It shouldn’t be long before the Clear Lake township board is able to move into its new township hall, as construction is moving along in a timely fashion.

Board chair Gary Gray reports that cabinets and ceiling tiles have been installed and plumbing is scheduled to go in very soon.  The stone for the outside continues to be the outlier for project completion, as it has been delivered twice but both times was the wrong color.

The goal is for the building to be completed by the end of September, but the board thinks a mid-October move in is more likely.  The new building will have more room for secure storage, as well as offices for staff.  The Sherburne County Sheriffs Office will also have a satellite office on site.

Supervisor Bud Stimmler reported on several items for the hall including the inclusion of a wildflower garden in front of the building that will help with water drainage issues.

Two technicians from the county’s soil and water division recently visited the project and gave it a thumbs up for the native prairie grass plantings that will encompass three sides of the building.  In the front, Stimmler has worked with Prairie Restoration for the installation of the wild flowers.  They are drought resistant and the area will never have to be mowed.

By keeping the area around the hall natural, the township is planning on having to perform very little maintenance.

Gutters are being installed and the drainage plan to keep water away from the building is shaping up nicely according to Stimmler.

The board also authorized the installation of a 25 foot flag pole in front of the building that will be installed before the landscape project is finished.  Also included in the plans are the installation of two road signs that will point the way to the new building.

Roads report

In the engineer’s report, the board approved a partial payment of $4,000 for the well and pressure tank, while noting the water softener still needs to be plumbed.

Brush trimming and crack sealing projects were also discussed, as the board will review the recommendations over the next month to decide which projects they will tackle in 2021.The brush that encroaches onto the roadways and inhibits snowplowing will be trimmed this year before the winter season.

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk discussed the 2021 road projects with the board so he can begin the process of laying out the plans and specifications.  The Sherwood Shores developments was prioritized by the board as a project that will require attention next year.

Eyk also briefly discussed the 72nd St. ROW structure encroachments and the plan to address those issues in the future.

Solar IUP

Lauren Walburn was present at the meeting seeking positive comment from the board for a one megawatt solar project off Highway 24 that will abut a current project located on Tom Hammer’s property.  The township reiterated its current solar farm stipulations, including trees and fencing and quickly approved positive comment to the County for project adoption.  The site will encompass approximately 8 acres of a 50 acre parcel.

Levy Adoption

The board approved the 2021 payable levy in the amount of $460,000.  The levy has remained nearly unchanged for the past ten years.

“We had a plan to build our new building without raising taxes and we’ve been able to do that,” commented Gray.

CARES Act

The board spent considerable time approving expenditures to come from the CARES Act funding it received last month.  The purchases must meet guidelines stemming from the pandemic and must be purchased within the next couple of months to be eligible for reimbursement.

A variety of election related equipment was approved which will allow the township to host its own election in 2022.  Currently the city and township partner up for the elections.  In addition, several computers to assist in teleconference meetings were approved, as was a technology package that will allow the township to record its meetings and hold them remotely as needed.

Township financial guru Gary Anderson had created a spreadsheet that outlined the purchases and also included specific language included in the CARES Act that showed how the expenditures would be eligible under the legislation.

Park Enhancements

Clear Lake Lions President Al Fahsl spoke with the board regarding the township park and future plans for its further development.  Discussion included possible amenities that could enhance the park’s usage by area residents such as a play structure or a picnic shelter.  More information will be collected by Gray and Fahsl who will then share out the information before final proposals are discussed at a future meeting.