Mayoral Notes
By DALE GIRARD
As the November city council meeting approaches, we will be revisiting the city manager’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which was initially introduced during budget hearings. The city manager proposed using proceeds from the tax auction to finance these projects. At that time, the council chose to delay action, with the intent of ensuring that any projects we moved forward with would be fully funded.
Among the projects recommended at that time by the city manager were upgrades to the restrooms at Arrowhead and Barnes Park, crucial for bringing these facilities into compliance with ADA regulations. Additionally, he suggested the installation of a splash pad at Barnes Park, a welcome addition to our Parks Department that would provide more recreational opportunities for residents. These are important projects that align with our vision of improving Claremont’s infrastructure and quality of life.
However, recent discussions about the use of the remaining American Rescue Plan funds brought another critical project to our attention — the much-needed renovations to the men’s and women’s bathrooms and showers at the Claremont Police Department. For years, this project had been discussed and funds were in the budget. Each year passed with funds encumbered forward, but we just heard this project remains incomplete. The delay, I’ve learned, was due to a funding shortfall needed to complete the entire project.
This prompted me to take a closer look at our CIP plan to identify other infrastructure priorities that should be addressed before we consider “nice-to-have” items. What I discovered was alarming: many crucial maintenance projects have been deferred for years, which only increases the risk of more costly repairs down the road.
The projects that stand out to me as time-sensitive include several critical infrastructure and safety upgrades across various city departments. These include the renovation of the police department bathrooms, sewer remediation at City Hall, along with necessary plumbing, heating, and structural repairs. The library roof replacement is a priority, as are City Hall security upgrades to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. At the fire department, attention is needed for repairs to the front ramp and upgrades to self-contained breathing equipment. Lastly, the Planning & Development building requires repairs, including boiler replacement and attic weatherization, to improve energy efficiency and functionality. These projects carry an estimated value of nearly $900,000.
As we move forward, it’s important to recognize the limits of our project manager’s capacity. With so many critical projects on the table, we must prioritize effectively and ensure that the oversight of each initiative is thorough. Managing this volume of work is no small task, and while these upgrades are necessary, we need to balance our goals with realistic expectations about what can be accomplished at any given time.
With the funds from the recent tax auction, I believe now is the time to act. Addressing these infrastructure needs before they become more expensive emergencies should be our top priority. It’s critical that we invest in our city’s core facilities, ensuring they remain functional and safe for all who use them.
I look forward to the discussion at our upcoming meeting and encourage everyone to share their thoughts with the council. By working together, we can ensure that Claremont’s infrastructure receives the attention it deserves, laying a solid foundation for our city’s future.
