Wendy Rheaume from Rheaumes House of Lettering approached the Clear Lake City Council during their meeting Monday night to request their positive consideration on the installation of a digital billboard within city limits.

 

She explained the company has expanded into digital billboards and would like to install one in Clear Lake. They have signed a letter of intent to purchase property along Hwy 10 they’re interested in, but before they proceed they want to ensure they’ll be able to use it for a billboard.

 

The council was given examples of what some of their other billboards look like, and Rheaume explained the LED signs have dimmer sensors so they can be programmed according to available light. The boards are insured, have wireless cameras installed, and are run out of their St. Cloud office.

 

Each message on the billboards shows for six seconds at a time, and the company considers a board full when it has 10 advertisements.

 

Clerk Kari Mechtel informed the council the property is zoned highway commercial, which would allow for the installation. 

 

The council had a positive response to the request, and thanked Rheaume for the company’s interest in Clear Lake.

 

Clear Lake Fire Dept. Assistant Chief Chad McKay approached the council to provide a brief summary of the last board of trustees meeting and to request approval for a pay increase from $1,600 to $2,000 per year for firefighter retirees.

 

He informed the council after their yearly review and audit the state recommended it could be raised to $3,000, however, they want to be fiscally responsible with their fund and don’t wish to go that high.

 

The increase to $2,000 was approved by the council.

 

Clear Lake Twp. Supervisor Bud Stimmler attend the meeting to update the council on the Clear Lake Township history book, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. 

 

He explained what was included in the book, and asked if the council would be willing to allow the author to hold a presentation for the public at city hall sometime in the future.

 

The council agreed and thanked Stimmler for all the work he’s put into the project.

 

Mayor Tim Goenner told the council he and Public Works Supervisor Dustin Luhning had attended the upcoming Hwy. 24 project meeting. MnDOT will be replacing the sidewalks in town and reclaiming the blacktop.

 

Council Member Dale Powers informed the council bills for Northstar Link have been introduced.

 

The council approved payment for a baby changing table and two hand driers for Goenner Park; the money was donated by the Clear Lake Lions.

 

Goenner informed the council the remodeling of the bathrooms in the pavilion should be completed by May 1; the Clear Lake Lions also donated money for that project.

 

Powers encouraged all council members to attend the 2018 conference June 20 - 22 in St. Cloud; attendees from cities under 1,000 receive a price break. The council approved attendance for Powers and Council Member Karen White as well as any other council members that are also able to.

 

The sheriff reported 55 points of contact for March, including nine traffic, 17 extra patrol requests and 15 security checks.

 

The local board of appeal and equalization meeting will be April 16 at 6 p.m.

 

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