During their June meeting the Clearwater City Council again discussed the subject of mosquito spraying after it was submitted as an agenda item by residents.

City Administrator Annita Smythe began by reviewing the previous actions taken by the council when previously discussing the issue, including reviewing numerous materials and studies about the Permethrin product used previously and an organic product called Merus.

She informed residents present about the results of their Facebook survey (which overwhelmingly came back in favor of spraying) and the benefits and costs of the program, all of which had been discussed at previous meetings.

At the time, the vote to not renew the mosquito spraying contract failed with a 2-2 split vote as the council was short a member following the resignation of Council Member Richard Petty.

Multiple residents spoke up urging the council to reconsider spraying this year, the majority of which said that this year was the first time in many that they were unable to enjoy summer outdoors due to mosquitos. A Facebook petition signed by 252 residents in support of spraying was presented to the council.

Multiple residents also spoke up asking the council not to spray this year because (a) there didn’t appear to be much evidence that it worked, (b) concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals used, (c) concerns regarding liability for the city, and (d) budget concerns. A question was also asked about why mosquito control was the responsibility of the city.

After more discussion on costs, Mayor Andrea Lawrence noted that a new council member or a member who was opposed would need to bring the issue back up for reconsideration as the council had already voted on it.

Smythe informed the council that if reinstated, the vender would need to rework the city back into their schedule and couldn’t guarantee days or times. She also stated the city wouldn’t be able to adjust billing for the more expensive Merus (2.5 times the cost of Permethrin) until after the July meeting due to ordinance adoption statutes. 

A motion carried unanimously to restart spraying using Merus and to either merge Clearwater Estates into the contract (they have their own) or allow them to opt out.

During their July meeting, a motion carried amending the fee schedule, with an increase due to the reinstatement of mosquito spraying, this time with the more expensive organic product. A second increase came from the addition of a sewer surcharge that was added by the Sewer Authority to cover operating costs.

Other Issues

Smythe informed the council the only quote received to date on the chip seal project came in well over budget, requiring Main St. to be removed from it. The project is still $20,000 over budget, however, additional quotes are still expected. A motion carried authorizing the project to proceed with the lowest quote.

A motion carried authorizing paving the parking lot at El Dorado Park and the parking lot near the Lions Park building. T.O. Plastics will be asked to share the cost of the Lions Park parking lot paving as their trucks use the area as well.

A motion carried approving the Smith St. overlay project.

A motion carried authorizing the new hockey rink concrete project to proceed with the lowest quote.

Concerns of the Park Commission about the Spring Street Park mural, which was painted by a St. Cloud University student, were brought forth. The Park Commission stated the changes they requested to the mural proposal weren’t included in the final product and asked the student to repaint that portion. 

The student explained she hadn’t understood the proposed changes were agreed upon by the entire board and said she would repaint it if desired but there would be an additional cost. After discussion a motion carried to leave the mural as-is.

A motion carried to hire a part-time intern for 20 hours per week at $18 an hour for eight to 10 weeks to assist staff.

The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be August 15 at 7 p.m. so as not to conflict with the primary election.