During Clear Lake Township’s election and annual meeting incumbent Supervisor Gary Gray, who was running unopposed, retained his seat on the board after receiving all votes cast.

 

In a letter to township residents, Gray thanked them for their confidence and asked them to consider approving money for the building fund and a future road project fund, as well as to consider increasing next year’s levy. 

 

Larry Seeley volunteered as meeting moderator, and minutes of last year’s annual meeting were read and approved.

 

Treasurer Paul Goenner gave the treasurer’s report. Cash and fund distribution for 2016 was $852,477. The general fund balance, including building allocation, was $714,426 at year’s end, and the road fund was $138,051.

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk gave the road report, explaining crack sealing is done on an as-needed basis as directed by the township board.

 

He reviewed 2016 costs, which included $71,478 for seal coating, $58,612 for overlay projects, and $2,862 for striping.

 

He indicated possible seal coat projects for 2017 include Riverwood Development and parts of 86th ave. and 100th ave., with an estimated cost of $69,150.

 

A discussion was held to explain the board’s request for a $10,000 to $15,000 levy increase that would be at the board’s discretion. Last year’s levy was $450,000; the increase would be the first in three years.

 

Goenner explained the board wants to continue putting $50,000 each year into funds for the new town hall, and money also needs to be put away for the future resurfacing of Sherwood Shores.

 

Vander Eyk clarified they were anticipating the Sherwood Shores project would be a major expense that would exceed the township’s annual road and bridge fund, which was why money needed to be put aside for it now.

 

Motions passed for approval to put $50,000 into the building fund, approval to create a new fund with $50,000 for the Sherwood Shores road project, and approval to leave the levy up to the board’s discretion.

 

Other agenda items included designating the Citizen-Tribune as the official newspaper, confirming Clean-up Day on May 6 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, and the annual board of appeal and equalization on April 12 at 10 a.m. at the township hall.

 

The board of canvass followed immediately after the meeting.