During their July 13 meeting, the Clearwater City Council discussed city and state EDAs (economic development authority).

The City of Clearwater has an EDA, but due to lack of membership that group hasn’t met since 2015. Feeling it was important, especially during this time, the council had been pushing to get it active again. It was reestablished, and the group met again for the first time last week.

One of the first actions taken was to authorize acceptance of CARES Act funds, which are provided by the federal government for payments to state and local governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Clearwater’s EDA and city council will decide how to spend the funds, which must be used for COVID related issues. One of the programs being considered is assistance for small businesses; if approved, the next step will be for the council to authorize the EDA to put the program together.

A public meeting will be held via Zoom on Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. The council is looking for input and the public is encouraged to attend; if interested, call or email city hall for details. The city is also still looking for small business representation on the EDA.

Council Member Kris Crandall volunteered and was approved by the council to join Wright Co.’s EDA Advisory Group; the county

Fire Contract

After approving the latest fire contract with Clearwater and Lynden Twp.’s in June, the council has yet to hear back from either entity.

Because the city is required to certify a preliminary levy in September, the council needs to be informed if the townships will be contracting with them again. Staff was authorized to send a letter to the townships asking for their response by August 20 so they will have time to plan for the levy.

Other Business

The council extended the existing COVID-19 Emergency Order, and will be revising it each month. Also extended was late fees for residents’ utility accounts.

Because of the large number of parks within city limits and the numerous projects being worked on in the parks, city staff put together a template that will track each project and provide status reports on budgets and deadlines.

The council authorized staff to send a letter to the contractor regarding cracking on the basketball courts, an issue which has been disputed with the contractor since last year. Update: The contractor contacted the city the following day and stated he was going to place a new test product on a section of the court this week. If it works, it will be applied to all of the faulty concrete.

The council approved Resolution 2020-42 – Accepting Donation to Fire Department, Resolution 2020-43 – Approving Change of Official Newspaper, and Resolution 2020-44 – Authorizing Acceptance of COVID-19 Relief Funds.

The primary election will be held on Aug 11.

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be August 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.