The Clear Lake City Council discussed their latest test well during their meeting Tuesday night.

 

City Engineer Keith Yapp informed them that although the Clearview Elementary test well showed good quantities of water, it was unfortunately high in iron and manganese and so wasn’t a good option due to the cost of treatment.

 

He said they had taken a new sample near the old warehouse well that showed promise as the iron was fairly low, and recommended they try another test well at that location as one last chance to find one they wouldn’t have to heavily treat.

 

“We’d like approval to move forward,” said Yapp. “We think it’s worth one more shot.”

 

As the city had budgeted for two test wells, a motion passed for Yapp to spend up to $12,500 on the new location.

 

“We’re kind-of out of luck after this,” said Yapp. “If it doesn’t work we’ll have to start looking at costs of treatment.”

 

The council discussed a proposal by Minnesota National Bank, who owns the remaining lots in Hunters Lake Bluffs Development, to stub off the streets to see if there was a market for the five lots currently platted before they move forward with the developer.

 

The bank also asked if they could work with Yapp, the city’s engineer. Yapp stated he could do so if the council approved, as he wants to ensure the city is making the decisions.

 

A motion passed approving stubbing off the streets in the development and for Yapp to work with Minnesota National Bank.

 

The council reviewed the 2018 preliminary budget which increased 3 percent over last year due to the potential fire contract change. Clear Lake and Palmer townships are asking for the formula used to figure the costs be revised to be more equitable. Currently the city pays 8 percent with the townships paying the remainder.

 

Council Member Dale Powers asked if the city has a value for all the equipment at the Palmer Fire Station, and said there was no way they would agree for the costs to be become a third for each party. 

 

He also questioned whether the firefighters realized if the townships break from the city they wouldn’t be vested any longer and would have to start over from year one.

 

A motion passed approving Resolution 2017-10 2018 Preliminary Budget in the amount of $360,754.

 

Mayor Tim Goenner updated the council on the city’s proposed quiet zone, saying the latest meeting went very well and the city meets the minimum requirements needed.

 

“There’s a lot of permitting and stuff like that to do,” he said. “But all in all, it’s some good news for all the hard work that’s been done.”

 

Clerk Kari Mechtel informed the council CMP Attachments had asked if they were able to rent out the portion of their building they’re not currently using to a business that assembles boats, which was approved.

 

Ron Mumm from the League of Minnesota Cities presented the council with information for their workers compensation renewal, which they approved.

 

Powers informed the council he’d been in contact with Rep. Jim Knoblach, who is in favor of the Northstar Commuter Rail, concerning the possibility of a station at Clear Lake. The council expressed interest in inviting Knoblach to one of their upcoming meetings. 

 

The sheriff reported 63 points of contact for the month of August, including 21 traffic, 12 security checks, one ATV complaint and one shooting complaint.

 

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.