Friday, March 29th, 2024 Church Directory

Clearwater Council authorizes bid on I-94 water main loop project

During their February meeting, the Clearwater City Council held a long discussion on the I-94 water main loop project and whether or not to authorize putting it out to bid.

Council Member Wayne Kruchten wondered if the project was the best way to invest the city’s money, asking whether it would be a better idea to up a water tower on the south side and delay the water crossing. 

Council was told the cost of a new water tower would be similar to the cost of the loop project, around $1 million. A water tower plus a new well would cost around $2 million.

After a discussion on the city’s current water systems, Mayor Andrea Lawrence-Wheeler said the council that was in place two years ago when this project first began decided on the loop. Since then a lot has gone into it, and if the project is scrapped, they would need to start over. 

Council was advised that having adequate looping with their piping system is key, so that if there’s a breakdown another one can be utilized. Looping will have a lot of flexibility as well, as mains will also be looped, and numerous connections made so there are fewer dead ends. There will also be more options should there be a break or shutdown even south of the interstate. 

Kruchten inquired if both the loop and water tower projects are needed now, and if not, which project is the most pressing. Both will need to be completed eventually. A lengthy discussion was held on the city’s current water towers and how soon they will need to be replaced. 

After further discussion concerning project funding, a motion carried authorizing the bid on the I-94 water main loop project to go forward.

Lighting Complaint

City Administrator Annita Smyth informed council the city had received another outdoor lighting complaint. The lights in question are on a motion sensor and can also be turned on manually. The issue has been going on for a number of years with the same complainant.

When the first complaint was made a number of years ago, the property owner made changes to the lights on their facility and the city closed the issue. The complainant continues to be unhappy however, and stated it wasn’t resolved to her satisfaction.

The possibility of purchasing a lux meter to read lumens was discussed, as currently the city can’t confirm if there is or isn’t a violation of their lighting ordinance.

A decision was made to send a letter to the property owner with the lights, asking if he would be willing to turn them on. If so, the city will purchase a lux meter to measure the lumens.

Fire Dept.

Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon presented the council with the fire department’s annual report. The department’s five-year call average is 268. Medical calls make up 67% of the total, followed by motor vehicle accidents. Structural fires average at six per year. 

Mike Keller is the department’s new assistant fire chief; two new lieutenants will be named after firefighters have been hired to replace the ones that left the department in 2020. 

Motions carried approving the increase in pay for firefighters from $11 to $12 an hour and increasing the pension rate from $1,750 to $1,850 per year of service.

Parks Update

Council Member Richard Petty gave an update on upcoming park purchases and the concept plan regarding the city’s future community center. Things currently on the list to be included are the library, gym and locker rooms, indoor playground, walking path, courts, and city hall office.  

Petty also briefly discussed the future Veterans Memorial Park that is planned near Riverside Park. A committee including Legion and Legion Riders representatives will be formed to determine the scope of what they would like to see.

Other Business

A motion carried to keep the Lion’s Building closed due to COVID-19, to be reviewed at the next council meeting.

Motions carried to pass Resolution 2021-03 Amending the Recreational Vehicle Ordinance, Resolution 2021-04 Amending the Traffic Code, and Resolution 2021-09 Extending the COVID-19 emergency orders.

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

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be March 8 at 7 p.m.