(Editor’s Note: The Patriot plans to run a weekly article resurrecting some historical facts, moments, statistics and photos from throughout Sherburne County referencing our readership areas. Information this week was gleaned from the Sherburne County Heritage Book book, published in 1986. Enjoy!)

An official petition calling for a village of Clear Lake to be established was dated Dec. 23, 1899. An official election for officers was held March 12, 1900 for the village population of 176.

The first officers were: President - Edgar White; Trustees - B. Powers, C. D. Schwab and Henry Goenner; Recorder - Ernest A. Woods; Treasurer - Jas. Bowers; Justices - W.V. Davee and J.A. Roberston; Constables - Barton Clerk and J.D. Horak.

Three major ordinances were adopted in the 1970s and 1980s which would influence the city. The first being the formation of the Clear Lake/Clearwater Sewer Authority. This formation is the two cities’ major link to the joint sewer lagoon ponds located in city-owned land in Clear Lake Twp.

The second ordinance formed a public services department or formation of a water and sewer department to maintain the systems of sanitary sewer and water. This created part time employment positions in the city.

The third major ordinance formed the planning and zoning commission. After a comprehensive study was done of the city, the commission serves as a recommendation committee to the city council on the studies of changes in land use that could affect the environment and safety of the city.