A bid opening for their 2022 seal coat projects was held during Clear Lake Twp.’s. February meeting. Bids were received from Astech, St. Joseph Pearson, and Allied Blacktop.

Twp. Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk opened and summarized each bid for the board, with Allied Blacktop coming in significantly lower than the other two contractors. He indicated he will thoroughly review each bid in the coming week.

A motion carried awarding the projects to Allied for $67,750.

Mailbox Ordinance

Edits were recommended by the township’s attorney after review of the new mailbox ordinance, and it was recommended it be included as part of their building permits along with language regarding new construction or reconstruction. Eyk added that it was critical to include the height of the mailbox and the distance it needs to be located off of the bituminous. 

The main thrust of the new ordinance is for swing away mailbox posts to be installed with all new construction and roadwork. When replacing mailbox structures, homeowners will be allowed to install it themselves or use the township’s approved contractor. When swing away mailboxes are in place the township will be responsible if they’re knocked down by the snowplow. If a different type of structure is used the homeowner will be responsible. 

Swing away mailboxes are approved by the U.S. Postmaster and are designed to swing out of the way of snowplows. 

Twp. Park

Chairman Gary Gray presented the estimates received for Clear Lake Twp. Park’s new park pavilion. With materials, labor, dirt work, and permits the cost is projected to come in around $36,000. The remainder of the $50,000 earmarked for the project will be used for the addition of a small playground area and parking lot. 

The park’s neighbors will be asked for input on what should be included in the playground.

Supervisor Bud Stimmler informed the board he had spoken with Sherburne Co. Soil & Water concerning the township park’s new wildflower area. Sections that were burnt will have seeds spread on them, trees and shrubs that crop up will be cut down and then sprayed next fall, after which the remaining seed will be spread.

Solar Farm

Michael Cathcart approached the board to discuss Sunrise Energy Ventures’ latest solar farm proposal. The one-megawatt solar garden will be located north of the company’s current one-megawatt solar garden on the same plot of land.

After a brief discussion a motion carried to approve and send positive comments to the county.

Other Business

Gray informed the board he would be asking the township attorney to draft and present the township’s comments for Sherco Solar Project public hearing on April 20.

The sheriff reported 118 calls for service for January, including 60 traffic, one dwelling fire, and one warrant arrest.

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be March 8 at 8 p.m.