During the Clearwater City Council’s April meeting, resident Sarah Tasa came forward during the public form to express concerns over the mosquito contract renewal. She stated she is opposed to the mosquito control spraying because of concerns about chemicals used. It was noted that residents can opt out of having their home sprayed.

The council returned to the issue later in the meeting when discussing the mosquito spraying contract renewal. Last year’s contract was only good for one year. Mosquito spraying was initially implemented because of the two rivers running through town and concerns about the West Nile Virus. 

Mayor Lawrence explained last year the city had a detailed discussion on the matter, surveyed the public, heard from company representatives, and considered several options. Residents who responded to the survey indicated they wanted to continue spraying with Permethrin, which is less expensive than the organic Merus product.

Member Lindsey Luhmann stated she is opposed to spraying as she doesn’t believe it works and is concerned about health effects. Member Wayne Kruchten said he is also opposed because of the cost and is concerned about toxicity. He suggested the city forgo spraying for one year and see if residents notice a difference.

Member Kris Crandall said he remembers what it was like before spraying began and stated he believes spraying is a benefit to residents.

A motion to approve the contract renewal with the Permethrin product failed 2-2.

Public Forum

Along with her concerns about mosquito spraying, Tasa stated she is concerned with the assessment process for late utility bills. She believes the assessment fee is too high and should be removed, that people should be allowed to make a payment plan for late bills, and that there should be more information made available about resources for payment assistance. 

A discussion followed addressing the city’s process, the number of notifications sent to residents, the information on the city’s website and Facebook page, and the fact that the county charges the city a fee for assessments which must be passed on or covered by other residents. 

Pat Briggs approached the council to reiterate his position that they consider his request for 26 years of TIF assistance for his proposed Ash Street apartments project. 

Mayor Andrea Lawrence stated as this item wasn’t on the agenda for discussion she needed additional time to review everything before she could determine her position on the issue; other council members concurred. 

City Administrator Annita Smythe explained that the city had not yet drafted the TIF development agreement as it’s typically done following site plan approval. Briggs stated he would like the financial details finalized before proceeding to the site plan and requested the city begin drafting the agreement.

Other Business

A discussion was held concerning the snow fence ordinance the city adopted last year. There were a handful of complaints over the winter regarding snow fencing being in disrepair, however it was hard for staff to enforce once the fence was erected due to poles getting frozen into the ground. 

Mayor Lawrence reiterated that she isn’t in favor of the fencing as it’s not permanent and proposed sending the ordinance back to the Planning Commission to strike out the third exception that allows snow fencing near undeveloped areas.

Crandall said there was a lot of discussion in regard to the issue last year and he was fine with it as is; Kruchten stated he was fine with either option. Mayor Lawrence asked if there was a majority who wanted it referred to the Planning Commission, which failed for lack of a majority.

Caroline Stutsman from Bergan KDV provided the council with an overview of the audit report, after which a motion carried accepting the report.

Motions carried approving Resolution 2022-25 Certifying Lien for Unpaid Utilities and Resolution 2022-28 Appointing Planning Commission Member.

Motions carried authorizing the purchase of a new sewer pump for a slight increase over bid and the purchase of a new mower by state bid; the expected cost is $41,000.

Motions carried approving acceptance of the scoreboard for Sportsman’s Park that was donated by the Clearwater Lions and approving the hiring of Breanna Rhodes to complete the mural at Spring Street Park for $800.

Michael Lenz was appointed to the council seat vacated by Richard Petty with a term ending December 31, 2022.

The CVBC Business Expo will be May 1.

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be May 9 at 7 p.m.