Council hears proposal to buy land near Kloster Park

 

The Clearbrook City council held its regular monthly meeting on February 8, 2021 in the Clearbrook Community Room. At this meeting, council members considered a proposal by The Overland Group, LLC to buy land near Kloster Park. The company would use this location, currently owned by the city, to build a Dollar Store. The council members’ discussion on the proposal highlighted concerns that established Clearbrook businesses that are locally owned would be negatively impacted by the addition of a Dollar Store. City staff members added that the land the proposal refers to is used by the city for dumping snow in the winter months and for parking during the baseball season. None of the council members expressed support for the sale.

Lucie Thompson, City Clerk also presented the official letter from the Minnesota Department of Health regarding the recent testing of the city’s water. Residents will receive a letter explaining the manganese test results in next month’s utility bill. 

Lucie updated the council members on the sale of the house near the pool. Once the final paperwork on the sale is received from the county, the house will be torn down. The city may use the lot for overflow parking for the City Pool.  Lucie also explained that employee policies have been reviewed and the language has been updated as necessary. The council members will conduct employee reviews in the near future.

Mark Snobl and Nick Rankin, Utilities and Maintenance, told the council that the gym light installation is scheduled to start on Monday, February 15th. They continue to provide location services as needed for the pipeline construction and are working on year-end reports. A Clearbrook resident attended the meeting to clarify his request to remove dead trees that are on his fence line. The council gave their okay for him to cut the trees down.

Karra Weems, Liquor Store Manager, informed the council that the Super Bowl event at the bar was well attended. Council members discussed reinstating the Community Club meat raffles. The state health department currently allows bars and restaurants to be open at 50% capacity.

Police Chief Dan Gazelka reported that the department handled 42 incidents in January. The fire department responded to eight medical calls, one structure fire, one motor vehicle accident and a false alarm at Riviana Foods. According to Fire Chief Adam Krog, department members received training on rescue equipment in January. The pick-up that was donated by Enbridge has been received. It will require some work as well as modifications before it is ready for fire department use. Department members are hoping to hold their annual fish fry and raffle fundraiser in April.

The council approved the monthly claims of $31,774.76 and additional claims of $108,829.76.