City of Clear Lake

City of Clear Lake Council Meeting August 15, 2016

Council Members: Tim Goenner, Bob Arnold, and Dale Powers

Members absent: None

Guests: City Residents Ron Juenemann, Patricia & Brian Orton, Mark & Lynelle Markovic and Karen White, Sherburne County Attorney Kathleen Heaney, Sheriff Joel Brott, Liberty Insurance Agent Ron Mumm, State Representative Jim Newberger, Minnesota State Senate Candidate Andrew Matthews, Citizen Tribune Reporter Penny Leuthard and City Engineer Keith Yapp

City Staff: Clerk Kari Mechtel and Dustin Luhning

Mayor Goenner called the regular Council meeting to order at 7:02 PM

Social Host Ordinance  The Sherburne County social host ordinance makes it a misdemeanor for a person to host a party knowing there’s underage drinking and not preventing it. Council member Dale Powers expressed concerns with some of the wording in the ordinance, and asked why it was necessary if there was already a statute regarding the issue. Sheriff Joel Brott explained the purpose of the ordinance is so the county won’t have to prove who gave alcohol to the minor, only that they knowingly allowed them to have it. County Attorney Kathleen Heaney said they’re trying to get people’s attention with the ordinance, as alcohol is the most abused drug in Sherburne County. Sheriff Joel Brott stated that there are 120 cities and 29 counties state wide who have adopted this ordinance. Motion made by Arnold, seconded by Goenner to adopt the proposed Social Host Ordinance #603. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present. Member Powers opposed.

Agenda Approval  Mayor Goenner requested a motion for the approval of the agenda. Motion made by Powers, seconded by Arnold, to approve the August 15th Council meeting agenda. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present.

Minutes Review  Mayor Goenner requested a motion for the approval of the minutes. Motion made by Arnold, seconded by Powers, to approve the July’s meeting minutes, (as amended with suggested changes if needed). Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present.

1. 2016-2017 Insurance Renewal  Liberty Insurance Agent Ron Mumm presented the Council with this year’s insurance renewal. Mumm was pleased to report that premiums have dropped on the package from last year’s renewal. Motion made by Powers, seconded by Arnold to approve the 2016-2017 insurance renewal. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present. 2. Hunter Lake Bluffs Development - Out lots  Discussion was held regarding a proposed playground and park in the Hunter Lakes Bluff Development. Resident Karen White said when the development was built there was talk concerning a playground being constructed in one of the out lots. The playground was originally to be built by the now-dissolved homeowner’s association. The developer of the property went bankrupt, and currently the bank owns the remaining lots. The group of homeowners attending the meeting reviewed a map of the development with the Council to discuss potential areas for a park; currently nothing has been platted.  It was also suggested to look into a trail along County Road 6 so residents in the Hunter Lake Bluffs Development can access the City safely. City Clerk Mechtel was asked to look into these suggestions.

3. Temporary Health Care Dwellings  Effective September 1st of this year a new law will go into effect that allows property owners to place a “temporary family health care dwelling” on their property to provide transitional housing for family members with mental or physical disabilities. If the City does not want to provide such accommodations, it must expressly opt-out of the new law. It was decided to move forward with scheduling a public hearing in September to amend current zoning ordinance.

Employee Report – Public Works Supervisor Dustin Luhning  Luhning stated that they are in the final stages of the park renovations. Mayor Goenner wanted to thank Kenny Kotzer with Kwik Kargo on the use of his equipment during the park renovations.

Water & Sewer  Stantec Engineer Keith Yapp stated that the drilling of the test wells are moving along as planned. It was determined that the volume of water found turned out to be a good flow, and so now the next hurdle will be to determine the water quality.

Public Participation  City Resident Ron Juenemann questioned Parkside Developments accessibility. Juenemann stated that the development appears to be land locked; Mayor Goenner advised that the Council will look into this matter it once the developer is ready to move forward in the future.  State Representative Jim Newberger provided the Council with legislature updates. Newberger pointed out that he will continue to work towards the following – o Bonding for upgrades to the Clear Lake/Clearwater Sewer treatment plant o Boarder to boarder broadband o Xcel Energy - Sherco power plant o Sand dunes State Forest Newberger also stated that he will support the City in the process of attempting to switch school districts.  Candidate for State Senate Andrew Matthews introduced himself to the Council and provided a brief description on goals and issues Matthews hopes to change when elected. Fire Department  Member Powers stated that at the last Fire Advisory Board meeting Fire Chief Koren had concerns with visibility of house numbers within City limits. Clerk Mechtel stated that all homes meet the requirements in the City’s house numbering ordinance. Mechtel also stated that she plans on budgeting for 2017 to have all the City maps redone which would help the fire department locate homes better.

Community Development  Member Powers asked if a City wide survey can be discussed at our upcoming special meeting/workshop. This survey would allow City residents to voice their opinion on the possibility of switching school districts. Clerk Mechtel reminded Member Powers that clarification from the City’s attorney needs to be done first prior to spending tax payer’s dollars on this survey. Member Powers will contact the attorney for clarification. City Resident Patricia Orton proposed that the City partners up with Clear Lake Township prior to petitioning the school districts, more people in favor for this the better we would have a chance.

Clerk  Motion made by Powers, seconded by Arnold to approve the accounts payable for July, and the 2nd quarter’s financial statement. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present.  Motion made my Powers, seconded by Arnold to change the regular Septembers Council meeting to be held on September 6th due to the Labor Day holiday. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present.  Clerk Mechtel also asked to be added to the list of certified Election Judges for the general election. Due to the number of election judges who have not worked a general election before Mechtel feels that they will need all the help they can get. Motion made by Powers, seconded by Arnold to add Clerk Mechtel to be an election judge for the November election. Motion was approved by the majority vote of all members present.

Mayor  Mayor Goenner has been communicating with the State of Minnesota and the railroad regarding the quiet zone, things seem to moving forward.

Adjournment  Motion made by Powers, seconded by Arnold to adjourn the Council Meeting at 8:46 P.M. Motion was approved by majority vote of all members present.

Tim Goenner, Mayor Kari Mechtel, City Clerk

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