During their last few meetings, the Clear Lake Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed numerous agenda items, including the fire contract, road updates, and the potential discontinuation of the county’s civil defense sirens.

Fire Board

Supervisor Bud Stimmler updated the board on proposed changes to the fire contract. The township’s lawyer recommended the contract be left as is to protect the township. The section in question currently states that no money from the fire contract can be used for a new fire hall; the request was to eliminate it in the hope grants would be awarded that could be used to replace the money spent on the new fire hall. 

Options are being looked at; at the fire board meeting, Stimmler suggested an amendment to the existing contract stating that no money can be used for a new fire hall unless money will be coming back from a grant.

Road Updates

Clear Lake Twp. Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk asked for board approval to award the contract for the 74th Street project to Knife River, whose bid came in at $122,162. Motion carried to approve. Three bids were submitted. This is a joint contract with the county, which is doing a complete rebuild of Co. Road 65.

He informed the board he will be sending out letters to White Farms Estates to inform residents of a public hearing about the project. The hearing will be held during one of the next two monthly township meetings, depending on when their lawyer is available. 

Eyk requested $13,201 partial pay for the 71st Street resurfacing project; a motion carried approving the request. 

The culvert pipe on 74th Street has been installed.

The board was informed that numerous 911 signs were damaged from winter snow plowing and street signs have been stolen, both of which are costly.

The board discussed costs and options for brushing in the township’s ROW, including potentially hiring the city or obtaining a quote from Central Applicators, along with options for killing stumps left from removed trees.

Civil Defense Sirens

Instead of standard civil defense sirens, Sherburne Co. is considering using residents’ cell phones for warnings. If the sirens are kept in use their expenses will have to be paid by each township or city; Clear Lake Twp. currently has eight sirens.

After discussion, the board’s feeling is that the sirens shouldn’t be removed.

Variance Request

At the June meeting, Noel Lewandowski approached the board to request a CUP for a personal storage building and a 5’ variance from the ROW. Both requests were approved pending Sherburne Co. approval; positive comments were forwarded.

However, at the July meeting, Stimmler informed the board that variances are only granted if the applicant can prove a hardship, and in this case, at the county level, it was shown that Lewandowski has other options, including changing the length of the new building. He will still be able to obtain a building permit.

Other Business

Clear Lake Twp. Treasurer Paul Goenner reported that 68 vehicles came through on cleanup day. The township is waiting for grant money and to be paid from the city. Changes for next year were discussed.

A motion carried approving the purchase of a new copier after discussions revealed the township would ultimately save money with the new one.

A burn will be held at the township park this fall. 

The sheriff reported 108 calls for service in April, 135 in May, and 132 in June, which included 72 traffic stops, one assault, one DWI, and a recovered stolen vehicle resulting from a crash. 

The sheriff explained that drivers can now receive a ticket if their phones are seen in their hands, they don’t have to be using it. 

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be August 20 at 7 p.m.