During their meeting Tuesday night, Clear Lake Twp. Chairman Gary Gray told the board a resident on the cul-de-sac on Long Lake Lane had called to complain about the amount of snow left in his driveway after the roads had been plowed. 

Schendzielos, who plows for the township, went back and redid the area; the resident was still unhappy. Supervisor Bud Stimmler reported he had gone out and looked at the driveway.

Gray requested any residents with plowing questions go first to the township’s website before calling and read resolution RES-2014-028 Establishing a Snow and Ice Control Policy, which should answer their questions.

The resolution can be found at clearlaketownship.org/information, scroll down to ‘resolutions.’

Road Report

Twp. Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk updated the board on his search for ‘slow, children at play’ road signs, finding they are no longer available because they’re not considered effective.

A discussion was held on two right-of-way violations, both of which are on 47th Ave. in Sherwood Shores. One property owner has placed a large boulder near his mailbox and the other has created a white brick structure around it.

“The township ordinance for right-of-way violations is clear,” said Gray. “These are dangerous if hit by a car or snowmobile, and the property owner is liable for any damage that occurs.”

ROW violation letters have been sent to the property owners. Because of the time of year, they have until April 15 for removal.

The township was notified by the county attorney’s office that they would like the township to instate a fee for winter parking ban violations, which will make it easier for the officer writing the ticket.

“Ours wasn’t written to collect money, it was just to keep the roads clear,” explained Gray.

A motion carried to add a $30 parking violation fee. With the $12 filing fee the total parking violation charge will come to $42.

Town Hall

Eyk informed the board he estimated the septic system for the new town hall would cost between $5,000 and $6,000. The township plans to release bids for the town hall building in February, they will do the same for the septic system.

Gray suggested they ask 4-5 nearby well drilling companies to quote drilling the new well.

A meeting will be held on Jan. 15 or 22 to meet with the contractor to review their findings for costs and any alternatives the township may want to look at. Gray wants all the board members to be involved in the decisions.

Solar Farms

Stimmler informed the board he spoke with county zoning regarding two solar farms in Clear Lake Twp. that are in violation of their permits in regard to their outer fencing.

Both the Goenner and Gohman solar farms have installed woven wire fencing, however, their permits state it needs to be chain link fencing.

The violation is enforceable by the township; Stimmler recommended they declare a resolution stating they want chain link fencing around all solar farms because they’re stated in the permits and it looks more professional. 

“We need to make the two change theirs, too,” said Supervisor Joe Goenner. “Otherwise it sets a precedent.”

A motion carried to have the county enforce solar farm permits the way they’re written.

Other Business

A discussion was held on the total cost of the orderly annexation with the City of Clear Lake; the city will be billed for half of the costs.

The township asked Penny Leuthard to design a logo for them; she will present ideas by the next meeting.

The sheriff reported a slow month in November, including traffic stops, two DWIs, three medical and a theft of a license plate.

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.