On the agenda for Tuesday’s Clear Lake Twp. meeting was a variance request, property line dispute, solar farm approval and the annual sheriff’s report.

 

Erika and Owen Gossettt approached the board for advice concerning a property line dispute they’re having with a neighbor on 100th Ave. on Elk Lake. The neighbor believes the area in front of the Gossett’s garage is on her property and won’t allow them to park there.

 

The land in question is actually owned by Clear Lake Twp. and is for public use.

 

Chairman Gary Gray informed them they would have their attorney send a letter to all the affected neighbors stating the township owns the property, and although they don’t maintain it and don’t plan to begin to; parking is allowed on it.

 

Joe Hamel from NextEra Energy Resources approached the board to discuss two solar farm projects the company is planning in the township. Both projects had already been approved by the board, but since ownership has since changed to NextEra they need approval once again.

 

With just minor changes occurring, the board informed him they would send positive comment forms to the county.

 

Asking if the company would be willing to do some community service, Gray explained the Clear Lake Fire Dept. is looking for a fill station and asked if NextEra would be willing to allow them to use the existing well and irrigation system on the property for that purpose.

 

Not seeing any issues with the request, Hamel said he would reach out to the land owner they’re leasing the property from for approval.

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk opened the sealed bids received for the township’s 2018 bituminous seal coat projects. Bids were received from Allied and Astech; Astech had the lowest bid with $39,205. 

 

A motion carried to approve the award of contract to Astech subject to recommendation from the engineer.

 

Sherburne Co. Sheriff Joel Brott presented the council with the county’s 2017 report.

 

There were 1,098 total calls for service in the township for the year. Brott explained the number was up slightly over the previous two years, the majority of which were traffic stops.

 

For serious criminal activity, the township had two assaults, three burglaries, four narcotic arrests, four DUIs, 13 thefts and eight criminal damage to property. 

 

Brott informed the board the county had hired four new deputies, and the Sherburne Co. Jail had received ACA (American Correctional Association) Accreditation in 2017. The process, which looks at 433 standards, took two years.

 

He mentioned the sheriff’s office is now on Facebook, which they have found to be a very useful tool for keeping in contact with the public by posting items such as press releases, activities occurring in the county, warrants and surveillance videos.

 

Nancy Loidolt approached the board to request a six-foot variance for a new garage being built on her 127th Street property. Seeing no problems, the board indicated they will forward a positive comment form to the county.

 

Gray informed the board he had attended the recent Clear Lake City Council meeting to discuss the new fire contract, which the council rejected.

 

“It’s not a matter of money for the township, it’s how it should be worded,” he said. “It will get solved.”

 

Clerk Mary Mathison informed the board the county had received a grant that allowed them to purchase two election e-poll sign-in machines. There is no cost to the township.

 

The board determined the price that will be printed on the back of the history book and discussed the price they will actually be sold for. Although the books won’t be ready for the annual meeting, a proof will be available for review.

 

The Clear Lake Twp. annual meeting will be March 13 at 8 p.m.

 

The next Clear Lake Twp. monthly meeting will be March 20 at 7 p.m.