At the beginning of Clearwater Twp.’s May meeting, Fred Mische was sworn in as the township’s newest supervisor. Open due to previous supervisor Jerry Raisanen’s resignation, Mische was nominated by Chairperson Rose Thelen.

Road Report

During the April meeting chip seal quotes were opened and Astech was awarded the double chip seal projects for Grover Ave. from 150th to Thyen ($73,241) and Greer Ave., 150th Street, and Iten Circle ($106,806), and the single chip seal projects of 125th, Hart, 124th, and 120th ($38,161)

As the only bidder, Ashtech was also awarded the Ultra-Thin Bonded Wear Course ($143,900) for 150th Street. 

Twp. Attorney Mike Couri has drawn up an agreement with Jim Thyen, who previously requested he be able to chip seal nearly a mile of Grover Ave. up to his driveway. As it’s a benefit to the township, it will incur the cost of prepping the road for chip seal and maintaining it after; Thyen will be responsible for the rest. 

Before the project begins, $75,000 will need to be deposited to the township, and if the road proves too difficult or costly to maintain the chip seal, the township retains the right to turn the road back to gravel. A motion carried for approval.

The board discussed speed limit warning signs on 125th Street to see if an approvement on speed is seen. Further discussion of what speed should be put on the signs resulted in a decision of 45 mph; some residents asked for 30-35, board members didn’t feel it should be under 45. A motion carried to purchase four signs.

The board received a response from Silver Creek Twp. on their joint road projects of Mississippi Oaks and Elder Ave. Silver Creek indicated they don’t want to fill cracks on Mississippi Oaks as they feel the road is beyond repair; Clearwater Twp. feels the cracks need to be filled in prior to an overlay as otherwise the cracks will still be there. 

Concerning Elder Ave., Silver Creek said it wasn’t on their schedule until 2027 and would like to look at Ultra-Thin bonding on it. Clearwater Twp. isn’t in favor of this. The township will reach out to Silver Creek again for further discussion.

A motion carried approving Silver Creek’s quote for graveling and chloride on Gowan Ave., estimated at $7,940.

Bekah Kanable received approval from Wright Hennepin Electric to have electric line from her house to her shed across the road placed underneath the road to avoid hanging wires. Although there will be no cost to the township, because it’s a township road they’re requesting documentation that the board has no objection. After a brief discussion board members voiced approval.

A motion carried approving the purchase of 10 bags of chloride, which the township will again be applying itself. 

Junk Properties

After an update on the most current junk property complaint, which is now being worked on, it was noted that a junk complaint had again been brought against Roger Thompson’s property. Similar complaints have been received in the past.

The township will send Thompson a letter detailing substantial improvement that needs to occur in the next 30 days, including the installation of a screening fence, and that everything must be removed from the road right-of-way. 

Other Business

After reviewing three quotes that were received for a skid loader, a motion carried 2 to 1 approving the purchase of a 2023 John Deere 317G for $59,881. 

Wright Co. has been working on cannabis licensing. The only reason the township will need to be involved is if a resident wants to grow cannabis commercially. 

The next Clearwater Twp. meeting was June 11, which will be covered at a later date. The next township meeting after will be on July 9 at 7 p.m.