The Clearwater Twp. Board held their regular March meeting and their annual meeting, which they had previously determined would be better to postpone until July.

March Meeting

The public hearing for the Midco Franchise Agreement closed with no public comment; after a brief discussion a motion carried approving the agreement.

One open chip seal quote for 148th Street, Huber Ave., and 145th Street was received from Astech for $95,683. This section of the road was also submitted for DNR grant funding.

The township received a letter from Silver Creek Twp. asking to chip seal the shared newly paved 150th Street at the approximate cost of $35,000. A motion carried approving the request.

Three open gravel hauling quotes were received. A motion carried to accept the lowest bid; $4.90/yard from Hendricks Sand & Gravel.

The board discussed the pros and cons to having a social media page, deciding to try it for six months; Cassie Kenning and Jean Just will be the administrators. A motion carried approving Resolution 2021-03 Adopting a Twp. Social Media Policy. A final review of the Facebook page and policy will be held at the April meeting.

Spring cleanup day was set for May 22.

Annual Meeting

Although the board had determined it would be better to postpone the annual meeting until July due to COVID-19 concerns, motions to do so failed twice 6-7. Because the meeting was then unexpectedly being held, it was briefly recessed for preparation.

Once called back to order, Bill Langenbacher was nominated moderator, after which Clerk Jean Just gave the treasurer’s report and explained what each of the funds were used for.

A motion to decrease the board’s recommended $330,000 road and bridge levy to $315,000 and moving the rest of the money to the equipment fund was brought forward. A discussion was held, during which Supervisor Scott Miller explained money was put in the equipment fund so it’s available when future equipment is needed. A second motion to leave the road and bridge levy at $330,000 carried 13-2.

A motion to increase the board’s recommended $105,000 fire levy to $110,000 was brought forward. A discussion was held regarding the necessity of having a good fire department and making sure funds were available. Miller explained the board was comfortable with their recommendation and wanted to make sure the township is staying in line with what the City of Clearwater needs.

Supervisor Rose Thelen informed attendees a meeting had already been held with the city that indicated the $105,000 would be enough for 2022. There will also be a true up and if they’re under budget the amount due will decrease. A motion to leave the levy at the board’s recommendation carried unanimously.

The board’s recommended $85,000 town levy carried unanimously with no discussion.

A motion also carried approving the annual $2,000 donation to the Clearwater Library.