Cities and townships covered by the Citizen-Tribune had a productive 2016. Here are some highlights from the Clear Lake City Council, Clear Lake Township, Haven Township and Lynden Township.

 

The council approved a 5% water and sewer rate increase in January, and appointed council member Dale Powers to the new role of community development to look into bringing new businesses into Clear Lake and helping the existing ones.

 

A temporary sex offender ordinance was enacted while the city considers a permanent ordinance, and a social host ordinance was passed which makes it a misdemeanor for a person to host a party knowing there’s underage drinking and not preventing it.

 

Results from a test well drilled this summer came in with good results, and the next steps towards an actual well are in discussion.

 

The council agreed to help fund a new park in Hunter Lakes Bluff.

 

Council Member Claudia Page stepped down in April, and Council Member Connie Achman stepped down in May. Sandy Paige and Karen White took over their council seats after the November election. 

 

Assistant Fire Chief Chad McKay received Clear Lake’s Firefighter of the Year award, and Firefighter Charlie Gammon was honored for 22 years of service. The fire department purchased a new grass truck and held their annual dance in July, which turned out to be their final one as the fire department relief association decided it had become too much of a financial risk to continue.

 

The city purchased new election equipment though a cost share agreement with Sherburne County. It was put to the test during the November elections, which was one of the busiest the city had seen.

 

Clear Lake Township and City of Clear Lake began discussions on an orderly annexation.

 

Five companies approached the township with solar farm proposals throughout the year, which the board voiced approval for. To date none have gone further.

 

A number of road projects were completed and discussed throughout the year, including options for potentially expensive work needed on 71st st. 

 

The township purchased new election equipment through a cost share agreement with Sherburne County.

 

Fifty township residents attended Haven Township’s March meeting to express concerns about a proposed transition home in the Valley View neighborhood; however State legislation preempts township zoning and there was nothing the township could do. As of the end of the year no licenses had been issued for the home.

 

The township closed their access road to Long Lake and worked on a number of road projects. Sherburne County turned back Co. Rd. 66 to the township; it has been renamed Haven Road.

 

Driveway Services LLC was awarded the 2016/2017 snow removal contract on a one year trial basis.

 

There was a 10% increase in the fire contract with the Sauk Rapids Fire Dept., partially due to upgrades needed on trucks, and the township began looking into areas to locate dry hydrants.

 

In February Lynden Twp. revoked the conditional use permit (CUP) of Tails of Gold to operate a commercial kennel after a public hearing and recommendation from the Stearns County Planning Commission. Tails of Gold is owned and operated by Valerie LaBeau (Muggli). An appeal was filed and LaBeau has since filed a lawsuit against the township and its board members.

 

An interim ordinance was passed enacting a moratorium on the establishment of commercial kennels within the township.

 

A variance was approved for Ruffs Pet Resort increasing their number of overnight dogs to 100.

 

College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University student Sarah McLarnan was awarded a grant to study the Plum Creek Watershed, which has found to be impaired by E. coli in 2012.

 

The research took place over the summer and fall; the source of the impairment was unable to be identified and tests will be performed again in the upcoming year.

 

The township approved a number of plats and conditional use permits throughout the year.

 

Karen Weeres stepped down from her position as treasurer; Deputy Treasurer Dan Torgersen was appointed to fill the remainder of her term.