During their last meeting of the year, Clearwater City Council members approved and posted for a new community development specialist position which will be shared with the EDA. The position is intended to manage several areas of new responsibility along with other duties absorbed by existing staff.
Ash Street Apts.
During their November meeting, the council approved the site plan and PUD/CUP for the upcoming Ash St. apartment complex, which the developer is currently calling Clearwater Residential Estates.
The Planning Commission had recommended denial, however changes have been made to address their concerns. These include moving the driveway and trash enclosures out of the city easement area and moving the trash enclosure inside the building with a garage attachment. A condition was added to the development agreement requiring trees to be replaced if moved for maintenance, as the landscaping provides required screening under city code.
A parking variance to allow 90 parking stalls was also requested and approved for the complex. City code requires 2.5 per unit/105 stalls for the proposed 42 units.
Lastly, the TIF development agreement was approved after changes were made to the proposed agreement, including changes to the number of units, which resulted in a slight increase to the proposed TIF dollar amount. There was also a provision added to address the city’s request for security to cover storm sewer infrastructure costs of the project.
Code Enforcement
Smythe informed the council that Bryan Kelly contacted staff and stated he wanted to avoid litigation and come into compliance. To date, he has removed several vehicles, obtained a new survey, and applied to complete a lot combination. He also stated he would like to discuss a possible access easement with the city.
Members discussed the actions taken to date but want to make sure the issues ultimately get resolved. A motion carried to pause litigation while Kelly works with staff, but to require a monthly update until the violations are resolved.
Motions Carried
The council approved Resolution 2022-76 Approving Variance Request – RHL, Inc., which asked for approval to erect a sign along I-94 that exceeds size limits in City Code.
Resolution 2022-77 Approving Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit – Midco was approved. Wanting to build an essential services structure on a vacant lot next to the laundromat, Midco was requesting a conditional use permit as the property is zoned R1-Residential.
After discussion, Resolution 2023-83 – Approval of 2023 Levy and Budget was approved.
Also approved was Resolution 2023-84 – Approval of 2023 Step Compensation Scale, which adjusts staff wages closer to market rates due to inflation, adds new positions, including a new staff structure to address a pending retirement, and adjusts to comply with pay equity laws. Staff must obtain ‘meets’ or ‘exceeds’ expectations on their performance review to be eligible for a step increase; all increases are approved by the city council.
Further motions carried include Ord. 2023-01 – Approval of 2023 Fee Schedule Ordinance, Ord. 2022-10 – Amending Parking After Snowfall Ordinance, and approval of the Contract Amendment for Waste Hauler. The city’s trash and recycling pick-up date is moving to Thursdays beginning in January.
Other Business
Concrete at Veterans Memorial Park has been completed; public works staff has built a portable warming house for the hockey rink at El Dorado Park.
During public forum a resident approached the council to inquire about the new sewer surcharge. City Administrator Annita Smythe explained that it was added by the Sewer Authority due to declining revenues as a result of low flows caused by the drought conditions of the past two years.
Fire Chief Mike Keller recognized Firefighters Josh Neubert and Jason Lang for receiving department commendation awards related to their recent actions going beyond expectations in a life-saving effort.
Outgoing Clearwater City Council members Kris Crandall, Wayne Kruchten, and woeruweor Lenz were recognized and thanked for their service to the city.
The council met again on January 9, which will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be February 13 at 7 p.m.
