When the Clear Lake City Council meets in January, 2021, it will be the first time in 32 years that Bob Arnold won’t be there to make motions and participate in the decision-making process.
Since he first ran for election in 1988, Arnold has been a fixture in the City of Clear Lake and a popular, trusted member of the city council. He chose not to run for re-election this year, as he and his wife are moving out of the city and into a new home near the Territory Golf Course in St. Cloud which better suits their needs for the future.
No Axe To Grind
Arnold, well regarded as a humble public servant with great listening skills, didn’t have a particular axe to grind when he first became involved. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
“When I ran for council in 1988, I wanted to be involved in what was going on in the city,” recalls Arnold. “Also, my dad, Phil, was a previous mayor and council member and encouraged me as well. He actually passed me his books!”
Thus began his career in local government that has spanned parts of five decades, and has been defined by a tremendous amount of growth in the city he has lived in his entire life, except for a couple of years in the 1970’s.
Being a part of that growth is something that Arnold is grateful to have been involved with because of his deep affection for the city itself. It’s also what he considers the most enjoyable aspect of his service.
“In the past 30 years the city has doubled its population to over 600 people,” says Arnold. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the growth of the city that my family and I have called home for five generations.”
Proud Accomplishments
Arnold lists several issues that over the years were the most important to the city and the surrounding communities. Some of these include the joint Clear Lake-Clearwater sewage system, the Clear Lake Fire Dept. starting a substation serving the Palmer area, as well as the construction projects involving City Hall, Goenner Pavilion, the maintenance building and upgrading parks.
“While the council directed these efforts, it should be noted that the Lions and Lioness organizations helped to finance these improvements,” adds Arnold.
Perhaps the most important issue he worked on was the providing safe water for the residents.
“The city had such high nitrates in the water, it was necessary to find new sources for drinking water,” remembers Arnold. “Two new wells have been dug since the original water tower was constructed in the late 70’s.”
Leadership
In addition to his successful work on city issues, Arnold has always been highly regarded by city staff members who find his style of governance to be truly collaborative. When staff talk about his leadership, it is easy to understand why he is such a popular figure in the city.
“Over the years Bob has earned trust by being authentic, displaying empathy for the people of his community and listening to his constituents,” says Clerk Kari Mechtel. “All of them, whether he agrees with them or not, and he has always accepted his public service as a privilege.”
Former Clerk Marilyn Bujalski sees some of the same attributes that have led to Arnold’s success.
“I had the pleasure of serving as city clerk and working with Bob as a city councilman for many years,” says Bujalski. “Bob always made decisions based on what would be in the best interest of the residents of the City of Clear Lake.”
While city staff think highly of Arnold, his colleagues on the council also heap praise on the man, as he has served as a living, walking encyclopedia of the history of the city, its people and the entire community.
“Experience and knowledge of past events in the city are important and we have been fortunate enough to have Bob contribute these assets the past 32 years,” says former Mayor Bill Kiffmeyer.
Current Mayor Tim Goenner has an appreciation for Arnold’s demeanor, as well as his dedication to the city.
“It has always been clear to me that Bob loved our city, he took his role as council member and acting mayor seriously, and he did what he believed was right,” says Goenner.
Not Always a Bed of Roses
While Arnold says there were many positive aspects to being on council, there were some rough patches as well.
“Several times over the years it was necessary to do the unpopular task of raising taxes to pay for water and sewer improvements,” says Arnold, who thinks that keeping an open mind and listening are two important factors to success.
“Many of these improvements were necessary to meet the State of Minnesota standards for water and sewer. Some were in response to growth which is a sign of a healthy city.”
As he moves on to another chapter in his life, Arnold demurs from speaking of his legacy, but does hope that he has worked well with others and made the city a better place.
“I would like people to look back over the past 32 years and be able to say they had a council that was approachable, listened, and considered the needs of all,” says Arnold.
That’s probably exactly what his father would have said as well.
In Their Own Words
Here’s what people are saying about the retirement of Bob Arnold from the CL City Council.
“32 years of public service, hundreds of meetings, thousands of phone calls, countless projects and unforgettable memories. Thank you for everything you have done for me, it will never be forgotten, plus I will miss you walking into a meeting with just a minute to spare. Happy Retirement!” -City Clerk Kari Mechtel.
“I can remember when we would reference past residents names when trying to describe a location within the city which then would confuse those who had no idea what we were talking about. Oh, the good old days. On any given council agenda you would make decisions that would impact several generations on topics ranging from fire protection, budget, taxes, parks, rates, water quality, sewers, road…to name just a few. Thank you for being an outstanding Acting Mayor to myself and to the rest of the community. Best wishes.” -Mayor Tim Goenner.
“Bob, through the 11.5 years we served on the council, I appreciated the steadiness and wisdom you brought to our deliberations. That will be missed. Thank you for your service!” -Dale Powers
“He will be greatly missed on the city council and I sincerely hope he will have a wonderful retirement, and enjoy life to the fullest.” -Marilyn Bujalski
“You will be missed, Bob. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the city.” -Public Works Director Dustin Luhning
“Bob, thank you for all of the years of service you’ve given to the city and the support you’ve given to the fire department. The one thing that stands out about you was you were never shy about asking the questions everyone else was afraid to ask. You’ll be missed.” -Fire Chief Ron Koren
“Thank you for the years of dedication you have given to the City of Clear Lake. It has been a pleasure working with you and I wish you nothing but the best! Take care and enjoy retirement!” - Karen White.
“Thank you Bob for making my first two years on the city council feel so welcoming! I very much appreciated that you were always so willing to explain things and help me when I needed history or clarification on a matter. You have a wonderful perspective when working through issues or topics that always takes the city’s residents and the future outlook into consideration! You will be missed. Enjoy your new home! Blessings.” -Kristin Brandt
