During the Clearwater Twp. annual meeting and recent monthly meetings, numerous agenda items were discussed, including the levy, a chip sealing request, roads, and new equipment needed.

Annual Meeting

Fred Mische was nominated moderator for the township’s annual meeting on March 11. A special guest of the evening was State Auditor Judy Blaha.

The Clearwater Fire Dept. reported 370 total calls for service for 2024, 92 of which were for Clearwater Twp. The number of calls is projected to be up for 2025, as there have already been 80 calls through the beginning of March.

The department hired four new firefighters in 2024; the total number of firefighters is 24. Their goal is 30 firefighters, so they’re always looking for more.

The 2026 levy proposed by the board was for $330,000. A resident asked for the levy to be raised an additional $50,000 so the amount of chip sealing could be increased. After discussion, the request was approved, however, the vote wasn’t unanimous.

Monthly Meetings

Jim Thyen approached the board to discuss the potential of chip sealing on the section of Grover Ave. that he lives on, explaining that he’s tired of gravel road issues like dust, potholes, and mud. He determined it would actually be cheaper to chip seal the road himself rather than move, which is his second option.

Supervisor Jerry Raisanen said it would probably be five years or more before the township got to that section of road; none of the current board members had heard of it being discussed in previous years. 

The request was tabled to April to give the township time to review the road and research legalities. 

The board discussed options and pricing for a skid loader needed for numerous projects throughout the township; in the past, one had been rented. Raisanen said he believes it will pay for itself in three years; prices for both options will be brought to the board.

Maintenance Supervisor Troy Mavencamp presented options on a mower for the tractor; further information will be provided to Twp. Clerk Jean Just. He stressed that contrary to the rumor going around, the township isn’t looking at purchasing a grader. 

A resident called the township to request a speed limit sign on 125th Street, stating the amount and speed of traffic have increased. Clerk Just informed her state statute doesn’t allow the township to change speed limits.

A discussion was held on erecting speed warning signs, but if done, the concern is that everyone will want one on their roads as well. Signs are also harder to mow around. The request was tabled to the next meeting.

The board agreed they don’t want to move forward with providing maintenance support for Lynden Twp. Raisanen had met with the Lynden Twp. board previously to discuss the possibility.

Supervisor Rose Thelen reported the owner of the junk property complaint had been served by the county. The move was made after requests by the township were ignored. 

A motion carried approving two gambling permits for the Silver Bullet Saddle Club.

Cleanup day will be on May 17 from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Up Next

The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be April 8 at 7 p.m.