The Clear Lake CIty Council met Monday evening, first holding a public hearing on a proposed solar garden, then hearing from Sheriff Joel Brott and McDonalds Meats in a pair of updates. They also addressed a liquor license for when the Brickyard Bar and Grill changes ownership at the beginning of March.

Solar

Acting Mayor Karen White called the public hearing to order, as the council was considering Mayor Tim Goenner’s request to develop approximately seven acres into a community solar garden.  Goenner recused himself from the decision making process to avoid a conflict of interest.

Resident and adjacent landowner Erick Betz spoke first, delineating a list of reasons why he was opposed to the project. He relayed concerns about the development, calling it an eyesore, and also shared concerns about potential pollution, glare from sunlight reflecting off the panels, and his belief that it could lower the value of his home.

Goenner, speaking as a resident, noted that the parcel has a sewer main going through the entire length of the property. It was installed by the city in 1977 and his father had received $1 in compensation. Once installed, the city came back and assessed his father $12,000 for the project even though it rendered the parcel incompatible with any further housing development.

Through a re-zoning, the parcel also lost its Agricultural zoning designation, meaning that taxes had increased dramatically. He noted that the solar company had approached him about the project and he was just looking for a way to offset the taxes he pays on the unusable parcel.

Because it would be developed as a community garden, there could be a benefit financially to the city and perhaps the school through its subscription capabilities.

City Engineer Keith Yapp explained that a glare test had been conducted and additional trees were slated for installation to screen the houses in the area that would be affected. All other legal guidelines had been followed and studies had indicated proper drainage existed on the property.

Brian Keenan of N.E.G., the solar company developer, explained that the panels were fixed and faced to the South, meaning there would only be two times a year when glare was present and only when the sun was at an extreme angle.  His company agreed to do additional tree plantings to help with mitigation efforts in the area.

Member Chad Nelson noted that the city has a history of honoring landowner rights as long as any projects do not place an undue burden on surrounding properties.

The rest of council agreed and voted to approve the project, with additional plantings all across the back property line of Betz’s two parcels and a clause requiring the replacement within one year of any trees that die after installation.

Sheriff

Next, Sheriff Joel Brott presented his annual report to the council, noting a rise in total calls in 2022 to 720 from 527 the year before.  Brott indicated that security checks made up the bulk of the increase, as his deputies have been making a concerted effort to ensure businesses and residences are secure.

Serious criminal activity such as assaults, burglaries and narcotic arrests continue to be low.

McDonald’s

Representatives for McDonald’s Meats were at the meeting to update council on their plans for expansion, which will include a rezoning application for property next to their current location.

The long-term business fixture has secured a Right of First Refusal on a parcel of land adjacent to their parking lot and hopes to purchase that property in the future. For the time being, they will be adding a 24x50 foot area to their existing operation.  Council generally agreed with the concept and said it is something they will consider upon formal application.

Liquor License

In other action at the meeting, the council approved liquor and tobacco licensing transfers to Jeremy Frey, who will be the new owner of the Brickyard Bar and Grill starting March 1.