During a special meeting Monday night, Clearwater Twp. Chairman Scott Miller, who requested the meeting, asked his fellow board members to begin thinking of ways to use the township budget wisely and offset the revenue they’ll be losing with the City of Clearwater’s orderly annexation.
He reviewed the township’s accomplishments over the past 10 years, including the decision to start chip sealing township roads and navigating the large increase to their fire contract and the orderly annexation by the city.
“We’ve all worked together to get these things done,” said Miller. “Now I’d like to see some ideas for future spending and potential revenue return.”
The equipment fund was also brought up. Maintenance Supervisor Troy Mavencamp informed the board that their current equipment is in pretty good shape; Supervisor Rose Thelen suggested drafting a plan for what they’ll purchase and when. It was agreed if equipment wasn’t needed in a current year, money would be left in the fund for future needs.
The meeting concluded with Miller asking everyone to bring their ideas to the next two meetings so they could be discussed at the annual meeting in March.
Nov. and Dec. Mtgs
Agenda items for their November and December meetings included roads, variances, and CUPs.
Kenneth Mohs approached the board to request a variance. Wanting to build a shed on his property, he asked for a variance for an additional 270 square feet over what’s allowed. After discussion found no issues, a motion carried approving his request.
Brian Sloan approached the board to request a variance regarding land he wanted to purchase. He has no intent to build on it or request road access; he plans to keep it wooded to act as a buffer. A motion carried approving the request with Miller recusing himself.
Renewed CUPs were approved for two dog kennels in the township. As there have been no complaints, the CUPS were reissued for two years unless something changes.
The Grover Ave. and 155th Street project was again the subject of a long discussion, with Miller stating he felt the township should obtain the land needed to fix it now. Members of the audience asked for clarification on what the plan is for the project, with one stating he hadn’t seen engineer stakes in the area.
As the land has been surveyed, there should be stakes; Clerk Jean Just will contact the engineer. Miller stressed that the land acquisition and future chip sealing are two different projects.
Other Business
After receiving another call concerning an ongoing junk complaint, the board directed Just to contact Wright Co. to request the sheriff issue a citation.
The township’s January meeting was held on the 8th and will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot.
The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be February 12 at 7 p.m.
