During the Clear Lake City Council meeting Monday night, Clear Lake Fire Chief Ron Koren and Assistant Fire Chief Chad McKay approached the council for approval on some needed capital expenditures for the fire department.

 

Koren explained that due to their extractor, dryer and compressor units the fire department is out of room. To alleviate the problem, a 10’x16’ storage shed at a cost of $5,500 was requested.

 

Council Member Dale Powers inquired if the council was allowed to approve the purchase without the approval of the fire advisory board; Koren informed him everything would be taken to the board’s next meeting for approval.

 

Also requested was approval for four sets of turnout gear for $11,000 and two compressor units (one for each station) at $24,000 each. The turnout gear is included in next year’s budget but they want to order them in November so they will arrive by January.

 

The relief association indicated they will pay for half of the two compressor units. The old ones were purchased used and not worth anything anymore.

 

Motions carried approving all three expenditures contingent on approval by the advisory board.

 

 

Engineer Keith Yapp informed the council the plans for the new well had been approved by the department of health. He said the only thing they strongly suggested was to hook into the sanitary sewer instead of using a French drain.

 

A discussion was held on options, including a holding tank. A decision was made to build according to the original design, with the potential that in the future they could hook into the sanitary sewer when it gets closer.

 

A motion carried approving the plans and going out for bids. Yapp indicated they may be able to have them by the next meeting.

 

 

Residents have been complaining about potholes on the railroad access road. When contacted about the issue, the railroad responded that they were not the ones creating the potholes so they won’t be fixing them.

 

The city doesn’t maintain that road so isn’t responsible for it. A discussion was held on what may be causing the potholes and options available.

 

Affected property owners will be invited to the next city council meeting for further discussion.

 

 

A discussion was held on the new law that allows for the change of speed limits on local streets to be changed without having to conduct a speed study first. Portions of Hunter Lakes Bluff residents have an issue with speeders.

 

A decision was made to keep the speed limit in the area at 30 mph and request extra patrols for the time being.

 

Powers inquired about the weeds on the sidewalk to Clearview not being taken care of. Clerk Kari Mechtel informed him they had weed whipped their side and Clear Lake Twp. Chairman Gary Gray had indicated he was going to take care of the township side.

 

The council’s Sept. meeting was changed to Tuesday, Sept. 3 due to Labor Day.

 

There was no sheriff’s report available at the time of the meeting.

 

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.