During their recent monthly meetings, the Clearwater Twp. Board of Supervisors discussed road projects and a request for a winery and expansion of an existing vineyard.

Winery Request

Fred Mische approached the board to request approval for a CUP under Commercial Agricultural Tourism to expand his vineyard and open a winery on the property, which would be located in an existing building. The existing vineyard has been on his property for seven years.

He has met with Wright Co. and the Dept. of Agriculture, Alcohol, and Gambling and provided the board with his plans and all related correspondence. He explained the process and the specifics that need to be followed by different government entities.

Mische plans to open the winery in two phases. The first phase would include production and bottle sales only; there will be no consumption of alcohol on the property. If well received, the second phase would include a tasting room.

A motion carried to recommend approval to the county.

Road Updates 

After receiving quotes for engineering and dirt work, the township is looking at approximately $75,000 to $80,000 for the realignment of Grover at the 155th Street intersection project. Along with engineering and dirt work, this includes necessary land purchase, seeding, erosion control, and additional labor. 

A motion carried approving the engineering and legal description be made by Bogart Peterson. 

James Brusso tarred his driveway and inquired about fixing the turnaround of Fillmore Ave as it is in rough shape. He also expressed concern as to what may happen to the end of his driveway in the winter.

The board discussed using asphalt millings for the turnaround, which would take around six loads. Knife River will be contacted to inquire if they have any and what the cost would be.

The township received an email from a resident asking about chip sealing Iten Circle. As the road will need gravel next year, the cost of gravel versus chip sealing was discussed. Supervisor Scott Miller stated he would like to hear from more residents and have traffic counts conducted before any decisions were made. He also requested traffic counts for 155th and Grover.

Prices on a snow plow for the 1-ton to do the township’s small dead ends and turnarounds was discussed.

Other Business

Wright Co. is updating its cannabis ordinance and is asking for input from townships regarding its production. After a brief discussion, the board agreed to comment that they would like to see wording regarding the size allowed; are there limitations?

The Wright Co. Sheriff’s Office contacted the owner of the property with the junk ordinance violation that has been discussed at numerous township meetings. Several attempts at contacting the owner by the board have gone unanswered. As the property has still not been cleaned up, the board agreed enough opportunities had been given and will have the sheriff issue a citation.

Supervisor Rose Thelen will set up a CUP review with the owner of the area dog kennel, which needs to be completed on a regular basis. There are no concerns as the township has not received any complaints. 

Clearwater Twp. held another meeting on November 13 which will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next Clearwater Twp. meeting will be on December 11 at 7 p.m.