The Clear City Council passed the proposed Sherburne County social host ordinance Monday night after there was no public input at the public hearing on the matter.

 

The Sherburne County social host ordinance makes it a misdemeanor for a person to host a party knowing there’s underage drinking and not preventing it. 

 

Council Member Dale Powers expressed concern with some of the wording in the ordinance, and asked why it was necessary if there was already a statute regarding the issue.

 

Sheriff Joel Brott explained the purpose of the ordinance is so the county won’t have to prove who gave alcohol to the minor, only that they knowingly allowed them to have it. 

 

County Attorney Kathleen Heaney said they’re trying to get people’s attention with the ordinance, as alcohol is the most abused drug in Sherburne County.

 

After a discussion with Brott and Heaney regarding Powers’ concerns, Resolution 16-07 Social Host Ordinance was passed 2 to 1, with Powers voting against.

 

A discussion was held regarding a proposed playground and park in the Hunter Lakes Bluff Development.

 

Resident Karen White said when the development was built there was talk concerning a playground being constructed in one of the out lots.

 

The playground was originally to be built by the now-dissolved homeowner’s association. The developer of the property went bankrupt, and currently the bank owns the remaining lots.

 

The group of homeowners attending the meeting reviewed a map of the development with the council to discuss potential areas for a park; currently nothing has been platted.

 

Mayor Tim Goenner told the group the council would look into the matter further.

 

A discussion was held on whether or not to opt out of the temporary health care dwellings, or “granny pods,” bill. 

 

Granny pods are tiny homes, less than 300 square feet, which can be temporarily placed on family property for elderly or disabled people to live in.

 

Opting out of the bill requires a public hearing. Clerk Kari Mechtel will contact the city’s attorney to find out if the issue needs to be settled by Sept. 1., which is when the bill goes into effect.

 

Rep. Jim Newberger attended the meeting to give an update on legislation.

 

He informed the council the tax bill was passed and contained the biggest tax relief seen in decades, helping working families, college students, veterans and commercial industry, however it was repealed by Gov. Dayton.

 

He explained the bonding bill that passed through the house was the most aggressive roads and bridges bill in decades, however at the last minute some of the metro senators tried adding more light rail money to it and time ran out before the bill was finalized. 

 

“There is a ray of hope. We’re looking at a special session,” Newberger said. “I’m confident we’ll get there.”

 

He added the water treatment improvements for Clearwater and Clear Lake didn’t make the final cut this round, however it will be the first bonding bill he’ll drop in January.

 

He said he had been working with special interest groups for the past 4 to 5 years in the attempt to keep the Sherco Power Plant open, stating it was a fight he would continue as long as he holds office.

 

Newberger also said he would support the community’s decision on whether or not to stay in the St. Cloud School District, explaining he has always been a strong believer in local control. 

 

Andrew Mathews, who is running for retiring Sen. Dave Brown’s position, accompanied Newberger and introduced himself to the council and audience, stating he’s from the area and he’s ready to stand up for local issues.

 

The council approved the insurance premium renewal for 2016/2017.

 

Keith Yapp reported things are on track with the test well, the next step is checking water quality.

 

Mayor Goenner reported he had spoken with a Minnesota Railway representative concerning a quiet zone in town and things were looking promising.

 

Mayor Goenner thanked Kenny Kotzer for the use of his equipment in installing the new playground at Goenner Park.

 

Powers asked the council for permission to do a survey before the public meeting in October in regards to potentially leaving the St. Cloud School District. 

 

Mechtel had spoken with the city’s lawyer, who informed her tax dollars couldn’t be spent on the survey. She and Powers will check with the attorney for clarification.

 

The sheriff reported 31 points of contact for the month of July.

 

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m.