The Clear Lake City Council met Monday evening and was able to take a pair of actions on the Arnold Addition, which will offer several lots for development with new single family homes.

Members of the Arnold family were in attendance for the council action, with City Clerk Kari Koren explaining that the attorneys for both the family and the city had weighed in on the developer’s agreement.

Council spoke about the stipulation in the agreement for an escrow account, with the prevailing thought being that it might not apply in this situation.  A motion was made and approved to adopt the developer’s agreement pending further clarification on the escrow.

In related action, the council also considered the final plat for the project.  Because there had been no significant changes to the plan since the preliminary plat was approved, council took swift action to approve the final plat as presented.

Public Participation

Bud Stimmler approached the council to ask them to consider adding an American flag to the re-painting project on the water tower.  He stated that he had spoken to this idea before and now that the project will be undertaken, he was hopeful it could come to fruition. Council seemed agreeable to the idea, depending on the costs that it would add to the project. Stimmler asked for the council to keep him updated on cost projections, as he would consider trying to help fundraise to make sure the flag could be part of the paint application.

Gary Gray also appeared before the council to formally notify the members that he is a candidate for the Sherburne County District 4 Commissioner spot that will be open with the retirement of current commissioner Felix Schmiesing. Gray touted his 18 years of experience as a member of the Clear Lake Twp. Board and asked for the council members’ support in the 2022 elections, including the August 9 Primary.

Speed Sign

Public Works Director Dustin Luhning updated the council on two items: the speed sign for Hwy. 24 and a new controller for the lift station.

Luhning mentioned he is still working to get final approval from MN DOT for the speed sign model, which will be located near where the old sign had stood for years. Once the approval comes from the state, Clerk Koren will proceed with the permitting process.

Luhning sought and received approval for the purchase of a new main controller for the lift station, which will come with three years of monitoring. He also reported on the current construction happening on the roof for the well house.

In Other Action, the Council:

• Heard from Sgt. Andy Ochs regarding last month’s 90 calls for service, which included 29 security checks and 23 traffic stops;

• Declined an offer to buy a parcel of land located near the railroad tracks, therefore the owner will proceed with a sale to a private buyer;

• Heard from Stimmler that the Legion and Lions Club will be taking over the maintenance and replacement of flags at the Clearview School Veterans Memorial area.