During their meeting Monday, the Clearwater Twp. Board discussed options received from the MN Assoc. of Twps. (MAT) for their upcoming annual meeting March 9. 

Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, the board determined the best way to approach the meeting would be to hold it via Zoom. However, voters attending will be asked to approve the meeting be recessed and then reconvened at a later date, probably this summer, when everyone will be able to attend in person.

A motion carried passing Resolution 2021-002, approving the decision. 

Funding Update

During the township’s January meeting, Bill Langenbacher informed the board he was willing to apply for LRIP road improvement funding, as he had applied for the grant last year and is familiar with the process. The funding can be used for any road improvement project within the township however, the project has to have a lifespan of at least 10 years. A discussion was then held on which road projects to include in the grant.

The final decision was made to request funding for a road project that will begin where work on 150th left off and go all the way to State Hwy. 24. Resolution 2021-001 was passed so the application can be submitted.

Social Media

Jackie Sletten provided the board with a report of the information she had gathered concerning townships and social media, including information she had obtained by information sessions offered by MAT. 

As board members had expressed concern about the types of things that could be posted, she informed them MAT has a resolution the township could pass that would outline what would and would not be allowed. She also explained she could create a communication plan that would put in place a schedule of the general information to be posted for the next six to 12 months. All posts would direct the viewer to the township’s website for detailed information.

A long discussion followed, highlighted by concern over the amount of time administering the site would take as well as apprehension over the potential for negative comments to be posted.

Sletten will put together a proposal for board members to review and a decision will be made at the township’s March meeting.

Other Business

The board recommended approval of Marty Lefebvre’s request for a variance to exceed the five acres maximum size allowed for a lot division.

Gambling permits were approved for The Silver Bullet Saddle Club and Three of a Kind.

The Midco Franchise agreement, which will bring another internet option to township residents, is being worked on by the township’s attorney.

The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting is set for April 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Wright Co. Gov. Center. 

The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be March 1 at 7:30 p.m.