During their recent monthly meetings, the Clear Lake Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed numerous agenda items, including potential updates to the fire contract, road updates, and the final levy.  

Fire Contract

Chairman Bud Stimmler informed the board the fire advisory board is discussing potential updates to the fire contract. The Clear Lake Fire Dept. wants to move forward with a new fire hall; the current fire contract states none of the contract money can go toward building a new fire station. 

“I think we have to get rid of the paragraph saying no money can go into building a fire hall,” said Stimmler. “As long as their [the fire department] budget items are being bought and paid for so they can’t come back to us and make us pay more. I don’t think the Fire Advisory Board should be micromanaging where the money is spent.”

Supervisor Ross Imholte expressed concern the contract money will be put into the new fire hall.

“I think we’re still fighting the same battle,” he said. “Why do we need to pay the first dollar when the city hasn’t put any money toward it?”

The board’s consensus was that if the city hasn’t moved forward with a new fire hall yet, the fire department shouldn’t be, and they should first go to the city with their request. 

Road Report

Stimmler reviewed the most recent Hwy 24 corridor project meeting held in Clearwater. He stated he doesn’t agree with removing the stoplight at Hwy. 24 and Co. Road 75.

“Our citizens can hardly get out on Hwy. 24 going south the way it is,” he said. 

The board also discussed problems farm equipment and oversize loads will have accessing the highway. A letter will be sent to the state so their concerns will be on record.

During the recent White Farms Estate information meeting held by the township, Road Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk explained what work is being done and answered questions residents had about the project, which is planned for 2025. Residents are encouraged to call the township with further questions. 

Eyk provided updated estimates for the township’s projected road projects. White Farms Estate’s total is estimated at $397,6010. Other projects to consider include work on 90th Street, River Oaks, 92nd Street, 95th Ave., and 90th Ave. The total for other projects is estimated at $2,385,000. 

Payments due for 2024 contract work come to $216,614.

A motion carried approving a partial pay of $40,067 to Ashtech. 

Final Levy

Twp. Treasurer Paul Goenner discussed the annual meeting levy vote of $520,000, the remainder of road expenses for the year, and money needed for the future White Farm Estates project. The levy would raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the new fire contract.

A motion carried approving the levy at $520,000; $240,000 in the general fund and $280,000 in road and bridge.

Other Business

A motion carried approving a 5’ setback variance and a 35’ OHWL variance for Robert Darling’s new septic system being completed at his 74th Street property. 

Motions carried approving a CUP for a private LTE network tower at the new Sherco 1 site, Sherburne Co.’s property amendment to their zoning ordinance stating businesses on solar farms need to be related, and Sherburne Co.’s cannabis ordinance. 

Lynn Waytashek of Sherburne Co. Planning & Zoning presented a slide show summarizing the work the department is doing and the programs available for the township and its residents. Economic Development Director Brian Fleming discussed programs his department is working on as well.

Twp. Att. Mike Couri explained the process of Annexation to the City of Becker and Resolution 2024-08-20 Waiving the Right to Object to Annexation. The township can’t stop the annexation but will receive tax money over the next two years from the city. A motion carried approving the resolution. 

During the October meeting, the sheriff reported 155 calls for service, including 82 traffic, eight medical, two harassment, two trespasses, two stop-arm violations, two DWIs, one burglary, and one warrant arrest. During the September meeting, 168 calls for service were reported and 136 were reported in August.

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be on November 19 at 7 p.m.