During their February and March meetings, the Clearwater City Council discussed the draft of the city’s new flood plain ordinance, donation to the new food shelf building project, and updates on grants.
Flood Ord.
During March’s public forum, Butch Donat from the Clearwater Estates Assoc. addressed the council concerning the new flood plain ordinance under consideration. He asked where the elevation data could be found and expressed concern that the new flood map would negatively impact residents, especially relating to flood insurance rates.
During the meeting that followed, City Administrator Annita Smythe reviewed the new flood plain draft ordinance, explaining the update was required to continue participation in the FEMA flood plain program. The program determines eligibility for federal aid if a flood event occurs.
Members discussed resident impact, noting the new flood maps will likely result in higher insurance rates regardless of what action the city takes. Members stated concern that residents may not have the option of federal aid if the city opts out of the program.
There were no suggested changes to the ordinance draft and the consensus was that the city should remain in the program.
Food Shelf
Mary Abraham approached the council on behalf of the Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf to update them on the new food shelf construction and fundraising efforts. Around $300,000 of the estimated $467,000 building construction costs has been raised, which excludes the approximate $70,000 cost to pave the parking lot and approximate $25,000 excavating costs.
After discussion of donation limits, a motion carried approving a donation resolution of $25,000.
The new food shelf building project hopes to break ground on May 1.
Grants Update
City Engineer Kannas informed the council that the city has been awarded a $3 million grant from the 2023 appropriations bill at the federal level and $5 million under the Minnesota Hwy Freight Program, both for the Hwy 24 Corridor Project.
The city also applied for $25 million under the federal RAISE program. If obtained, the project will be nearly fully funded.
Several other programs haven’t yet issued their decisions on recipients. The city intends to apply for additional federal appropriations funds for the 2024 appropriations solicitation as well.
The council authorized a letter of support for MnDot’s grant application for the Hwy 24 project proposed Co. Road 75 roundabout.
Splash Pad
Joe Gilbertson from MWP Recreation attended the recent splash pad committee meeting to answer questions. After design selections are finalized the committee will work with an MVP designer to develop a concept plan. Gilbertson also provided information on state bid opportunities for project bidding.
Other Business
Kannas informed the council that due to the high cost of the spring street storm sewer improvement and the small number of parcels that would benefit the costs would be very expensive per parcel. Members stressed they want the project to be fair and equitable and asked staff to provide more information about the costs and assessments for the 2015 and 2019 street projects.
Motions carried to:
• Increase the Fire Relief pension amount to $1,925 per year of service; no increase to the city’s required contribution is anticipated;
• Hire Cheri Singleton for the city’s accounting clerk position at $26.77/hour;
• Approve new Quadient lease and upgrade for postage equipment;
• Authorize purchase of replacement generator;
• Approve Ordinance 2024-02 Amending Clearwater Zoning Map;
• Approved amendment to waste hauler agreement;
• Waive the Lions Pavilion rental fee for the Heritage Festival but require a damage deposit.
Wright Co. presented its 2023 annual activity report to the council. In 2023 the department responded to 2,945 calls for service in Clearwater. Of those calls, 838 turned into case reports that required further investigation by deputies. Significant crime calls included 4 assaults, 1 burglary, 5 court order violations, 1 criminal damage to property, 17 drugs, 2 fraud complaints, 38 thefts, and 0 homicides, robberies, or sex related.
The next Clearwater City Council meeting was on April 8 and will be covered in a future edition of the Patriot. The next Clearwater City Council meeting will be on May 13 at 7 p.m..
