By Penny Leuthard, Staff Writer

 

The August Clear Lake City Council meeting began with a public hearing for resident Kenneth Linn’s request for a conditional use permit (CUP) to build an extra garage on his property that would be 508 sq. ft. over what is allowed by city ordinance.

With no public input, the hearing was closed.

Councilwoman Karen White expressed concern the larger building would be a hazard for people to see around when the area became further developed, however it was determined the building would be set back far enough from the road that it wouldn’t be a problem. 

The CUP was approved with two conditions; first, the building would be six feet further back from the current garage stall, and second, the building would match the existing home. Linn assured the council both were already being planned.

Public Works

Public Works Supervisor Dustin Luhning requested approval for $11,550 for ballfield fence rehabilitation, and 21,00 for electric and insulation for the public works shed.

A motion carried approved the expenses; the amounts had been budgeted for.

Brush Pile

Mayor Tim Goenner informed the council he and Luhning had looked around the city for a brush and compost pile location but hadn’t found a spot. He approached the Clearwater City Council about a shared location at the sewer plant.

Councilman Dale Powers reminded the council the area is zoned public institution, which no brush piles are allowed at. The council determined that, if needed, the ordinance could be changed at the September meeting.

Powers volunteered to do some research on the issue; Goenner will get back in touch with Clearwater to find out what they had decided.

Other Business

Powers informed the council the Metro Bus North Star link bus stop is still being looked at. He has also been in contact with the individual in charge of the remainder of Hunter Lake Bluffs, who indicated some progress is being made in the development.

Steve Scapanski attended the meeting representing his wife, Karla, who is running for State Representative 15B.

A motion carried approving the updated election judges.

The sheriff reported 50 points of contact for July, including 11 traffic, three property damage accidents, one personal injury, one hit and run and seven security checks.

It was also reported the 13-day extended speed summary the county set up in town to monitor south bound traffic showed 75,336 vehicles with an average speed of 30.8 mph, although two vehicles registered over 60 mph.

A water and sewer budget meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 before the regular council meeting.

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. due to the Labor Day holiday.