A large crowd attended Clearwater Twp.’s April meeting to learn about and discuss the Minnesota Energy Connection project, a proposal to build a double-circuit 345-kilovolt transmission line that will connect new renewable energy to the retiring Sherco power plant’s existing grid connections. 

Twp. Supervisor Rose Thelen informed residents Xcel has identified three potential routes, two of which go through Clearwater Twp. The company is currently gathering and reviewing comments from the community. Their plan is to reduce the route options down to two and then hold public hearings so community members can again provide input.

Thelen encouraged everyone to call and send in their comments supporting the route that bypasses the township. Suggestions for optional routes can also be submitted. She stressed now is the time to act, as once the route has been chosen they’ll start purchasing land.

A motion carried for the township to submit a letter on behalf of its residents supporting the line using the route that bypasses the township. Thelen will draft the letter.

Residents are urged to visit www.MNEnergyConnection.com for more information and to view current route options. 

Hwy 24 Bridge

The City of Clearwater sent information to the township that explains MnDOT’s plan to redo the State Hwy 24 bridge that crosses I-94. 

The new bridge will be designed as a diamond diversion and left hand turns will be banned from the 179th St. and Kwik Trip accesses. Instead, drivers will need to use a roundabout that is planned for the intersection of Hwy. 24 and Co. Rd. 7. A second roundabout will be built at the intersection of Hwy. 24 and Co. Rd. 75 in Clearwater. Stoplights will be removed at the interstate access points to prevent traffic from stopping at the exits.

The current bridge will stay open during construction, then be taken down after the new bridge has been completed. The City of Clearwater is looking into funding.

Road Report

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Ludenia and Clerk Jean Just presented the numbers they’d put together for the various road projects the township is considering, and shared that there is concern there might not be enough dirt from the hill removal on 148th St. to build the in-slope.

A motion carried to use ARPA money to hire an engineer to provide more knowledgeable input and costs on the removal of the hill on 148th St. and the Grover Ave. project. A survey has also been ordered for the Grover Ave. project. Ludenia will send out for chip seal quotes. 

Quotes for gravel hauling (5,000 yds) and chloride (30,000 gallons) were opened during the meeting. Motions carried approving both.

Other Business

A motion carried to recommend approval for Steve and Jean Ziebarth’s request for an amendment to their existing CUP. They plan to build an 80’x150’ storage facility on their Hwy. 24 property. 

A motion carried to recommend approval for Daniel Rasset’s request to rezone his Grover Ave. property. He plans to split off 10 acres, acquire a building permit, and retire there after selling the rest of the land.

The final recycling contract was briefly discussed, after which a motion to approve carried.

Cleanup day will be May 20.

The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be May 10 at 7 p.m.