During their meeting last week, Clear Lake City Clerk Kari Mechtel informed the council P & R Development is working toward the final stages of purchasing the remaining properties in the Hunter Lakes Bluffs Development. 

A special meeting was scheduled to review the developer’s agreement and discuss some of the company’s concerns. A preliminary plat should be ready by the next council meeting.

Well Update

City Engineer Keith Yapp informed the council all the walls are up in the new well house and they’ll be working on the roof next. Getting the building’s shell up allows them to continue working on the project inside during the winter season.

To move forward with the PFA bond for Well 3, motions carried approving the bond purchase and loan agreement, post-issuance compliance policies and procedures, and Resolution 19-13 - Accepting & Authorizing of Bond & Project Loan. 

Consultant Reviews

Previously Mechtel had been asked by Council Member Dale Powers to check with the League of MN Cities for guidance on how councils could perform consultants performance reviews. She informed the council she was given a sample of a performance review from another city but no more could be found because it’s not a widespread practice.

Powers asked Engineer Yapp if he felt a comment made by a council member with personal experience in a technical manner that is before the council should be taken as a qualified opinion and not a personal attack by the rest of the council.

He then asked if Yapp felt a comment made by a member with experience in the matter should be considered valid by the rest of the council, and if it was appropriate for it to be considered as an attack rather than an informed comment.

Yapp stated he felt that ultimately all decisions need to come from the council as a whole. He wasn’t at the meeting where this issue originally came up and didn’t know what was discussed, but said Stantec (the company he represents) is in favor of having annual reviews by councils.

Powers was referring to an incident that had occurred in 2016 which led to he and City Building Inspector Nancy Scott having heated words during a council meeting last February concerning Powers’ negative comments about her work. That, along with other issues, led to Powers being censured by the council.

RR Crossing Update

Mayor Tim Goenner informed the council BNSF would allow the city to make road repairs to the railroad’s access road as long as there was a BNSF representative on site while the work was being done.

Mechtel reminded the council that nothing had been budgeted for this expense so the streets budget would go over if approved.

Powers asked if the city could be plowing the road. Mechtel advised that an agreement needed to be put in place with BNSF prior to any plowing on their property as she is concerned about liabilities.

After a length discussion, it was decided not to provide any plowing services at this time due to the numerous issues that would have to be worked out.

A motion carried for the city to move forward with fixing the road.

Other Business

Public Works Director Dustin Luhning informed the council the pump on Well 2 and gone out and had to be replaced quickly due to the need for water. The pump was at least 15 years old; everything is up and running well again.

Clear Lake Twp. Supervisor Bud Stimmler and Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk approached the council to review the annexation agreement and zone map. Concern with the River Oaks Development in zone three was expressed, and Powers questioned why only part of the development was being annexed.

Stimmler and Eyk weren’t sure, but reminded the council the agreement could be amended at any time in the future. The council had no additional concerns and accepted the annexation agreement and map. Mayor Goenner thanked the township for their patience and hard work during the process.

Fire Chief Ron Koren approached the council to ask them to formally approve the donation of the compressor and SCBA fill station from the Clear Lake Firefighters Relief Association. A motion carried approving both.

The sheriff reported 19 calls for service for October, not including traffic stops. The Clear Lake Fire Dept. was commended for their professionalism and hard work in the search for Ethan Haus and his dog.

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.