During their December meeting the Clearwater Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed recent communication from the township’s recycling company concerning the dates and costs of pickup. 

The company has indicated that beginning in January they will begin picking up residents’ recycling on Thursdays instead of Fridays, hoping to streamline their pickup schedule. A postcard will be sent out to residents with the new schedule.

The board also discussed their upcoming contract renewal with Republic Services. Costs will be going up due to the rising cost of fuel and difficulties the company is having getting rid of some of the recyclables. 

Twp. Clerk Jean Just will send out for quotes, after which a decision will be made by February. The township currently has 577 recycling bins. 

Republic Services has a new phone number, 320-252-9608, which is also listed on the township’s website, ClearwaterTownship.org. 

Organizational Meeting

John Notch was approved as board chair for the upcoming year; Rose Thelen will be vice chair. Board meetings will be kept the same dates but will be held at 7 p.m. versus the current 7:30 p.m. time. Public posting places, bank, and law firm were kept as is.

The board approved raising wages. Board members will receive $75 per hour for the first four hours, over that they will receive $15 per hour. Treasurer wage was kept the same, clerk’s hourly rate was raised from $25 and hour to $30, and deputy clerk/treasurer’s rate was raised from $20 to $23/hour.

Maintenance Dept. Supervisor Mike Ludenia requested the wage for his part time workers be raised. The board agreed, raising the rate from $27/hour to $30.

Other Business

Tim Hanson approached the board to request an impervious surface variance for his Co. Rd. 7 property. He plans to tear the front porch off his cabin and redo it with a deck. Although the footings will remain the same it will bring his impervious surface to 27 ½; it needs to be 25% or less. 

Hanson indicated there were things he could remove on the property to get the impervious surface down to where it needs to be. The board approved the variance with the condition that this would take place.

The board approved renewal of Diane Stirling’s dog kennel conditional use permit. The state reviewed the property this past summer and gave the operation a clean bill of health. There are currently 20 dogs on the property; the permit allows for up to 30. 

The letter the township attorney drafted concerning the 157th St. issue was reviewed. The letter states 157th is publicly platted, the township has no jurisdiction over it, and they have chosen not to maintain it. The letter will be forwarded to Patrick Chaplin’s attorney to use as they move forward with the courts. 

The board approved Three of a Kind’s gambling permit for their annual July fundraiser.

The township newsletter will be sent out some time in the beginning of the new year. Supervisor John Notch requested the issue of dumping leaves, snow, and other rubbish in the ditches be addressed as he’s had to speak to numerous residents about it this year. Dumping anything in the township’s ROW isn’t allowed.

The board will be discussing upcoming road projects during their February 8 meeting; residents are encouraged to attend to provide their input. 

The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be January 11 at 7 p.m.