During their meeting Tuesday night, the Clear Lake Township Board of Supervisors discussed their nearly-completed history book and reviewed variance requests and road work estimates. 

 

Supervisor Bud Stimmler updated the board on the nearly-completed Clear Lake Township history book and asked them to review cover options.

 

He explained the book most likely won’t be ready by Christmas, although he’s hoping it will be going to the printer next week. A printed galley (mockup) should be ready for proofreading by the next township meeting.

 

The board discussed the possibility of asking for a suggested donation for each book rather than selling them for a predetermined price. Clerk Mary Mathison will look into sales tax laws for nonprofits. 

 

The project is still in budget, with current expenses at $11,423 and another $10,000 to $15,000 to be paid to the printer.

 

Brian Espe approached the board to request a 27’ variance in setback from the 41st Street right-of-way, explaining he was converting the existing garage into a master bedroom and adding a new attached garage towards the road.

 

Supervisor Gary Gray told the board he had visited the property and noted the new garage would be exactly the same distance from the road as the neighbors’. 

 

The board had no issues with the request and indicated they would send a positive comment to the county.

 

Skip Kmitch approached the board to request a variance for a 10’ easement from 41st Ave. to replace his old septic system, which didn’t pass inspection.

 

He explained the new drain field will be in the exact same place as the old one, but as it’s in the utility easement he’s required to come to the township before proceeding. 

 

The board had no issues with the request and indicated they would send a positive comment to the county.

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk presented the board with a preliminary estimate for an overlay on 97th Street for $48,624, explaining he didn’t believe the road was distressed enough for a reclaim. 

 

He told Gray they should be able to piggyback the project onto the county’s which would save the township money.

 

Eyk also presented the board with an estimate for 70th Ave. and 90th Street, which are possible 2018 seal coat projects, totaling $49.022.

 

He requested partial payment of $2,930 to Hardrives for 2016 paving projects, which was approved, and for partial payment of $67,423 to TS Dirtworks for work on 80th Ave., which was also approved.

 

Gray informed the board he had met with 80th Ave. residents to discuss their concerns with building a new town hall. He explained they’re not opposed to the project, they just wanted to ensure the township had explored all their options first. 

 

He also told them he was putting together more formulas for the new fire contract and is hoping to call an extra meeting in October so they can have something in place by the first of the year.

 

The attorney is in the final draft stages of the orderly annexation with the City of Clear Lake.

 

There has been one showing of the town hall; Stimmler said the party appeared to be very interested in the property.

 

There was no sheriff’s report available at the time of the meeting.

 

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be Oct.17 at 7 p.m.