested doing the work all at once. He says it would be more economical for pricing rather than doing one project at a time around a year apart. He noted though, it would all depend on how much money is available. 

According to Lobb, he is looking to the Council for guidance on this. Edmunds notes there is not the money available for the entire square but did suggest using TIF dollars to get as far as possible.

Lobb also notes the Magill side of the square is one of the areas most in need of attention. He feels instead of continuing to have business owners come to them on these issues, they need to take the lead and set the priorities.

Lobb again stressed the Council needed to be the one to give directives, but the conversation ended with nothing decided.