During their May and June meetings, the Clear Lake Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed numerous agenda items including their wait for a fire budget update, solar panels located within the township, street congestion caused by Clearview Elementary parents picking up their children, and sirens located within the township.

Fire Board

Chairman Bud Stimmler told the board he was strongly disappointed there has been no updates from the fire department during the township’s last two meetings. The fire budget was originally supposed to be presented to the board in February.

The board understood they wouldn’t have an update by that time, however, decisions on the budget and the new fire hall affect the township’s levy discussions and shouldn’t be taking this long. They haven’t received any updates since their February meeting. 

Solar Panels

The township continually gets asked questions from residents concerning the solar gardens located there. Stimmler told the board he attended a bus tour of solar fields held by NSP, where very knowledgeable representatives from NSP were there to answer questions. 

He was informed there is nothing in the solar panels that will harm residents or the environment. NSP has also begun using sheep to graze the solar fields, which keeps weeds down and ensures no harsh chemicals are needed. 

To stop misinformation, Stimmler is requesting NSP send out a press release stating all of this information to the public and include a phone number residents can call if they have questions.

For clarification, one mega-watt solar fields are privately owned; larger solar fields are owned by NSP. 

Clearview

Residents have requested no parking signs on 90th Street because of congestion caused by cars waiting to pick up students from Clearview Elementary after school. The township is sending the school a letter asking them to work on a plan to keep the road passable. 

The township is asking notices be sent to the affected parents/guardians stating that temporary parking will be limited to only along the school side (south side) of 90th Street SE, with the opposite side (north side) being off limits. This is due to safety concerns for both through-traffic and emergency vehicle access. 

Sirens Update

NSP is planning to shut down their warning sirens in 2026; the county will maintain them in 2026 and 2027. After that time the township will need to decide if they want to take over the cost of the upkeep of the six sirens. The cost hasn’t been determined yet, but the levy would need to be raised to cover it.

Other Business

The state is mandating that more expenses be taken over by the counties which may affect property taxes in the future. 

Clear Lake Twp. will be 170 years old next year; the board discussed having an open house to celebrate. 

Rachel Iverson approached the board to request variances for septic on her 107th Ave. SE property. The board had no issues with the request.

A motion to adopt Co. Cannabis Retail Ordinance 2025-05-20 was passed.

The City of Clear Lake is having a nitrate meeting at township hall where residents can bring in their water to have it checked for nitrates. A solar panel will be exhibited at the hall during this time.

The sheriff reported 108 calls for service in April and discussed theft of irrigation equipment. 

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be on July 15 at 7 p.m.