A large group of residents attended Clearwater Twp.’s June meeting to discuss the township’s public access at Nixon Lake, including concerns about the public access and water surface usages.

Dr. Larry Schut approached the board to provide an update from the Nixon Lake Committee, a group of 11 residents who met to develop a list of challenges at the lake. He presented a report created by the committee outlining public access and water surface usage challenges and potential solutions.

He began with issues the committee compiled concerning the parking area and boat landing. Eleven items were brought forth, including run-off from the parking area going into the lake, remaining bog material, no garbage receptacles on the grounds, inadequate signage, and people exiting the access dangerously onto Huber Ave.

After lengthy discussions on the separate issues, the board decided to move forward with the easiest fixes to start with. Supervisor Scott Miller indicated he would look into what’s needed or recommended on public access signage and said changing the slope of the parking lot gravel so run-off goes toward the wetland area instead of the lake should be fairly easy.

The sunken concrete parking barriers will be leveled, and Twp. Clerk Jean Just will look into options for garbage receptacles and installing a yield or stop sign before the access’s entrance onto Huber Ave. 

One of the biggest areas of concern discussed was people driving into the access when it’s closed and causing damage. Committee members brought up the idea of installing a gate at the entrance to the access that’s only open during posted hours, stating they believed there would be residents who would volunteer to lock and unlock it.

Others disagreed, feeling improved signage and possibly a trail cam would be enough to curb the problem. The board decided to start with new, better signage and see how things go after its installation. 

Due to the length of time the public access portion of the report took up, Nixon Lake water surface usages will be discussed at the July meeting; the committee is proposing changing Nixon into a “slow, no wake” lake.

A complete copy of the Nixon Lake Committee’s report can be read on the township’s website at clearwatertownship.org.

Orderly Annexation

Clear Lake Twp. Chairman Gary Gray approached the board to discuss both townships’ orderly annexation agreements with the City of Clearwater. 

He said the City of Clearwater had passed a subdivision ordinance, without any input from the townships, that extends two miles from the city in all directions. He recommended Clearwater Twp.’s orderly annexation agreement with the city rescind this ordinance.

“They won’t grow that far in even 25 years,” said Gray. “So what reason do they need to pass that? It makes absolutely no sense.”

Disappointed with the city, he said he came to Clearwater Twp.’s meeting so a dialog could be had concerning what the townships on both sides of the river want to do so they’re in agreement.

Other Business

Wright Co. Commissioner Darek Vetsch provided information on the county’s Economic Development Authority and its benefits to residents. There is no cost to the township to participate in the EDA.

Scott Zirbes approached the board to inquire if there was a potential for him to get an entitlement on recreational property he owns as the area around it has changed since his purchase. The township provided him with potential options to pursue.

The township’s application for LRIP funding wasn’t approved.

Johann Massmann attended the meeting to explain Silver Creek Twp.’s moratorium on gravel mining.