At an earlier meeting this month, the Clear Lake City Council heard that due to an error, they were undercharged for water fees by the sewer authority. They were sent an estimate at their most recent meeting stating that they owed nearly $140,000, though this is not the final number. It is a little lower than originally assumed, but the council still intended to hold a meeting with the sewer authority to discuss the issue and work on a payment schedule. 

Delinquent Water Bills

In November, the council plans to certify delinquent water bills and shut off water to residences. Those who wish to plead their case may do so before the council, who stated they are willing to work with people on a payment plan if needed. Residents needing water to heat their homes can also inform the council of this, in which case it is not legal for their water to be turned off. City Clerk Ryan McCann said he also has been giving out pamphlets explaining resources available to anyone needing assistance. 

Fire Report

Fire Chief Ron Koren reported that the department’s new engine was finally brought home to Station 2. The department plans to train on the new vehicle before putting it into service. With the new engine’s arrival, the department secured permission from the city council to sell their old engine 17.

Koren also asked to be allowed to donate old safety equipment. The equipment is out of date and the department is no longer legally allowed to use it, but it can be used for training services.

Koren asked about the final verdict on whether the department can hold a raffle at their open house event. The council members replied they could not use city funds to do so, but they could raffle off donated items.

Public Works Report

Public Works Director Evan Johnson reported that the fences by the baseball field dugouts have been installed. His department also put up four new stop signs in the Hunter Lake Bluffs development, which seem to have been effective.

The city’s snow plow was brought in for its annual inspection. Normal wear and tear on the vehicle will cost about $4,000 to fix up for the upcoming season. 

Johnson spoke briefly about the aging HVAC equipment at city hall, and how he was considering proposing an increase in the budget for future years to properly upgrade the equipment, though he wanted to wait until at least spring to see how winter goes. 

Finally, Johnson noted that the railway will be closing the Main St. crossing near the farm elevator from the 17th to the 19th for repairs. 

Home Plot Lines

At an earlier meeting, a resident spoke up concerned that LGI Homes was investigating her plotline and those of her neighbors. The city inquired about this and found that nearly all of the homes in that neighborhood were not in compliance with their plot lines. LGI said they would be enforcing the correct land lines, which means some homeowners will have to move structures on those lines. 

In Other Business, the Board:

• Approved city insurance coverage for the next year;

• Approved the employee health coverage for the next year;

• Approved the workers compensation plan;

• Approved the fire contracts, which will be sent to the townships for approval;

• Approved the preliminary tax levy for 2026 at $440,000, which is no change from 2025;

• Heard from the mayor about a resident who had historical city records, which the mayor reported he would go through to find old city council meeting minutes and other items of note;

• Heard that the easement for the lift station was signed and the project can move forward;

• Sent out letters in the Hunter Lake Bluffs neighborhood regarding ongoing illegal dumping in the area.