During their January meeting, the Clear Lake Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed the replacement of residents’ mailbox posts.

Township policy states that if a mailbox is struck by the snowplow, the township will replace it up to a specific amount using only U.S. Postmaster approved structures. Currently residents can use any type of structure if installed themselves.

Board members noted that swing away mailboxes aren’t getting knocked down by the snowplows, as they’re designed to swing out of the way of them. They’re also approved by the post office.

After discussion, a decision was made to request the township attorney draft a new resolution stating that mailbox replacements and mailboxes installed due to new construction or roadwork must be swing away models. Board members also discussed using a preferred contractor so all mailboxes will be installed correctly and consistently.

Annual Report

Sherburne Co. Sheriff Joel Brott presented the 2021 annual sheriff’s report for Clear Lake Twp. There were 1160 total calls for service/arrests for the year compared to 836 in 2020, which was lower than usual due to the pandemic. 

Serious criminal activity included 12 thefts, nine DUIs, three criminal damage to property, and one each assault, narcotics, and criminal sexual conduct. 

Brott explained the successful new crisis intervention co-response initiative between the county LE agencies and Central Minnesota Mental Health Center’s (CMMHC) crisis response team. Through it, police officers and mental health professionals work together to provide on scene behavioral health evaluations, crisis interventions, and treatment planning.

He noted they were proud their dispatch center received its first accreditation in 2021, and the county jail, which received its first accreditation in 2107, was awarded re-accreditation.

Brott informed the board their new virtual reality police training simulator has been extremely successful, and they’ve begun sharing it with other departments. The system uses virtual reality to replicate scenarios officers may face on the job. 

He reminded the community the sheriff’s office will periodically check on residents’ property while they’re on vacation or south for the winter. The security check is a free service.

Other Business

Twp. Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk informed the board the township’s seal coat projects have been advertised; bid opening will be held during their February meeting at 7:30 p.m.

A motion carried to match the $25,000 donation from the Clear Lake Lions to build a 24’ x 24’ park pavilion this summer. Anticipating leftover funds, the board discussed installing a small playground and parking area. 

A motion carried approving the purchase of three outdoor message boards for the township to use for posting information to the public. The boards will be installed on posts at township hall, White Farm, and Sherwood Shores.

After a short discussion, a motion carried to purchase outdoor video surveillance signage to install at the entrance to the township hall parking lot.

A motion carried approving the Bingo permit for Travelers on the Mississippi.

Clearview Elementary’s request for permission to cut down invasive Siberian elms was approved, as was the building of a new podium for the township’s boardroom. 

Township cleanup day will be May 7.

The sheriff reported 73 calls for service, including 28 traffic, six medicals, three fraud complaints, one DWI, one assault, and one theft of a snowmobile.

The Board of Audit meeting will be March 1 at 9 a.m. at township hall.

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