Village board discusses

Survey results regarding street conditions in Clearwater were presented during the village board of trustees' July 12 meeting.

Tyler Hillmer of Miller & Associates said results show 48% of residents commute outside of the community for work.

"I thought that was a pretty high number for the size of the community," Hillmer stated.

Seventy-two percent of residents ranked street conditions as poor and 99% of residents reported automobiles as their primary mode of transportation.

"Unsurprisingly, 98% of the community is concerned with street condition and 86% stated that the street conditions negatively impact day-to-day life.

There was an even ratio betweenpotholes and cracking, but most of the community agrees these need to be addressed," he said. Iowa Street was rated as the worst street, with Nebraska and Montana streets following.

Main Street was also listed, but commercial streets, do not fall within community development block grant guidelines.

Hillmer said, "Nebraska Street and Iowa Street kind of fall within the streets that the community members had pointed out when they put the dots on the map at the last public hearing, so it wasn't a surprise seeing these streets at the top."

Steve Hankla addressed concerns about pavement of parking spaces near the school and Lutheran Church.

"Who owns the parking spaces near the school?" asked Hankla.

"I think that's something we would have to work out with ESU8," Steve Stearns replied.

He asked about the possibility of patchwork on Iowa Street. Hillmer answered, "It wouldn't be too difficult because most of your roads are rural sections with ditches. For example, Nebraska Street is all ditches so you could pick and choose what you would like to do." Hankla made the point that on Iowa Street the closest thing to ditches are culverts, so patchwork might be difficult.

Discussion ensued on using asphalt or concrete. Stearns noted an $8,000 cost differential. Hillmer said, "We had to add a four-inch crushed concrete base underneath the asphalt, because of the poor soils in your community.

This helps with longevity and durability.

For the concrete option, it will be made of a clay subgrade base. Hillmer said the possibility of digging out clay and excavating for a better base is included in the bid.

Grants do not cover patchwork, but blocking is covered.

The grant will cover up to $400,000 with a match from the town. Leaders approved the next public hearing will be held Aug. 9, at 7 p.m.

Economic development

Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, economic development director, presented the idea of a downtown revitalization grant. "Hearing all the feedback, could you do a Downtown Revitalization Grant to help with Main Street?"

Sheridan-Simonsen updated the board on the strategic plan,which was approved, and reported filming for the marketing video had already started. Although the board budgeted no more than $1,500 for the video, the actual price will only be $950.

"We also need five representatives

from the community to be in the video. They will promote the quality of life and reasons to come back to Clearwater. Representatives can be of any age, gender and phase of their life.

Sheridan-Simonsen presented information about renewing thecontract for ED services.

The board unanimously voted to renew her contract for another year after a motion by Kevin Filsinger, with a second from Kelly Kerkman.

Sheridan-Simonsen talked about perks of leadership certification and how it could help the town. Unanimously, the board approved the idea of becoming a leadership certified town.

Lagoon

Project Lagoon is on schedule and project workers are making headway, according to Hillmer. Workers hit perched water, "My theory is that the hill we took around 10 feet off of, had some water at the bottom of it." stated Hilmer. Rutjens Construction will haul in rock soon and expects to start digging the lift station the week of July 19.

After concerns of the dust along roads due to trucks traveling the roads, a team started spraying sodium chloride to combat the dust.

A loan from Cornerstone Bank for $311,000 for a wastewater project was approved unanimously.

Village hall lighting

Two contractors - Thiele Electric and Kerkman Electric - submitted bids for lighting for the Clearwater Public Library and clerk's office.

After reviewing options, village clerk AngieHupp addressed a possible concern with Thiele Electric's bid.

"I'm not sure if he knows that there is insulation in the ceiling, so we might want to wait to make a decision before talking to him. We need to make sure that he gives the accurate prices and he knows what he's getting into", stated Hupp.

The board decided to table the lighting project until they are able to talk with both contractors.

Planning and zoning

A recommendation for storage units to be built on land purchased near the school was given by Steve Hankla to the planning commission.

Hankla also gave recommendations for the Wayne Ahlers residence to be rezoned from agricultural to residential and storage sheds for Steve and Kathy Patras and Shirley Clinton. According to Hankla, the planning commission is set to meet soon to discuss rezonings options.