During their September meeting, Arvig representative Laura Kangas approached the Clear Lake Twp. Board of Supervisors to present possibilities for broadband improvements in the township.

Using a map of the township, Kangas discussed unserved areas, stating there were 40 residences that fit the criteria for using the township’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Depending on the property, installing broadband service takes $4,000 to $5,000 per location, with a cost of approximately $50,000 per mile.

Chairman Gary Gray said they would need to rely on Arvig’s expertise to decide where the service is installed, but the township can’t really do any planning without actual numbers. 

Kangas will follow up with cost estimates for the 40 potential residences she identified.

Road Report

Twp. Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk informed the board the final total of the Sherwood Shores project came in at $273,590, explaining that there were significant overruns on a number of bid options that increased the project by an additional $23,000. 

He presented a quote of $2,700 for fixing drainage problems and the installation of a French drain at the intersection of 69th and 72nd and informed the board total seal coat values for crack repairs on 58th Ave., 27th Street, and 103rd Ave. came to $54,000.

A property owner on 116th contacted the township concerning the removal of stumps, and as they aren’t the township’s responsibility Eyk stated he would contact the owner about other options.

Other Business

A motion carried approving two variances for Erica Gossett for upgrading the septic system on a property she recently sold.

A motion carried approving the $2,340 purchase of a 25’ steel pole that will be used for the installation of a parking lot light.

Deputy Clerk Gary Anderson will be researching official notice posting boxes for the township, which will be located at town hall, White Farms, and Sherwood Shores.

After discussion, the board agreed to have the original town hall outhouse placed behind the new township hall for historical purposes.

Applications for the township’s open clerk position will be reviewed and presented to the board.

The sheriff reported 110 calls for service for September, including 60 traffic stops, nine mental health calls, one medical, one theft, and one DWI. 

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.