The Clear Lake City Council held their first meeting of the new year Monday. On the agenda were annual resolutions, a presentation on the Blandin Broadband Community Program and Community Vision, and rates, fees and schedules.

 

The sheriff reported that it had been quiet, with 21 points of contact, including seven traffic stops, two traffic complaints, and an incident in which a citizen plowed some of the city streets after they had already been plowed, which resulted in damaged sod. 

 

Broadband Community Program & Community Vision

Dan Weber, assistant county administrator, Greg Pruszinske, Becker City administrator, and Albert Kangas, Palmer Wireless, held a short presentation on promoting broadband deployment throughout Sherburne County. Weber and Pruszinske attended a training sponsored by the National Association of Counties where the importance of partnerships and developments was discussed; broadband was identified as a very important transition in order for our businesses to stay competitive in today’s market. 

 

Weber explained for the broadband project to be successful and to succeed as a community we need to have a regional approach, not be an island. The benefits of countywide broadband are huge, including an enhanced ability to attract new businesses and help existing businesses, expanded entertainment and recreational opportunities, a more stable tax base and stronger communication among county organizations.

 

The Initiative Foundation will facilitate the project, which is estimated to cost $50,000. They have already received a $20,000 grant from Xcel and are applying for more.

 

“We’re hoping for this project to be 100% paid for by grants, but there is a chance that we may be coming back in the future to ask for help,” Weber stated. “Tonight we’re here to explain the project, assess interest and discuss how critical community participation is.”

 

Weber also said a steering committee would need to be formed of 40 to 45 local community members in a wide range of ages, from teenagers to seniors. Steps individual people can take are to educate themselves by visiting their website at www.sherband.com, partnering with their provider, and advocate by contacting their legislators.

 

Albert Kangas said a foundation was created because so many businesses in rural areas don’t have as many capabilities as urban businesses due to the lack of broadband.

 

Communities can apply to be a broadband community and can receive grants and training. He referenced a map of surrounding counties that color-coded the broadband

availability of each.

 

“Sherburne County is red. Red is not good,” he stated. “It’s pretty hard for businesses to do their work without the internet or being connected to networks. We’re at a competitive disadvantage in regards to broadband. Businesses leave communities without it.”

 

Mayor Tim Goenner asked how often the different committees would meet and was told that participants would be as involved as they want to be, but to expect on average to meet monthly. The Clear Lake City Council unanimously agreed they feel the project is a great idea, with Goenner and Powers both requesting to count them in.

 

16-01 Rules & Procedures was approved with minor changes, which included deleting the reference to Sherburne State Bank as it’s no longer in Clear Lake, and amending the community newspaper to its new name, the Citizen-Tribune.

 

16-02 Official Appointments was approved with the addition of one new title, Community Development, which was proposed by council member Dale Powers. He stated, “We need to look at the bank leaving like a canary in a mineshaft. A bank has been in town ever since I’ve been here. We need to do something to try to bring new businesses into the community and to help existing businesses.” 

 

Powers volunteered his time to take on the new role with the condition that the council would first approve any expenses incurred. If the community gets involved and things take off, in the future Community Development may be considered for a paid position.

 

16-03 Gambling for the Clear Lake Lions was approved, as was 16-04 Gambling for the St. Marcus Church.

 

2016 Water and Sewer Rates

City Clerk Kari Mechtel introduced that it was time to start increasing rates. “After a rate study was conducted in 2012 it was recommended that the council increase rates 5% annually,” she stated, “but we haven’t done anything to date. Our expenses are going up, it’s a business decision in order for us to stay out of the red.” 

 

The city has enough in their reserves to pay for test wells, but can’t afford to lose the entire reserve in case of emergencies. The council was in agreement, and a discussion was held on the percent increase, whether to start with a larger one now with lower ones to follow or a smaller increase that would continue into the future. 

 

After pros and cons were considered, a 5% increase equaling 30 cents was approved.

 

The 2016 city fee schedule and 2016 tobacco license were passed unanimously with Mayor Goenner abstaining from the vote.

 

Public Works Supervisor Dustin Luhning said things have been pretty quiet. There were no additional council reports on nuisance or parks and street. 

 

Council Member Claudia Page presented the new 2016 fire department calendar that had recently been sent out to all residents in the Clear Lake fire protection area. It has had a good profit to date and will hopefully garner more along with reminding residents to shop at the local businesses advertising on it. 

 

Clerk Mechtel reminded the council it was time to schedule employee reviews; the date of February 1 at 6 p.m. was set. 

 

The next council meeting will be held Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.