During the September Clearwater City Council meeting, residents approached the council to share a number of concerns regarding the proposed Central Minnesota Cold Storage project along Co. Rd. 7.

Some residents stated they felt the planning commission’s hearing relating to the project was only a formality and their comments weren’t actually considered and didn’t feel their questions had been answered. Some felt Mayor Lawrence’s comment that property owners could have purchased the property in question themselves was disrespectful.

Lawrence responded that she hadn’t meant to be flippant with her comment, she had just been stating the fact that the property had been on the market for some time, which had given others ample opportunity to purchase it before the cold storage developer had. She said she was extremely upset by accusations of kickbacks on this or any project, and stated the allegations were hurtful and false. 

Residents expressed concerns about traffic increases and safety and said they would like the speed limit lowered along Co. Rd. 7 and State Hwy. 24 to reflect the new city boundaries along with ‘no parking’ signs along Co. Road 7.

City Administrator Annita Smythe and Council Member Kris Crandall explained steps the EDA has taken to request a traffic study, outlining for MnDOT the safety concerns and suggesting possible options for the Co. Rd. 7 to Co. Rd. 75 corridor. They said MnDOT has been kept appraised of all the proposed commercial projects that would bring additional traffic to this corridor and are working on plans to address them.

Along with asking where the checks and balances would be as the company grows in the future, residents requested more information on how the project promotes public welfare. Some residents stated they felt the project was poorly planned and don’t believe current infrastructure could handle the additional truck traffic. 

Lower property values and hindering residential growth were also brought up as concerns.

Smythe explained that the city doesn’t proactively pursue these types of project proposals as there isn’t sufficient staff to do so. The developer felt the project was a good fit for Clearwater given its location and local businesses that support transportation services. 

Lionel Kull, representative from the development team, said they have made several changes to their original plan in an attempt to address residents’ concerns. He explained the project would generate less traffic than a new residential development; explaining there would be around 40 to 60 trucks per day. 

He stated their hope is to be a benefit to the community, with a good project that improves the tax base, in turn helping to pay for future park or safety improvements. 

Motions carried approving Resolutions 2022-56 Approving Preliminary Plat – Central Minnesota Cold Storage and 2022-58 Approving Site Plan – Central Minnesota Cold Storage, and Ordinance 2022-07 Approving Rezoning – Central Minnesota Cold Storage.

Park Commission

The Park Commission has been discussing ways to scale back the community center proposal. Staff will be reviewing options for an earlier sketch that included fewer facilities. Crandall suggested the city conduct another survey as some residents seem opposed to the project.

The Commission is recommending moving the temporary hockey rink from Spring Street Park to El Dorado Park, placing it on the basketball courts with a liner added to protect the concrete. A motion carried approving the move.

The Veterans Memorial Park committee met and approved a project plan for completion; initial work has begun. The completion deadline is June 30, 2023, for grant funding.

A motion to flip the ‘backwards’ bench along the Co. Rd. 75 bike trail to a position facing the roadway failed due to lack of a second.

Other Business

Smythe provided an overview of the preliminary levy and budget, explaining the only changes since the previous month were capital plan changes suggested by the council for expansion of the city hall/fire hall and reducing the community center bond to $3 million. When asked about staff additions she said the proposed shared position with the EDA and a part time accounting clerk for the fourth quarter were added. Additional staff for public works was removed due to cost and levy impact. 

A motion carried approving Resolution 2022-59 Approving 2023 Preliminary Levy and Budget. 

The sheriff reported there have been higher than usual number of reports regarding loose dogs with some citations issued. He informed the council the suspect from the local canoe theft had been apprehended and most of the stolen property returned. He did not have an update on the recent robbery at American Heritage Bank.

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.