City Council OKs Thompson as interim city manager, new firefighter gear

By Cameron Montemayor

A familiar face within city hall will lead daily operations in the short term as St. Joseph City Council members approved Clint Thompson as interim city manager at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Thompson will assume the position — likely for the next four to five months — following the resignation of Bryan Carter after three years serving in the role. Carter’s final day as city manager is Friday, Sept. 6. 

Thompson was first hired as the city’s community development manager in 1998 and has served as director of planning and community development since 2001.

“Through that experience and those years of service I’ve worked closely with every department. Obviously we have ten different departments … I think it’s that cohesiveness of understanding the process of those departments and the goals that those departments are working towards.”

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale presented Carter with a key to the city for his dedication to bettering St. Joseph over his 10-plus years working at City Hall, both in the legal department and as city manager. Councilmembers were unanimous in their praise for Carter’s service. 

With his emotions on his sleeve, Carter thanked councilmembers and staff in particular, adding the award was just as much a byproduct of their contributions. 

“The support I’ve gotten from the city council and from the community at large has been exceptional,” Carter said. “Despite the fact that I’m leaving the community, I remain excited about this community’s future. There is so much going right and so many people who are really invested in what the future holds for this community.”

Another top item approved Tuesday will authorize the purchase of nearly $78,000 for new turnout gear for the fire department from MacQueen. The fire department currently has a total of 128 employees across various positions that require turnout gear consisting of helmets, coats, pants and boots.

Dan Hausman will serve as a new member of the Museum Oversight Board beginning Jan. 1, 2026, after city council approved the nomination by councilmember Andrew Trout on Tuesday.

Restrooms to be overhauled at Civic Arena

St. Joseph will move forward with the next step in a long line of widespread renovations to Civic Arena following Tuesday’s meeting. Council members approved a $1.2 million lump sum contract with E.L. Crawford Construction to carry out renovations to various restrooms using Capital Improvements sales tax funds.

Civic Arena’s plumbing and restrooms are aging and have been failing. The base project includes renovations to all four restrooms on the concourse level, six locker room/restrooms on the main floor level and the two restrooms located southeast of the main floor on the lower level.

Restroom renovations also include alternate projects including mid-level floor renovations, installation of a water softener system for the entire building and storm water drainage system repair. The system will increase operational costs by approximately $7,500 per year, but it will increase the life of the plumbing and other equipment in the building that requires use of water.

Various exterior improvement projects on the way

A Small Business Exterior Improvement agreement with Roderick Sign Company will provide funding in the amount of $15,250 for the fabrication and installation of a welcome feature at the intersection of Lake Avenue and King Hill Avenue.

Masonry repairs at 1302 Frederick Ave., the location for both Pizza Tascio and the Axe Factor, can move forward after council approved a St. Joseph River Bluff Gateway Project Revitalization Agreement to provide $59,900 for the work.

Other items approved by city council

The iconic Pony Express Monument will have its 45-ton granite base torn out and replaced with a new granite structure due to repeated wear and tear over the last 84-plus years. Council members gave the OK to provide $367,269 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for contractor services with Brooner Crane and Co. for the project. VanVickle Monument will also assist with the project. 

The historic Patee House Museum will receive $13,683 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for financial assistance to improve climate control for tourism purposes.

In addition, council members authorized the satisfaction of $11,212 in property maintenance abatement fees and penalties in exchange for transfer of the title to the property located at 706 S. 11th St. to the St. Joseph Land Bank. 

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