Clarkson citizens have expressed their concerns, and the voices were heard.

While out on the campaign trail this year, commissioners heard a lot of concerns from people about how to improve the municipality. On Monday night, during the regularly scheduled commission meeting, those requests for the city were discussed.

The commission created a to-do list of open agenda items that needed to be addressed.

Clarkson Commissioner Kay Gibson said one of the top items to cover on the list was improving the city’s aesthetics.

“We have a lot of agenda items created from the campaign,” Gibson explained. “They want better cleanup of property along city streets.”

All of the commissioners were in agreement that several areas in town must be cleaned up. Further action will be taken soon on the unsightly properties.

Recommendation was made to list the locations to be cleaned up in the paper, and have those places cited after a period of time if the cluttered areas do not improve.

Everyone stressed the cleanliness of the city will be a huge initiative for the coming year.

Another huge concern from citizens is the unsafe operation of kids riding bicycles in the city.

Clarkson Commissioner Bob Vincent’s idea to remedy that problem is to raise awareness about bike safety. That is why December 5-11 has been proclaimed as Bicycle Safety Week in Clarkson.

“There have been a lot of concerns about residents operating bicycles unsafely on roads in town,” Vincent urged. “Bicycle Safety Week will encourage adults to make sure a kid’s tire treads are in check, reflectors are on bicycles, for kids to wear something visible when riding after dark and for them to be aware of crosswalks.”

Other agenda items being addressed are sidewalk repairs to South Patterson Street; better illuminating Gibson Street with a streetlight, large dogs being a nuisance in the city and improving additional roads and sidewalks for the town.

In other business:

• Clarkson Fire Department Chief Andy Cain presented two requests to the commission. Cain needs a sign for the front of the building, and a replacement for the existing rescue truck in the system.

The new signage is estimated to cost $1,200 for both sides. Infinity Signs in Leitchfield submitted the quote.

Cain made mention that the quote did not include installation costs, because firemen would have to install the sign themselves.

“We are looking at this type of sign for durability and notice ability,” Cain explained.

Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson directed Cain to request another quote for a smaller sign (4x8).

No official approval will be made on the construction until Cain presents the modified quote during the December commission meeting.

Cain also asked about replacing the existing 1986 rescue truck with a F550 service utility rescue truck since the present vehicle keeps breaking down.

Estimated cost for the new truck will be up to $25,000.

Officials approved the motion to let Fire Tech brokerage service handle the sale of the rescue truck. Fire Tech brokerage service will appraise the 1986 rescue truck, and list it for sale for the Clarkson Fire Department. • Clarkson’s tree lighting ceremony will be December 3 at 6 p.m. at Clarkson City Hall. The event is free to the public. Santa is scheduled to make a special appearance.

• David Williams retired as Clarkson’s City Attorney. Williams is unable to fulfill his duties as attorney, because of his newly elected position as Commonwealth Attorney for several counties.

Potential replacements for the open position are Beth Ratley and Jerry Guffey.

• Campaign signs still remain posted in Clarkson. Officials urged that the signs must be taken down by the end of the business day on Wednesday. If they are not, the signs will be taken into the city’s possession and disposed of after a certain amount of time.