During the Clearwater City Council’s November meeting, City Administrator Annita Smythe was recognized for receiving the Minnesota Women in City Government (MWCG) Outstanding Leadership award. As MWCG representatives were unable to attend the meeting, Mayor Andrea Lawrence presented the award to Smythe.
MWCG annually selects one elected and one appointed official to receive the Leadership awards, which are announced at the annual League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) conference in June. Smythe was selected the 2021 award recipient following her nomination by Mayor Lawrence.
Native Plantings
Mayor Lawrence reviewed the city’s native plantings project proposal and the discussion from the community meeting. While there were no residents in attendance at the meeting, comments were received in response to the city’s online survey. Some stated they were against the project as the pond areas in the proposal are used by ATV riders; Lawrence pointed out that violates city code.
After discussing the project’s cost/benefit analysis, visibility of the project areas, and compatibility with current resident use as a green space for neighborhood children, the council decided to focus on the two larger ponds along Huber Ave.
Smythe informed the council they were waiting on quotes; the current quotes are outdated and should now be lower as the project area will only encompass the two larger ponds instead of all six that were originally quoted.
A motion carried to spend up to $6,000 to begin phase one of the native plantings project, focusing first on the pond on the corner of Co. Rd. 7 and Huber Ave. and adding the pond further south on Huber Ave. if the amount will cover both.
Ordinances
Council members reviewed the proposed changes to the 2022 Fee Schedule Ordinance, focusing on the new housing maintenance ordinance and associated fees along with park usage fees. After discussing a number of items, it was decided the seasonal field reservation for Sportsman’s Park should include the pavilion with no additional charge.
Members also discussed whether or not to continue the animal control contract, which was tabled to the next meeting, and suggested the rental housing inspection fee be paid by the requester unless a code violation is found. If found, the property owner would be assessed a fine and the requester’s fee would be refunded. Staff will follow up with the city attorney.
A motion carried approving Ord. 2021-13 Housing Maintenance Code with suggested changes, which is the version the EDA is recommending.
A motion carried approving Ord. 2021-12 Repeal of Public Safety Utilities Board. The ordinance had been adopted in 2013 but a board was never appointed, and no meetings held.
A motion carried approving Ord. 2021-10 Planning Commission, which allows the city to be appointed as the planning commission if necessary.
Sewer Authority
The Sewer Authority recognized Chief Plant Operator Strande for receiving an Achievement Award from MRWA. Strande will be retiring at the end of the year.
The Sewer Authority is considering solar projects at the plant and will be holding a workshop for further discussions.
The contract to transition the treasurer funds to the city was approved.
Other Business
A motion carried approving the final fire contract with Clearwater and Lynden Twps.
The city has received one internal applicant for the Fire Chief posting. The job posting was extended through November and opened up to external applicants.
Smythe informed the council that Wright Co. is considering adopting an ordinance regulating solar energy facilities and suggested the city consider doing the same. Members will review the proposed language in the county’s ordinance before making a decision.
The council also held a meeting on December 13, which will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be January 10 at 7 p.m.
