During the April 4 Clear Lake city council meeting, new Parkside development was discussed and departing Council Member Claudia Page was thanked for her service.

 

Don Jensen from Paxmar, representing Applewood Builders, approached the board regarding new development in Parkside residential subdivision, located behind Goenner Park. 

 

Lots are currently platted that allow for twin homes, and they would like to build detached town homes that allow for greater versatility. They requested certain costs be waived to help them start building again in the community. There are currently 16 lots left to build on.

 

Council Member Dale Powers stated his understanding is that the original development agreement has expired, so a new one would need to be drafted. 

 

“I’m not concerned with variances,” he said. “Right now my biggest concern is the road. We would put in the road and you would be giving us a little bit each month to pay for it as the sites are built.”

 

He stated he was also concerned about the SAC (sewer availability charge) and WAC (water availability charge). 

 

Jensen replied they would pay for the utilities; they’re not opposed to financing the infrastructure. They would also like to use the city’s engineer, which they would pay for, as a way to gain cost control.

 

He asked if the SAC and WAC fees could be waived if Paxmar made a commitment to build a minimum of five homes per year. If this didn’t occur, all fees would then be paid.

 

Powers stated the problem he had was giving the break to the builder, saying he’d never seen the price of units going down when this occurred. 

 

“I want to make sure we’re giving a break to the owner of the unit,” he said. “We’d also like to see owner occupied units, not rental occupied.”

 

Jensen said, “We’re trying to deliver a home buying opportunity so they can have a legitimate chance of home ownership. At the end of the day, things a new property owner struggles with are taking care of the property and making it look good. I think there are ways to make this work.”

 

Powers didn’t see a problem with compromising on both sides. He suggested a special meeting between the council and the builder for negotiation early next week, which would then be brought back to the next council meeting.

 

The council passed Resolution 16-05, Declaring a Council Vacancy, due to council member Claudia Page stepping down. They are looking for someone to fill the vacated position as soon as possible, and are asking interested parties to contact Kari Mechtel at 320-743-3111, or email her at cityofclearlake@frontiernet.net.

 

Mayor Tim Goenner presented Page with a plaque thanking her for her service on the council.

 

“I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed it,” said Page. “I’m going to miss it and working with everyone.”

 

Powers stated he had been at the capitol last week to testify on tightening up level three sex offender legislation. 

 

Public Works Supervisor Dustin Luhning asked the council to hire back their seasonal summer employee, which was approved.

 

The sheriff reported 38 points of contact for March, including 15 traffic and three medical.

 

The next Clear Lake City Council meeting will be May 2 at 7 p.m.