Enbridge representatives meet with Clearbrook City Council
Tue, 03/19/2019 - 2:52pm
admin
By:
Bonnie Kirchman
The Clearbrook City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 11, 2019. Jennifer Maleiztke of Enbridge was present along with an Enbridge project engineer and an Enbridge business analyst. Cheryl Grover, community ambassador for Enbridge, also attended the meeting. Jennifer provided an update on the Line 3 Project. Jennifer discussed aspects of the pre-construction process that started over four years ago. These include permit application, surveys, environmental reviews, and community meetings. Challenges for the project have included a lengthy environmental review and court cases. While final decisions are not expected until October of 2019, Jennifer expressed confidence in approval due to the extensive studies done by Enbridge in preparation for the construction.
Jennifer expressed appreciation to the council for its support which included passing resolutions and letter writing. Mayor Goudge expressed the continued support for the project from the Clearbrook community. Shawn Johnson asked that Enbridge provide the city with anticipated start dates to ensure that roads are open for pipeline construction needs during the city’s sewer and water project.
The council also discussed the issue of housing construction workers with the Enbridge representatives. The Enbridge engineer stated that in addition to pipeline construction, a new pump station will be built. This construction would bring 40-70 employees into the area on a longer-term basis of six to nine months.
A project manager for the Minnesota Department of Transportation attended the meeting to discuss the Highway 92 project slated to start in 2023. Currently in the scoping phase, this project is expected to cover the highway from the end of the recent Bagley project to the east end of Gonvick. Council members provided input on the project, requesting a safer walking/biking path from Elim Church to Highway 5. This would connect with the new sidewalk from County 5 to Main Street that is part of the city’s upcoming project. Pedestrian crossing signs or lights at the Highway 92 and 3rd Avenue intersection were requested to improve safety, especially when the Drive-In is open. Better lighting on Highway 92 was also brought up in the discussion.
Police Chief Dan Gazelka was unable to attend the meeting. His written report included 29 incidents. The council would like Chief Gazelka to continue his efforts to deal with the Gloria’s Collectibles building.
Joy Walberg presented the liquor store report. Volunteers helped to serve a successful Valentine’s Day steak dinner, with attendees requesting more “date night” events during the year. Joy and Lucie will study expenses to determine prices for future dinner events. Bingo nights have been successful, with good crowds despite difficult winter weather. March events at the bar include a St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 16th with live music and food specials of beef stew and Rueben sandwiches. The March 23rd meat raffle will be a fundraiser for the Clearbrook-Gonvick music department’s spring trip. A “So Sick of Winter” party is being planned for April 6th. Dylan Goudge will grill burgers outside and customers can build their own burger.
A variety of building and equipment issues for the bar were covered at the meeting. Snow levels on the roof are being monitored. More seating is needed at the bar. One option is to remove the pool table and replace it with a shuffleboard table. This would provide more seating space as well as an income source for the city. Joy will also look into purchasing additional high-top tables and stools. Joy is continuing to work with Budweiser to get an outdoor sign that gives more information about the bar and grill.
Mark Snobl reported on city maintenance work. Snow plowing continues to take a great deal of time. They are working on an inventory of water tower items for insurance. Work will be done to clear storm water drains to allow better flow of melting snow. Mark and Jason will be working to obtain their water/sewer licenses. Residents have been reminded to clear snow from around their meters but this continues to be a concern for both safety and accessibility.
Lucie Thompson, city clerk, noted that a request was made to change the date of Summerfest. The request was discussed, with no action taken. A contract for the bike trail was received from Karvakko. Luci will ask the lawyer to review it. Council members request that the contract includes a requirement for prior approval from the council if construction costs exceed the grant amount.
A bid to repair the lightning damage to the water tower has been received and approved by insurance adjuster Mark Nygaard. The council approved this bid. The water tower repairs will begin in the spring. Lucie is working on getting bids for painting the pool. The council requested that the bids show costs for both labor and materials.
The Eagle’s Healing Nest requested an adjustment to their water bill due to the excessive water running from a broken pipe. The issue was discussed, then tabled to allow Lucie time to provide a breakdown of the bill to council members.
A building permit for Larry Shelquist to build a house in Clearbrook was approved. Lucie has prepared an information packet regarding building requirements that will be sent to residents who obtain building permits.
The council discussed replacing some of the very old sidewalks in the city. The Main Street sidewalks will be replaced as part of the city’s project. Additional sidewalks going a block back from Main Street and running from Main street to the pool would improve pedestrian safety.
A grant for the fishing pier has been sent in and one more is being looked at as a possibility. Future activities such as a fishing clinic were brought up. Lucie is also looking at obtaining a Twins grant for Kloster Park.
Monthly claims of $47,378.89 and additional claims of $86,314.65 were approved. The council approved North Country Hardware claims for $140.52 with Shawn Johnson abstaining.
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