Summer projects highlight council meeting
South Clinton Elementary School Principal LeighAnn Breeden showcases one of the xylophones in the school’s new music room. While the music program itself is well established, the new classroom gives music teacher Jason Glashauser more space to use a student-led approach that encourages children to take greater responsibility for composing music, creating choreography and collaborating with classmates. (photo:Tony Cox )
Kelly Johnson, director of schools, gave updates on these projects at the Clinton City Council’s July 27 meeting.
• North Clinton Elementary School has a new roof over the oldest part of its building and 14 new heating ventilation and air conditioning units.
• South Clinton Elementary School has a new music room.
• Clinton Elementary School’s cafeteria and the vestibule outside it have new vinyl floors.
“They barely got that one done,” said Johnson adding she told the contractor it needed to be finished in time for teachers arriving for the new year.
Traffic study
A consulting traffic engineer for Clinton recommended an all way stop at the Ridgeview Drive and Melton Hill Drive intersection.
Clinton City Manager Roger Houck said the firm is continuing to study traffic measures near North Hicks Street and Clinton Elementary School, but wanted to wait until school was in session to look at traffic patterns.
Library Board
At the same Monday, July 27 meeting, the Clinton City Council appointed Jason Chandler to the Anderson County Library Board to replace Jess Ann Cole.
Clinton Mayor Scott Burton told the council members that Cola had decided to step down. The council approved Chandler’s appointment unanimously, although Councilman Matt Foster was absent. Chandler will serve until June 30, 2029, filling out Cole’s term.
The board oversees the Clinton Public Library, Briceville Public Library, Norris Community Library and Clinch River Regional Library and Rocky Top Public Library but not Oak Ridge Public Library.
LED lights
Councilman Rob Herrell said Clinton Utilities Board has replaced sodium and mercury and vapor streetlights with LED streetlights. He said the upgrades saved almost $4,000 per month even with the cost to upgrade and savings will keep growing the more lights the city converts.
