Clearbrook City Council Meeting-July 13, 2020
Tue, 07/21/2020 - 10:20am
admin
By:
Bonnie Kirchman
The Clearbrook City Council met for the regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 13th. The meeting was held in the Community Room to allow for social distancing.
Curt Meyer, engineer with WSN, attended the meeting to provide an update on the water and sewer project. A few signatures on easements are still needed. The city attorney also needs to review the plans. The council moved to advertise for bids on the project contingent on the city attorney’s approval. Meyer explained that construction could begin this fall, but he is aware of the need to leave streets in good condition for winter. He will meet with city staff to determine if targeted construction can begin in certain locations this year.
Meyer also addressed the need for culvert and street repairs on Main Street near the dam. State funds are available for the repair project, provided the city pays up to $10,000 for the design costs and up to $10,000 of the construction costs. Meyer estimates that this project would cost in the $100,000 to $120,000 range, so grant amounts would be from $80,000 to $100,000. Meyer has had discussions with Dan Suavé, County Engineer, as the county will need to serve as fiscal agent for the project. Meyer explained that the new design will help prevent street flooding near the dam in up to a typical 10-year flooding event. He added that with climate change, flooding events are coming more frequently. Meyer hopes that most of this project construction can be completed this fall.
Zach Thoma, engineer with Karvakko, brought the city updated plans on the bike trail project. The project plans have now been authorized by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Construction on the trail will begin in spring of 2021. The council approved an agreement stating that Clearwater County will accept and distribute the funds for the bike trail.
Joy Walberg provided a report on the liquor store. They are using a new credit card system. Wedding dances have been scheduled for August at the Community Center. Liquor store staff will make adjustments in how they serve at the dance if state guidelines concerning the coronavirus situation change.
The city pool staff is offering a session of swimming lessons starting on July 13th. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, people must purchase a membership in order to use the pool. This does not seem to be having a major impact on revenues at the pool.
Nick Rankin gave the report on city utilities and maintenance. The Garden Valley fiber optics project is almost completed, and all the necessary digging has been done. Garden Valley will be fixing any sinkholes that have been created in alleys or yards as a result of this project.
The council approved a motion to proceed with the purchase and installation of gas regulators at a cost of approximately $6,200 for parts and labor. The old regulators are leaking. The new regulators are simpler and are expected to last longer than the older models.
Rankin informed council members of damages on the community center roof. He will obtain quotes for the necessary repairs. Naylor will be installing new heating system units in the community center. The old units will be kept for parts for the units that are not being replaced.
Rankin reported that the town clean-up has been completed and hydrant flushing will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd. The utilities staff will do exterior inspections of each home and business that receives natural gas. These inspections are required every five years.
Council member Gary Prosser discussed the weed permit for the dam project area. The city will need to apply for the permit every year. This year’s permit was returned with approval for less clearing than requested by the city. There are a variety of methods for weed control in the water, with a range of costs. Prosser recommended the city first try purchasing and applying a weed killer product. He also suggested that community members could help rake out part of the water in the spring.
Lucie Thompson, City Clerk, shared a paper print of the vinyl welcome banners that have been ordered. Border Bank paid for the banners that will be installed along the highway in the spring.
According to Thompson, the city is working with the owners of an abandoned house near the pool. The city plans to take ownership of the property and then have the building torn down. The lot will then be used for extra parking at the city pool.
Thompson also stated that Greater Minnesota Management has expressed interest in developing the old Good Samaritan Home into an assisted living center. The group did a walkthrough of the building earlier this spring but have not been able to attain funding for the project. Greater Minnesota Management informed the city that while they are still interested in the property, any other parties who might be interested should go ahead with purchase plans.
The Clearbrook Community Club donated new basketball hoops to the school. The school is willing to donate their old backboards to the city. Council members discussed whether the backboards can be used, and also addressed the time and effort required for staff to move and install the backboards. Basketball coaches will be contacted for their input in this decision.
Council members approved monthly claims of $60,117.00 and additional claims of $135,260.95.