Clear Valley Business Connections (CVBC) held their October quarterly meeting at Eagle Trace Golf and Event Center with 25 members and guests in attendance. The meeting was followed by the CVBC’s 10th annual 9-hole golf scramble.

 

After everyone introduced themselves and the businesses they represent, the meeting began with city updates.

 

Clearwater City Administrator Kevin Kress told attendees about recent happenings in the city, including MnDOT’s nearly completed Mississippi River bridge, which officially opened to traffic in August.

 

The city is also working with MnDOT to install a large Clearwater sign off Interstate 94 and one just north of the city on Hwy 24.

 

Kress told the group the city’s new archery park was getting a lot of use, explaining how it’s set up and that it requires very little maintenance. They’re currently working on installing new equipment at Spring Street Park, and a versa court was installed at Lions Park. Significant upgrades were also made to the Lions Pavilion located at the park.

 

Clearwater is looking at a food truck ordinance and would like input on reinstating business licenses and the earlier housing maintenance rental ordinance. They’re also establishing city engineering standards.

 

Kress informed attendees the city is reviewing a waterlooping project under the interstate to Cedar South Development, and conducted a utility infrastructure analysis to review water and sewer connections, capacities and potential projects. A utility rate analysis for water and sewer funds was also done.

 

A long-term capital improvement plan was conducted to begin upgrades for all city departments, including water, sewer, streets, fire, public works and parks.

 

Council Member Rollie Lange said with the large amount of traffic going through the city there are a lot of business opportunities being missed. Preparing for development and getting people to stop in Clearwater instead of just passing through has led to talks about building the infrastructure needed and beginning the annexation process. 

 

Dan Meer added during the summer his business, Clear Waters Outfitting, brings in six to eight thousand people, so there’s definitely a big potential for more business.

 

CVBC President Lori Johnson updated the group on things happening in Clear Lake, including the McDonald’s Meats’ expansion, the solar panel field going in and the quiet zone the city is working to get into place.

 

Johnson told the group there was good feedback from the recent Good Morning Clear Valley get together held at Ändra K Salon & Spa, and reminded them companies can hold a get together at their facility any time of the year.

 

Open houses were held at JK Landscape and Lightbody.

 

CVBC is planning to hold the Clearwater/Clear Lake Business Expo again this spring. 

 

The new Clearwater Kwik Trip on the south side of Interstate 94 is moving along quickly.

 

The old Sedation Dentistry building is still open.

 

When asked about the trail along the new bridge, Kress said they didn’t know yet what was happening on the Clear Lake side, but the Clearwater side will connect with the bike trail.

 

Clearwater will also be tying into the county’s Lake Wobegon Trail, which will lead from Monticello and Beaver Island to the city.

 

Meer told the group once the Lake Wobegon Trail is completed, Clear Waters Outfitting will began offering bike rentals.

 

A raffle was held at the conclusion of the meeting with prizes donated by local businesses, followed by the organization’s 10th annual 9-hold golf scramble. 

 

The CVBC annual meeting and chili cook-off will be Jan. 11 at Rejoice Lutheran Church.