Volume 18 - Number 1 The January 2020 Clear Viewwww.cityofclearlake.com A newsletter for the Citizens of Clear Lake

Surf Ballroom & Museum Prepares for 2020 Winter Dance Party The Surf Ballroom & Museum is pleased to announce the artists who are scheduled to appear at the “2020 Winter Dance Party” event. The world-renowned event will be held January 30th through February 1st at the legendary ballroom in Clear Lake and features stars such as country/rockabilly legend Marty Stuart; Bowzer from Sha Na Na; and The Kingsmen. “Once again, we’re very proud to present such a star-laden lineup,” said Jeff Nicholas, president of the Surf Ballroom Board of Directors. “Every year since 2009’s 50-Winters Later concert, we have fielded more and more requests from contemporary artists who have been influenced by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson. The event has transitioned to a celebration of their legacies and a showcase proving that the music did not die, but has continued to spread to this day. We are proud to host this annual tradition and can’t wait to see how these legends leave their mark upon our Winter Dance Party fans.”

Each night’s program will feature major headliners, including: “Most of these entertainers have been performing since they were • Thursday: The Kingsmen, Joey Dee, Little Peggy March teenagers, and they remain keystones of the entertainment world to- and Austin Allsup. day,” said Shane Cooney, producer of the Winter Dance Party. “They • Friday: Bowzer’s Rock & Doo Wop Sock Hop featuring can really bring it, and I’m sure our audiences will love what they see Bowzer from Sha Na Na fame and his band, the Stingrays; and hear. I know our board and staff are super excited.” Rocky & The Rollers; and special guests Johnny Contardo For the most current information about the event, please visit formerly of Sha Na Na and Original Comet Joey Ambrose. www.surfballroom.com. All inquiries regarding this event should be • Saturday: Marty Stuart, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, directed to the Surf Ballroom & Museum by calling (641) 357-6151 Albert Lee, Headcat 13 and special appearance by Narvel or by email at [email protected]. Felts, Linda Gail Lewis and Sonny West.

Outdoor fun doesn’t stop in Clear Lake when the snow flies and the lake freezes, to some it is just beginning. From snowmobile races, fishing contests, and more all provide great Winter experiences and family fun. On Saturday, February 15th, the skies over the frozen lake will be filled with the brilliant colors of kites of all shapes and sizes for The Color the Wind Kite Festival. Larry and Kay Day invite professional kite pilots from nine states to entertain you with kites of all shapes and sizes. There will be “one of a kind” kites designed and Enjoy Outdoor Fun at the Colorbuilt theby premier Wind kite makers fromKite all over Festival the Midwest and colorful banners adding to the festive air. Clear Lake received world-wide attention when the 2018 festival brought the CBS Sunday Morning crew and Lee Cowan to town to cover the event. Because of the coverage by CBS, last years event was the largest yet and huge crowds are expect- ed again this year. The Color the Wind Kite Festival is made possible because of the help and coop- eration of the Clear Lake Chamber and the City of Clear Lake and through the help and donations of the public, local civic organizations and area businesses. Mark your calendar for February 15th from 11:00 to 4:00 at the downtown sea- wall. Come dressed appropriately for the weather and a slippery surface underfoot. For the latest information on the event please visit www.colorthewind.org. THERE IS NO BETTER WINTER WONDERLAND IN IOWA THAN CLEAR LAKE As I write this newsletter article, the official nity and contribute meaningfully to our progress. You are our greatest asset start of the winter season is nearly upon us. and your community engagement is what helps to make Clear Lake a great Although I am not a great fan of the cold and place to live, work, recreate, visit, and raise a family. snow, I do look forward to the holiday season Clear Lake has a lot to look forward to and be excited about as the New each year; perhaps that is due to some nostalgia Year approaches. Numerous economic development efforts, housing proj- on my part about our Community. Christmas- ects, community amenities, infrastructure improvements, and other matters by-the-Lake completed its 25th year earlier this all designed to help make our Community better for more people. month. I can think of no other town in Iowa On behalf of the City of Clear Lake, I would like to extend my warmest that does a better job of evoking a sense of holi- regards and best wishes to all Clear Lake residents (both permanent and sea- Mayor Nelson Crabb day spirit. What is better than watching the pa- sonal) and our many visitors. However, let us also be mindful of those who rade and fireworks with your friends and family are less fortunate and may be in need at this time. We are blessed to live in during the most wonderful time of the year? It may sound like something a Community with a beautiful natural environment that experiences all four from a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie, but it really is something to seasons and is rich in cultural, recreational, historical, and entertainment experience. opportunities. For me, both personally and as the Mayor of Clear Lake, it is May the spirit of the season be with you and your loved ones through an opportunity to reflect back with thanks and appreciation for the many the holiday season and I wish you a joyous New Year. blessings we have received and experienced throughout the year. It is also a ~ Until next time. perfect time to look forward with hope and enthusiasm. A great deal was accomplished this year and I would like to send my thanks and appreciation to our wonderful City Council members, Admin- Former Clear Lake istrator, and City staff and employees. These are a remarkable group of people and you will not find more dedicated men and women serving any Council Member other community. All are true public servants who are committed to mak- Gary Hugi re-elected ing meaningful and positive contributions to the City they care for so much. I would be remiss not to also recognize and thank the citizens of our to City Council Community for your continued cooperation and support. This City cannot Former Clear Lake City Council Member succeed without your confidence. The countless and faithful volunteers, Gary Hugi was re-elected to the City Council on civic groups, and non-profit organizations are the backbone of our Commu- November 5, 2019 to represent Ward 3. Hugi succeeds outgoing City Council Member Jim Boehnke who opted not to seek a third consecutive term on the Council. Hugi stated that it was a privilege serving the Community on the Tales from the Vault Council during his previous term and looks forward to once again working by Jennifer Larsen, City Clerk with Mayor Nelson P. Crabb, the other members of the City Council, and City staff. One of my responsibilities as City Clerk is to record and Gary previously served on the Council from January 1, 2014 to Decem- preserve the official minutes from the meetings of the ber 31, 2017. He also is a member of the Clear Lake Sanitary District Board Clear Lake City Council. Here are some excerpts from the of Trustees. Hugi’s term begins January 1, 2020. minutes of a Clear Lake City Council meeting from the “old days” which you may find interesting. Mayor and City Council bid a public farewell to outgoing 3rd Ward City “The City Council met in regular session on February 2, 1970 Council member Jim Boehnke at 7:00 o’clock P.M. with the following members present: Mayor Pattschull, Councilmen Dowden, Bruns, Tanner, At the December 2, 2019, Clear Lake Hartin and White. Absent: None. Also attending were City City Council meeting, Mayor Nelson P. Crabb, members of the City Council, and Administra- Attorney Goranson, City Engineer Clark and Public Works tor Scott L. Flory paid tribute to outgoing City Superintendent Keith. Council Member Jim Boehnke for his 8 years of service to the Community and the City of Clear Councilman Tanner, Chairman of the Water Committee, Lake. presented a request for a new fluoride testing machine at the Boehnke, a local businessman, represented Water Treatment Plant. The present machine does not register Ward 3 for the past 8 years on the City Council. “We thank Jim for his leadership and dedicated accurately. The cost of replacement would be approximately public service. He deserves a lot of credit for $225.00. After discussion, motion was made by Tanner, Clear Lake’s success”, stated Mayor Nelson P. Crabb. seconded by White, that a new fluoride testing machine be City Administrator Scott L. Flory thanked Boehnke for being bold and purchased. Motion carried, all voting aye.” willing to take risks. “You have served with distinction and also been a great mentor and role model for many”, stated Flory. Earlier this year, Boehnke announced that he would not seek a third consecutive term on the Council due to his business interests requiring him The Clear View Newsletter is printed on recyled paper to be out of town more often. However, he did indicate that at some point in the future he hoped to be able to serve the City again.

2 Keeping Pollution Parked Downtown

The City of Clear Lake recently completed a parking lot improvement project on four parking lots in the downtown area. Two of these lots included something special, permeable pavers to keep pollution from reaching our lake. A series of grants through the CLEAR Project allowed the City to offset the cost of this project significantly. Nearly $120,000 was awarded through a Water Quality Initiative grant by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, an EPA Section 319 grant, and support from the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake. These two parking lots working together will capture over 500,000 gallons of storm water every year. The pollution that water carries would be enough to create over 1,000 pounds of algae in Clear Lake. Projects like this helps to protect our lake against harmful algae blooms and ensure it remains a premier destination for residents and visitors alike. To find out what you can do to help protect our lake, please visit www.clearproject.net and learn what might work for your home or business.

New Faces at the Clear Lake Police Department The Police Department is excited to introduce two new with the department on December 2nd. employees; Police Officer Maddi Friedrich and Dispatcher Paige Officer Friedrich is an Iowa Certified Police Officer and began Genzler. Maddi was sworn in on November 4th and Paige started her law enforcement career at the Sumner, Iowa Police Department. Maddi has an AA degree from NIACC and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mercy. “I look forward to working here and building a relationship with the residents and visitors of Clear Lake and Ventura”, stated Friedrich. In her spare time, Maddi likes spending time with family, going to church, and attending community events. She is not stranger to Clear Lake, growing up her family would vacation at the lake to go fishing, boating, and tubing. Paige resides in Clear Lake with her husband and 12-year old son. Paige is grateful for the opportunity to serve Clear Lake as an Emergency 911 Dispatcher and stated that she is looking forward to giving back to the community. Paige enjoys watching sports, especially cheering on her son. She is an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Officer Friedrich will be in field training with officers for the next several months. Paige will be training with a dispatcher on day shift.

3 City Welcomes Additions to Adult Programs offered at the Public Works Staff Clear Lake Library The City’s Public Works Department is pleased to announce Book Chats and Books on Tap the addition of Richard Smith and Jordan Clapp to its staff. Smith began his duties with the City on September 9th and Clapp began You will now have two opportunities each month to his duties on September 16th. participate in the Library’s book discussion. In addition to Prior to his the regular Book Chat held on the third Tuesday at noon employment with the City, at the Library, Books on Tap will be held at Lake Time Richard worked for Dean Brewery on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 Snyder Construction. He is p.m. a native of Clear Lake and In January, the book discussions will be held on currently resides in Fertile Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00 at Lake Time Brewery with his wife and three Tuesday, January 21st at noon at the Library and the children. In his free time, book will be The Rosie Project. This book is a hilarious, Richard enjoys spending feel-good novel and is narrated by an oddly charming time with his kids, camping, and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual fishing, and 4-wheeling. quest: to find out if he is capable of true love. Don Tillman, sets out to find the perfect partner and embarks upon The Wife Project. Don does so in the orderly, Jordan previously evidence-based manner with which he approaches all worked at Iowa things. This novel is for anyone who has ever tenaciously Regional Utilities gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming Association in challenges. Grundy Center. He In February, the book discussion will be held on has relocated and Tuesday, February 18th at noon at the Library and on now resides in Clear Wednesday, February 19th at 6:00 at Lake Time Brewery Lake. In his free and the book will be Where the Crawdads Sing. In late time enjoys hunting, 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, snowmobiling, and in the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called the summer boating. “Marsh Girl”. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone. Finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. When two young men from town become intrigued by her ATTENTION PET OWNERS - wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life until the unthinkable happens. Dog licenses for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 are now due. The City Ordinance requires all dogs over Special Programs six months of age to be licensed with the City of Clear Lake. Licenses may be purchased at City Financial Healthiness presented by the ISU Extension Hall, 15 North 6th Street. For licenses purchased & Outreach will be held on Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30. before the March 31st deadline, the fee is $3.00. It’s New Year’s Resolution time so why not become The deadline for purchasing a 2020 dog license(s) healthier financially? Learn how to better manage your is March 31, 2020 without penalty. On and after April 1, a finances in 2020 and beyond with this workshop and $1.00 penalty charge per month is added for each license. Proof of budget presentation. current rabies vaccination must be presented at time of licensing. Kiss Your Sugar Craving Goodbye by Mindy Duff will Dogs kept or raised solely for the bonafide purpose of sale and be held on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30. Learn tricks which are kept under constant restraint, do not need to be licensed. and tips to shed your post-holiday sugar cravings. Mindy Please call 357-5267 with questions. Duff is a certified holistic health and nutrition coach. Inspiration for her career choice comes from her son’s own nutrition sensitivity. PLEASE NOTE that City offices will be closed on the Other adult activities include Adult Coloring on the 1st following days: Thursday of each month at 1:00; Movie Mondays on the New Year’s Holiday - Wednesday, January 1, 2020 4th Monday of each month at 1:00. President’s Day - Monday, February 17, 2020

4 Residents Reminded to Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice With the snow season upon us, please be a good neighbor and make the sidewalks safe for everyone. Residents are reminded that it is a City Ordinance (Chamber 136.03) to remove snow from sidewalks within 48 hours following a snowfall. Snow placed on sidewalks by City plows where the sidewalk meets the street is the responsibility of the property owner to remove. As a general rule, the City does not patrol the sidewalks to identify problem areas. However, if the Public Works Department receives a “citizen request” about a sidewalk, City staff will tag the property, which advises that the snow must be removed. If the snow remains on the walkways, the City crews or a contracted firm (without further notification) may come and clear the walkways of the snow. The cost of this snow removal, plus an administrative cost, is then billed to the property owner. These costs shall represent a tax-lien against said property. Please also keep in mind that it is a violation to shovel, blow or plow snow from your private property or from a sidewalk on to any public highway or street. If you hire a contractor to take care of your snow removal, please inform them not to push the snow into the street or across the street. Be considerate of your neighbors and place the snow from your driveway and sidewalk on the parking adjoining your property, or in your yard. To report an unsafe sidewalk, please contact City Hall at 641-357-5267

Digging out Hydrants Saves Valuable Time Tips on Winter Salt and for Fire Service Water Quality

With heavy snow fall Snow removal is not one-size-fits-all. You can do it better, cheaper in North Iowa, fire hydrants and pollution-free. Do you shovel your own sidewalks or hire a snow sometimes get the brunt of it. removal service? Does your business shovel snow at the entrance? Do Snowplows, snow blowers, and shovelfuls can hide a you provide snow removal services for hire? If the answer is “yes” to any very important tool for fighting of these questions, keep reading and learn about ways to keep sidewalks, fires. Fire hydrants are entryways, parking lots and driveways safe in winter while saving money located on many businesses and reducing water pollution. and private homeowner’s Water pollution from salt (or chlorides) is widespread in the Midwest property. Property owners and the vast majority comes from de-icers used in winter maintenance. who have a fire hydrant near As little as a single teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water, the their homes or businesses are equivalent of a 50-pound bag of salt polluting 10,000 gallons of water. urged to keep the hydrant clear of snow so that it is clearly visible from Salt becomes invisible shortly after it is applied because it dissolves the street. A hydrant that is covered can create a difficult situation when and becomes difficult and costly to remove. This is significant because a fire crew arrives to a neighborhood and is unable to locate the hydrant. prevention is the only feasible way to protect our clean water. Limited or no access to a hydrant is a loss of valuable time Whether you do it yourself or hire a snow removal service, pollution- when minutes and even seconds count. Property loss and unsafe free winter maintenance is a skill. And it doesn’t take long to find out what environments for fire crews without water can be reversed with an ample you need to know. supply of water that the hydrants provide. Most fire apparatus carry only 500 to 1,200 gallons of water and in an extreme environment such as a • Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt fully involved fire in a home, that amount of water can be used up in only you will have to use and the more effective it can be. Whether you a few minutes. Hooking into the City’s water supply at the hydrant, gives use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, or ice scraper, get out there as fire crews necessary continuous volume of water that may be needed to early as you can and keep up with the storm. You may even decide protect you or your neighbor’s property from further loss. Please help that salt isn’t needed. firefighters by clearing away the snow buildup around your neighborhood hydrants. • 15°F is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction, but remember that sand does not The Clear Lake Police Department and the Public Works melt ice. Department would like to remind everyone that the Snow • Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow Removal Ordinance is in effect through April 1, 2020. drivers plenty of space to do their work. • Be patient. Just because you don’t see salt on the road doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. These products take time to work. City seeks volunteers for Board and Commission Appointments • More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than 4 pounds of Are you looking for a way to become more involved in City government? salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 Consider serving on one of the many City boards and commissions. A bill passed by State government in 2009 requires that cities of more than 1,000 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce to have an equal number of men and women on boards and commissions. coffee mug. Consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you The City is actively seeking to achieve gender balance on each board and apply a consistent amount. would like to cultivate a pool of applicants to choose from as commissioners • Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no resign, move from the city, or terms expire. longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or More information about boards/commissions, as well as applications, are sand somewhere else or throw it away. available at www.cityofclearlake.com or at City, 15 N 6th Street.

5 City of Clear Lake Directory Library Board CITY DIRECTORY Clear Lake City Council (Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month) EMERGENCY...... 911 Tom Arndorfer Bev Currier Non-Emergency Police...... 357-2186 Allen Geilenfeld Sean Moran Building Inspection...... 357-6135 Diane Glynn Pat Weigel Cemetery...... 357-6135 Tamara Schwichtenberg City Administrator...... 357-5267 City Attorney...... 357-2139 Mayor At-Large At-Large First Ward Nelson P. Crabb Dana Brant Mike Callanan Mark Ebeling Parks & Recreation Board th City Clerk...... 357-5267 357-3839 641-420-1180 357-5911 641-201-0430 (Meets 4 Wednesday of each month) City Hall...... 357-5267 Fire Department...... 357-2613 Tim Raber Chris Hogg Absolute Waste Removal...... 357-4517 Trish Fundermann Carrie Shannon Mayor...... 357-5267 Jake Kopriva Parks & Recreation...... 357-7010 Planning & Zoning...... 357-6135 City Clerk/Editor Public Library...... 357-6133 Second Ward Third Ward City Administrator Planning & Zoning Commission Bennett Smith Gary Hugi Scott Flory Jennifer Larsen (Meets last Tuesday of each month) Public Works...... 357-6135 651-271-5267 641-903-1948 357-5267 357-5267 Landfill of North Iowa...... 357-5452 Lori Broghammer Davin McLeod Clear Lake Sanitary District...... 357-2019 Andy Meyer Arnold Prohaska City Council meetings Water Department...... 357-3911 Chyrl Bergvig Mark Bale are the first and third Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. City Council Meeting agendas are posted online and Additional meetings are scheduled as necessary. at City Hall. Rebroadcasts of City Council Meetings Board of Adjustment (Meets 1st Tuesday of each month) are available anytime online on the City’s website Meetings, except for the Parks & Recreation Board and Library and on CLVision Community Channel 1 on the 1st Board, are normally held at City Hall, 15 North 6th Street, Council David Klang Kirby Schmidt and 3rd weeks of the month as follows: Tuesday - 7 Chamber. For an agenda or to verify exact date and time, please call Fred Muth Bob Swanson p.m.; Wednesday - 6 p.m.; and Saturday - 9 a.m. City Clerk’s office at (641) 357-5267. and 5 p.m. Visit The City Of Clear Lake Website at www.cityofclearlake.com.

The January 2020 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Clear View Paid Clear Lake, IA Clear Lake, Where People Make The Difference Permit No. 2

15 North 6th Street P.O. Box 185 Clear Lake, IA 50428

City Office (641) 357-5267

Fax Postal Patron - ECRWSS (641) 357-8711

The City of Clear Lake, Iowa publishes The Clear View 6 times a year. Copyrights are not exercised and there are no restrictions on the use or reprinting of any material appearing in this newsletter. The newsletter is produced on behalf of the City of Clear Lake by the City Administrator and City Clerk, printed by the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter, and provided to citizens of the City without cost. The newsletter’s purpose is to disseminate information about the activities of your City government. No ads or commercial announcements will be published. The newsletter is printed in the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November each year.