Midco Government Relations Manager Melissa Wolf attended Clear Lake Twp.’s April meeting to provide an update on the company’s expansion within the township.

She recapped that 584 homes/locations had been identified in the area, which have been broken into north of Hwy. 10 and south of Hwy. 10. Work on the north side had already begun, and work on the south side will begin in late May. Once construction is complete fiber splicing will begin, which will bring the service to consumers. Everyone who requests it should have service by the end of the year.

Customers will have a variety of tiers to choose from, which start at five gigabytes. Construction updates can be followed on the company’s website at Midco.com/constructionsupport, or by call customer service.

Midco will also be upgrading their current service areas.

Road Report

Township Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk updated the board on the road work in the township, informing them he had received a quote to replace bituminous in Sherwood Shores and that the shoulder along a property on the north end of 43rd Ave. had significantly washed out, leaving significant residue on his lawn. 

A quote was received for $1,980 to repair the washout and others on the east side of the cul-de-sac, and another quote was received for $2,650 to repair a bump along 70th Ave. 

At Eyk’s recommendation a motion carried approving all three estimates.

Park Updates

Supervisor Bud Stimmler informed the board Sherburne Co. Soil and Water had come out and broadcast wildflower seeds over the east side of the township park. Chinese Elm and birch trees will be cut throughout the summer as they emerge and there will be another burn in the fall. 

The new park pavilion is being built and the playground equipment has been ordered.

Other Business

The Planning Commission will be reviewing the county solar ordinance in regard to planting trees to use as screening. Many of the trees surrounding the solar garden along Co. Rd. 8 in Haven Twp. have died, and a discussion was held regarding if trees actually need to be planted, and if so, what size and kind of trees should be used.

A motion carried approving the purchase of a dedication plaque for the new township hall for $269.

A motion carried approving the purchase of eight new stand up voting booths, not to exceed $2,000.

The township’s annual spring cleanup day went well, with 77 residents making use of the service; 67 from the township and 10 from the City of Clear Lake.

The sheriff reported 141 calls for service, including 82 traffic stops and two narcotics arrests.

The next Clear Lake Twp. meeting will be June 21 at 7 p.m.