Members of the Clear Lake Twp. Board were invited to attend a seminar next month to examine the topic of stormwater runoff and why it is such a concern. 

 

The Sherburne County History Center will hold the stormwater runoff seminar Oct. 23 from 5-9 p.m. to discuss issues, concerns and solutions.

 

Stormwater runoff is one way pollutants can enter the State’s waters. Whenever rain or melting snow runs through yards and down streets it carries debris which can transport pollutants into the state’s waters. The main pollutants caused by stormwater runoff are: sediments (dirt, that fills in lakes and streams and caries other pollutants into our waters), nutrients (small quantities of fertilizers create an overabundance of algae), microorganisms (fecal bacteria caused by untreated animal and human waste) and toxics (pesticides, salt, and heavy metals). 

 

This type of pollution enters the state’s waters many ways and many times it is not visible. Controlling stormwater runoff from conveying pollutants into the state’s waters is challenging, because sources of pollution can come almost anywhere.

 

The seminar is being held to bring awareness to the county’s residents and businesses and aid them in managing their properties and dispose of potential pollutants that may be sitting around.

 

Engineer Terrance VanderEyk handed out a recommendation to the board of roads in dire need of crack filling in the township.

 

Eyk gave a brief history of each road and when they were last surfaced and indicated several of the roads are in need of sealcoating in the spring.

 

Eyk also handed out a sheet with estimates for next year’s sealcoating road projects. He mentioned the township plans to partner with the county to get the best price available with the township having the option of opting out.

 

Eyk finished by saying the township can expect to see a bill for striping from the county for the amount of $3,500.

 

Bud Stimmler said he was planning to meet with a potential writer for the history book this week and will instruct the writer to submit a written proposal for the work to be expected, the costs and a timeline for getting it done. Stimmler also wants the writer to take charge and tell the history book committee exactly what he/she needs to get the project done.

 

Chairman Gary Gray said he’d like to see at least two or three proposals from potential candidates and Stimmler said he’s asked around and so far has only two qualified candidates.

 

Stimmler said the committee for the parks met for the  last time for 2014 until the spring of 2015.

 

Stimmler had members of the Sentence to Serve group come to the park to cut down some Russian Elm trees on the east side of the park that have been “flowering up pretty good.”

 

Stimmler, along with Bill Bronder and Gina Hugo of the county, will be planting five new tree species next week.

 

A deputy with the sheriff’s department said August saw 62 incidents occur in the township, 20 being traffic issues, two being damage to property, four being medical calls, two being ATV complaints and one being a boating complaint.

 

The deputy also told the public that driving on a township road is permissable only by a licensed driver who has an ATV training certificate. No ATVs are allowed to be driven on county roads.

 

• A resolution was passed authorizing the township to participate in the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority;

 

• The town board decided the bulletin board on the front of the town hall building was in disrepair and in need of replacement. Gray said the board would have to be maintenance-free and thus recommended the township seek out costs associated with having one installed;

 

• Clean-up Day cost the township $246 for providing the service to its 66 residents.

 

The next Clear Lake Township Board meeting is Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.