The Oprah bills, which had garnered bipartisan support, were criticized by residents for their potential to limit transparency and increase public records request denials. The council acknowledged these concerns and opted to withdraw their support for the time being, citing the need for further consideration of the bill’s imperfections.

Another major topic of discussion was the dredging of the Clark Reservoir. The reservoir, a environmental and recreational asset for the town, is under consideration for dredging, which has sparked varying opinions among council members, the mayor, and the community. The mayor supported the project and emphasized the importance of community input, while a council member highlighted the need to preserve the reservoir as a natural water resource. The mayor encouraged residents to email concerns to the county manager and town clerk and attend a forthcoming town hall meeting to address questions and feedback.

The Clark Reservoir discussion also touched on the historical significance of the body of water, and the mayor recognized the different viewpoints present in the community, especially those expressed on social media. The council discussed the county’s authority over the project and the potential impact on the reservoir’s recreational use.

The Clark Police Department’s monthly report included a total of 1,924 calls for service, with the Youth Bureau handling 17 cases. The Department of Public Works (DPW) reported on the completion of the Spring Cleanup and preparations for the electronic drop-off event. The Clark Fire Department responded to 31 calls in April, and the finance committee reported that the town’s budget was on track.

In addition, the council approved several resolutions, including a master license agreement for specialized software to manage contracts and leases, a contract for the installation of a municipal building photovoltaic system, and a voluntary flexible spending plan for township employees. They also approved a memorandum of understanding with Kane University to offer employee discounts on classes and awarded contracts for capital road improvements and fleet management.

The council authorized the purchase of equipment for the Clark Little League and approved the insertion of special items of revenue from the National opioid settlement into the budget. This revenue will support ongoing grants and partnerships for road paving.

During the public comments section, several residents expressed concerns about the proposed reservoir project, questioning the zoning and preservation of the property. The council assured residents that the conservancy deed is with the habitat and that proper protocols would be followed. They encouraged community attendance at county commissioner meetings to further voice their opinions.

The meeting concluded with council members discussing the importance of staying hydrated during the warm weather and commending the police officers and basketball team for their accomplishments. The upcoming Memorial Day parade was also highlighted, along with reminders for the community to have a safe holiday weekend.