During their December meeting, the Clearwater City Council discussed the application and interview process for hiring a new fire chief to replace Chief Ryan Pridgeon, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Council Member Kris Crandall explained that after discussions and lengthy interviews with three strong candidates, the interview panel recommended Mike Keller be hired as the next fire chief. City Administrator Annita Smythe noted that the panel had also considered and discussed the recommendation letter received by the council and appreciated the input from members of the fire department.
A motion carried to approve the hire of Keller for the position of fire chief.
Memorial Grant
Smythe informed the council that a recent grant opportunity had opened up for funding a Veterans Memorial. The park commission hadn’t reviewed the grant opportunity yet, however there is a short deadline, and a city match is required.
Council Member Lindsey Luhmann noted that the park commission had discussed the memorial project previously and didn’t want city funds spent on the project. Smythe said that there had been questions about whether or not city funds could be spent on a memorial; staff has since learned it is an authorized expenditure.
Luhmann added that the parks commission also had concerns about opening the door to other non-profit groups to ask for donations; Smythe pointed out that the city is not obligated to accept any grant funds.
Mayor Andrea Wheeler-Lawrence said she would like the park commission to make a recommendation on whether to accept any grant funds awarded and allocate sales tax dollars to the memorial project. The park commission will consider the issue at their January meeting.
A motion carried to authorize submitting the grant application.
Fence Ordinance
Smythe informed the council that the city had received a complaint about snow fencing at a resident’s property, which stated that the fencing isn’t allowed in that location and is in poor condition. Smythe explained the safety issues in the location and the impracticality of placing fencing along the actual snowmobile trail, which abuts the city’s bike trail.
Council Member Wayne Kruchten noted that the area near Luhmann’s property and Veterans Memorial Park has always been an issue and suggested the city place permanent fencing in the area to address snowmobile traffic. After further discussion, a motion to propose permanent fencing along the city’s bike trail on Co. Rd. 75, to place where practical, and to assess or present to the snowmobile club to request assistance with funding failed for lack of a second.
Mayor Lawrence said she agreed that a longer-term fix is needed, but also believes all property owners should be treated fairly. She stated she would be comfortable allowing it for this season due to the confusion, but stated the council needs to clarify the ordinance and determine a long term solution in the spring.
A motion carried to allow snow fencing along the Co. Rd. 75 trail through April 15, 2022. Council Member Luhmann recused herself from discussion and voting.
Other Business
Smythe informed the council the Orderly Annexation Agreement had been approved by the state in November and that five parcels were annexed under the agreement.
Mayor Lawrence informed the council the Greater Minnesota Trail had been approved for funding for the section that will connect St. Cloud to the west end of the Clearwater Trail.
Motions carried approving Ordinance 2022-01 Approving Fee Schedule, Resolution 2021-57 Adopting 2022 Budget and Levy, Resolution 2021-58 Approving 2022 Step Compensation Scale, Resolution 2021-59 Approving 2022 Paid-on-Call Rates and approving personnel policy addition.
A motion carried approving MOA to Participate in National Opioid Settlements.
The sheriff reported 160 points of contact for November, including one harassment, one criminal damage to property, two motor vehicle accidents, two fraud, five theft, and 44 traffic.
Deputy Kroll informed the council they had received a complaint about a citation that was received by a citizen for parking on the street after a snowfall and asked if they wanted the citation waived. The council stated they want the city’s ordinances enforced, as they have reminders about snow ordinances on the city’s Facebook page, messages on the website, and text alerts that go out about snow enforcement and towing.
The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be January 10 at 7 p.m.
