Clearbrook City Council holds January meeting
Tue, 01/21/2020 - 1:06pm
admin
By:
Bonnie Kirchman
Jon Smith, plant manager for Garden Valley Technologies attended the January 13th meeting of the Clearbrook City Council to follow-up on the company’s request to purchase property from the city. City staff and council members are still researching sales prices. The council will make a decision on the sale at a special meeting that will also cover the issue of easements for the sewer and water project.
Two Clearbrook residents brought several concerns to the city council. The issues included noise caused by a semi-trailer parked near their home in the lot currently designated for truck parking. The parking lot will be relocated in the spring and the council members asked the residents to be patient until the change can be made. The residents also expressed concerns about cars speeding along their street. Mayor Dylan Goudge will discuss the issue with Police Chief Dan Gazelka, who was unable to attend the meeting. The residents were also asked to contact the Sheriff’s department when this occurs to ensure the dispatching of the closest law enforcement personnel. The residents also requested assistance plowing snow from their sidewalks. Council members responded that Clearbrook residents and business owners are responsible for snow removal on their own properties.
Zach Thoma, engineer with Karvaako, provided a proposed bike trail layout for the council’s input. Thoma has worked with county engineer Dan Sauvé to address any potential issues in the planning. Council members made suggestions on the trail route, reviewing the layout as it runs by Charps and through Kloster Park.
Fire Chief Adam Krog provided a year-end summary of 2019 calls made by the department. The fire department responded to 106 calls. Krog categorized these as 72 medical, 11 structural fires, 2 grass fires, 4 vehicle fires, 6 motor vehicle accidents, 6 calls for assistance, 1 weather-related, 2 false fire alarms, and 2 hazardous materials (gas) calls. Krog added that the 11 structural fire calls included chimney fires and call-backs to fire sites and calls for assistance are generally for falls. The total number of calls is typical for the department, with annual call totals generally falling between 90 and 120.
All fire equipment is now stored inside the fire hall after the sale of an old pumper. Bids will be obtained for the repairs to the exterior fire hall wall. After the bids are received the fire department will make a request to the Clearbrook Community Club for donations toward the cost of the repairs.
The fire department’s annual meeting will take place on February 3, 2020. The townships will be invited and fire rate information will be shared at this meeting. The annual fish fry event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th. The department has declined a request to serve a meal at the All-School Reunion due to time and scheduling issues of the department’s volunteer members.
Joy Walberg gave the monthly liquor store report. Bingo nights continue to be busy, with the next one scheduled for February 8th. The bar will be open on Sundays through the Super Bowl when NFL games are scheduled. A Valentine’s Day steak fry will take place on Friday, February 14th. Those wishing to attend this event should sign up in advance. Staff will be working at the Clearbrook-Gonvick school staff party/scholarship fundraiser. Joy reported that the annual inventory has been completed and went well. City staff is looking at programs that could reduce the liquor store’s credit card fees.
Mark Snobl updated the council on utilities and maintenance issues. The gas meter for Charps has been refurbished. They are working to keep fire hydrants cleared of snow for emergency access. The gym heating units are not functioning properly due to electrical issues. The council considered fixing or replacing the units and the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with the current four units or reducing to one unit. Snobl will obtain bids for both repair and replacement of the units. The council also discussed snow removal equipment, including snowblowers for the skid steer and lease or purchase of an end loader. Snobl was asked to bring quotes on snow removal equipment options back to the council for further discussion.
Lucie Thompson, City Clerk, brought planning questions for the street project to the council. Members discussed the locations of driveways on Main Street and issues regarding the steps at DaRoo’s and the Roxy. The run-up to the north doors on the fire hall will also be addressed during the planning process.
Gus Vettleson requested permission to create a community garden on the old football field. The council members expressed approval for the project.
Council members addressed Clearbrook’s pet ordinance following concerns brought forward about a group of aggressive dogs running in part of the city. The number of pets allowed and licensing fees were discussed. Residents should contact Police Chief Dan Gazelka if they have concerns regarding pet issues.
The part-time maintenance job is still open. This position is for approximately 20 hours per week and duties include snow removal, janitorial duties, and brush pickup.
Kevin Prosser resigned from his position on the council at the end of 2019. The council members recommended advertising for the open seat.
A city staff member was approached regarding the possible sale of a house near the pool. Council members expressed interest in purchasing the house. They will work with the county to determine if any taxes are owed before making a final decision.
In other business, the council completed the second reading of the new parking ordinance. The Border State Bank was designated as the official bank depository. The Leader-Record was re-designated as the official newspaper. The council accepted the letter of understanding for services from Brady Martz for the 2019 audit.
Lucie also presented a preliminary ATV proposal for the council members to consider. The ATV will be used for maintenance at Kloster Park. Lucie will obtain quotes for an ATV and present these to the council.
Monthly claims of $67,756.13 and additional claims of $120,088.71 were approved. Claims of $316.32 and $30.39 for North Country Hardware were also approved, with Shawn Johnson abstaining.