Along with their regular July meeting, the Clearwater City Council met for a special meeting later in the month to review the most recent draft to the orderly annexation agreement (OAA) with Clearwater Twp. 

Annexation

City Attorney Dave Anderson explained the current draft agreement, stating that nearly all of the changes discussed at the OAA committee’s meeting with Clearwater Twp. Attorney Mike Couri had been removed and the old language placed back in. In addition, there is new language added that caused concerns for the city.

There were several areas where the council would like changes, including language stating how the city is notified of land use applications, removing “abutting” language and replacing it with language spelling out that water and sewer connections are available if located in the road ROW adjacent to the property, and clarification that the 20 year deferment on requiring water/sewer connections doesn’t apply to vacant land with no existing water/sewer services. 

The council doesn’t want to rescind subdivision authority, however if the township insists as a condition of approval, members determined they may agree to rescind for Clearwater Twp.

A subsequent workshop meeting was scheduled for late August to review and reconsider a new version with the noted changes and any additional information provided by the township.

Speed Study

City Administrator Annita Smythe explained the speed study results provided by Sgt. Scherber following two weeks of tracking Bluff Street speeds. The results indicated significantly lower speeds in the second week of the study; Scherber said he believes the speed tracking signs contributed to the lower speeds and suggested the city consider acquiring a mobile speed tracker that could be used randomly in problem areas.

Scherber stated he doesn’t believe lowering the speed limit would be effective, as numerous people were already exceeding the posted speed limit at the start of the study. The Sheriff’s Office will encourage local deputies to patrol the area more frequently.

Smythe outlined quotes for two different types of speed tracking devices, which vary widely in features and costs. The council directed her to bring additional quotes of the style that mounts to existing speed signs to the next meeting. 

Apartment Grills

Fire Marshal Brian Kunkel approached the board to request direction on when and how to issue fines for repeat offenders to the ban on grills on apartment patios. He stated that since August 2009 when the board adopted a section of the state’s fire code banning grills on apartment patios, he’s annually visited apartments within the city and sent reminder letters to ensure compliance.

Even with the annual letters, there has been non-compliance at the same two apartment complexes. This year he gave verbal warnings with a compliance date of July 12, 2021; one complied the other did not. 

The council discussed options, with the general consensus being to see a written warning sent out before issuing citations. Kunkel was directed to send a final warning notice to the non-compliant building, then work with Smythe and the Sheriff’s Office to issue fines per the fee schedule when necessary.

Zoning Ordinance

Smythe informed the council that the current zoning ordinance doesn’t appear to have any zoning districts where food shelf facilities are allowed as either a permitted or conditional use. As the city already has a food shelf, she believes this is an oversight in the current ordinance which she recommended amending.

After discussion, it was decided districts C1, C2, C4, I-1, I-2, and P/I should be considered. District C3 has limited parking and can’t accommodate semitrucks. The Planning Commission was directed to begin the amendment process.

Other Business

Over 100 calls were received from residents concerning the new waste hauler; the majority of issues were resolved after the first week with only a small number remaining.

City Accountant Sarah Johnson presented her research of text alert system options. A motion carried authorizing a contract with the Public Alert system, as it is the lowest cost option, appears user friendly, and has the features the council requested.

In June the council discussed the possibility of banning the use of plastic bags, however it was discovered that state law prohibits cities from doing so. Implementing a fee was discussed, however staff indicated they don’t believe there is statutory authority to do so.

Smythe was awarded the Minnesota Women in City Government Leadership Award for appointed officials at the recent LMC Annual Conference 

A motion carried scheduling cleanup day for Oct. 2, 2021.

The next City Council meeting will be Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.