Monday’s Clear Lake City Council meeting began with a public hearing to review the variance and rezoning requests by Derek Kent. 

The variance request was made to allow CMP Attachments to install a private well and septic on the property. The second request was for the property to be rezoned from agricultural to light industrial.

With no input from the public, the hearing was closed. Motions were carried approving both requests during the regular council meeting that followed.

Well Update

Ryan Capelle from Stantec approached the council to update them on the new well project as well as request authorization to begin their services.

He informed the council the project plans and specs had been approved by the Dept. of Health, and the project was projected to cost $200,000 under the original estimate.

Capelle said the test bore hole for the well had been done. The hope is that they will have the same good quality water results that were received from the test well.

A motion carried approving Stantec’s services for up to $67,000. The goal is to get the well house facility enclosed before winter.

Access Road Update

Property owners that use the BNSF Railroad’s access road are upset about the road’s potholes, which the railroad refuses to fix. The railroad did grade the road once but it needs material added to actually fix the issue. The city can’t maintain the road because it’s BNSF property.

Mayor Tim Goenner stated the city does have a utility easement along the edge of the road, and suggested rather than improving it for residents they could improve it for the easement, which the railroad may be okay with.

He indicated he would make a phone call to BNSF concerning the issue and would get back to the council at their next meeting.

Annexation

Clear Lake Twp. Chairman Gary Gray approached the council to discuss revisions to the annexation agreement both parties had already approved. He explained Bogart Pederson had found two minor issues that they wanted cleared up before they signed the paperwork.

A motion carried approving the changes. Gray indicated they would continue moving forward with the process.

Ordinance Amendment

The council discussed the proposed amendment to Ordinance 501-01, which regulates the use, conditions and maintenance of city sidewalks and streets. 

For years the city has had issues with removing snow off the roads due to garbage bins being placed in the streets. The amendment states that residents are not allowed to place their garbage bins or other receptacles in the roadway during snow events.

A motion carried four to one to approve the amendment, with Powers voting against.

Other Business

A motion carried approving the Hartkopf proposed land survey.

A motion carried approving the O’Brothers liquor license.

Powers asked for and received council approval to contact the League of Minnesota Cities to see if they have appraisal guidelines for contractors.

The sheriff reported 22 calls for service for September, including traffic, medicals and an abandoned vehicle at the liquor store.

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.