During their recent meeting, the Clearwater City Council authorized the Clearwater EDA to administer a local grant program whereby CARES Act funds can be distributed to local businesses and non-profits who qualify.

The city recently received a small amount of CARES Act funding to be used in relief of COVID-19 related expenses of the city. Additionally, the act authorized the funds to be used to assist small businesses and non-profits in the municipality who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Interested businesses can receive a COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program Overview explaining eligibility and authorized use of funds along with a grant application by submitting a request to City Administrator Annita Smythe at 320-558-2428, or by email to asmythe@clearwatercity.com.

Application deadline is Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. Applications must be received in city hall by the deadline to be considered. Applicant funding will be determined by the Clearwater EDA at its sole discretion.

Other Business

The council considered the latest revisions to the fire contract forwarded by Clearwater and Lynden Twps. after their most recent meeting, some of which they agreed to. The latest revision will be sent back to the townships for their consideration. The city levy needs to be set by Sept. 30, so the council is hopeful a final can be agreed upon by all parties by their next meeting on Sept. 14.

The city hired a new accountant, Sarah Johnson, who started Aug. 10. The position was created by combining the recently vacated part time accounting clerk and finance director positions.

The city and the contractor are close to a resolution after further discussions related to the defective concrete at El Dorado Park.

A motion carried approving the final plat for Clearwater Estates Plat 8, Phase 1.

The council once again extended the existing COVID-19 Emergency Order and will continue revising it each month.

Oct. 10 has been tentatively set as the city’s new cleanup day. More information will follow.

City Administrator Annita Smythe was given a step increase in pay per her contract at her six-month review.

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.