At the start of the Clearwater City Council’s January meeting reelected Mayor Andrea Lawrence and newly elected Council Members Travis Winkelman, James Schwinghammer, and Santos Vazquez took their oaths of office.
Board Appointments
During public forum, resident Sarah Tasa approached the council to say she had concerns about the proposed appointments to boards and commissions, stating that one resident had been appointed to two boards.
Later in the meeting Mayor Lawrence gave an overview of the proposed appointments. The city tries to place residents on boards instead of council members when possible so there is a greater diversity of opinions. Lawrence stressed she tried to match people up with the boards that matched their backgrounds and strengths. She stated there were multiple applicants for the Planning Commission, however, there were not enough openings for all of them.
Since the boards are advisory to the city council, council members always have a say in the final decisions. She encouraged members to attend meetings of the boards they’re interested in even if they were not appointed as the liaison. Boards include the Planning Commission, Park Commission, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Clear Lake/Clearwater Sewer Authority (CLCWSA).
The council liaison was left vacant for EDA as no council members had applied. Since that board meets at 8 a.m. Lawrence wanted a volunteer to make sure it worked with people’s schedules. Council Member Lindsey Luhmann indicated she could attend the January meeting. Members indicated they would check their schedules and discuss the appointment again at the next council meeting.
A motion to approve Resolution 2023-01 as presented carried 4 to 1, with Council Member Winkelman voting nay.
Position Opening
City Administrator Annita Smythe informed the council the new Community Development staff position had been posted, and explained the new position was intended to be a full time, benefits-eligible position at 32 hours per week. Because full time is defined in the city’s personnel policy as 36 hours per week, a request was made for an amendment revising it to 32 hours.
When questioned by council members, Smythe explained the new position could be changed to 36 hours per week, however, it was only budgeted for 32 hours and it would be costly to increase. She stated the change wouldn’t impact any other staff, who work a minimum of 36 hours per week.
A motion carried to approve the personnel policy amendments as proposed.
Court Hearing
Smythe reported there had been a court hearing on the Scott Pesola property code enforcement. He was assigned a court-appointed attorney and the case was continued until March 20, 2023.
City Attorney Dave Anderson gave an overview of the actions taken to date and explained the city is now seeking a contempt order for Pesola’s failure to comply with the previous order. As it could result in jail time, the court agreed to provide an attorney to him (he had been representing himself prior to this).
The city can’t begin any clean up activity until spring due to the snow, so didn’t oppose the continuance.
Other Business
A motion carried to approve the extension of the rugby field lease agreement for 10 years with the condition the team provides their schedule to the council.
Resolution 2023-03 carried approving a temporary gambling permit for St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
The sheriff reported 134 calls for service for January, including 47 traffic stops, four shoplifting, three vehicle accidents, three fraud, two missing person, one drug, and one fight. Deputies apprehended an alleged thief at Coborn’s Liquor who the department believes has been involved in several other thefts in the region.
The Clearwater City Council held a meeting February 13, which will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next city council meeting will be March 13 at 7 p.m.
