Curt Meyer presented an update on water tower leak repairs

By Bonnie Kirchman

Brennan and Bryce Roepke, representing the Jack Pine Pals 4-H Club, attended the May 13th Clearbrook city council meeting along with their mom, Carrie. The boys presented their club’s Lending Library in the Park project. Club members plan to build the libraries, exhibit them at the fair, and then set them up in parks or playgrounds in each city of the county. The libraries provide a way for kids to share books, encouraging them to leave a book in the library and take a different book home to read. The council voiced their support for the project and will work with the youth to place the library in Clearbrook.

Curt Meyer, WSN engineer, presented an update on water tower leak repairs. A plumber is scheduled to replace water tower fittings on May 15th. If necessary, a welder will be available on May 17th to complete the repairs. Curt also discussed the city water and sewer project, describing the various sources of funding for the project. Plans are scheduled to be completed and ready for review soon.

Drainage issues on the north side of town are being addressed. Curt has contacted Dave Marshall, a wetland specialist, who will do measurements on levels and acreage of the wetland area. Once this has been completed, options for correcting this issue will be laid out for the city.

The council approved several resolutions presented by Cliff Knettel, funding specialist for WSN. These are requirements for the city as a recipient of a $600,000 Small Cities Development Program Grant and funding from the Public Facilities Authority. These include policies on displacement and relocation, use of excessive force, drug free work place, and fair housing plans. While most overlap with the city’s current policies, the resolutions are required by funding providers to ensure that policies remain in place until the project’s completion.

Mayor Goudge asked about additional costs the city would incur as a result of temporary financing loans the city will need for fees incurred in the bidding and planning portion of the sewer and water project. The WSN representatives responded that interest expenses and loan fees have been included in the budget for the project. Curt also provided the council with information on assessment for various projects. He will provide a comparison of assessment policies used by other cities to the Clearbrook council.

A public hearing will be held prior to construction. The public will also be informed on the progress of the project on a continual basis once it is underway. One option, according to Curt, could be public meetings held every other week for the duration of the project to provide updates to residents

Members of Elim Lutheran Church were present to gain information on the impact of project costs on their church. Curt explained that some funding sources for the project can be used only for specified aspects of the project. Further review is needed to determine if the Elim portion of the project will qualify for Rural Development funding. As the plan is finalized, better information will become available on specific funding issues.

Mayor Goudge brought up concerns about the intersection of Lake and Hazel. The hill and curve have caused problems for drivers, especially under icy conditions, and traffic is increasing there as more homes are being built in that area of the city. Curt responded that this issue can be addressed in the upcoming project. 

Brandon Larson reported for the Clearbrook fire department. The fish fry and raffle fundraiser event was successful and the department received positive feedback on both the food and the change of location to the gym. The department has responded to a few medical calls recently and also dealt with a small grass fire on Saturday, May 11th. 

Robin Proffit, the new Kloster Park Manager was also in attendance, expressing her concerns about cleaning the ball park prior to the first event scheduled for June 9th. Many trees are down and parts of the fencing needs to be repaired. The Community Club donated $7,500 for Agrilime, which will need to be applied. Lucie is applying for a Twins grant that could provide matching funds for preparing the ball fields for the playing season.

Robin and Lucie are also addressing needed improvements for the concession stand. A new sink was purchased last year but needs to be installed. Better storage is also needed. The council approved spending of up to $1,500 to improve the concession stand.

Joy Walberg, liquor store manager, reported on activities at the bar. The customer appreciation event was well received and may be repeated in the future. A meat raffle will be held May 18th, with proceeds going to the summer recreation program. The bar staff will be serving a wedding on May 25th. The council decided to include 25 free drink tickets in the rental/use packages of booking weddings. Bingo will take place at the bar on June 8th and a meat raffle to raise funds for Kloster Park will be held on June 22nd. Summerfest activities will include two concerts by “Elvis” on Friday night and Todd will DJ on Saturday evening.

Garden Valley has approached the city regarding placing open Wi-Fi in a city building. The council is concerned about time city employees might have to spend managing issues pertaining to the Wi-Fi. Another concern is advertising requirements from Garden Valley. It was determined that more information is needed from Garden Valley representatives before making a decision.

Police Chief Dan Gazelka reported 59 incidents, but clarified that 28 were traffic stops performed as part of a state-funded traffic enforcement program. There has been an increase in burglaries and thefts in homes, garages, and cars, requiring extra hours for investigation by the police department. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities and provide information such as license plate numbers to the police. The Gloria’s Collectibles owner was contacted. This building will be sold back to the city and torn down.

An update on utilities and maintenance was given by Jason Bakke and Mark Snobl. In addition to the water tower repairs, they are dealing with replacement of the fire hydrant damaged by state plows. It is expected that the state’s insurance company will pay to install a refurbished hydrant, the solution requiring the least digging and least disruption of services. The city approved the purchase of a used dump trailer for $5,000. Approval for up to $24,000 to purchase of a 1991 road grader was given, provided Mark or Jason check it out before purchasing. 

Lucie Thompson, city clerk, reported that the high school shop class is building a gazebo that will be placed near the Veterans’ Memorial. Gary Prosser has been working with Tom Anderson of the Clearbrook American Legion to determine placement of the gazebo, which is being built by Ross Faldet’s building trades class at the high school. 

Building permits for Osmundson, Weber, and Gustafson were approved by the council.

Monthly claims of $38,689.57 and additional claims of $80,735.66 were approved by the council. North Country Hardware monthly claims of $121.72 and $223.50 were also approved, with Shawn Johnson abstaining.