Clearwater board approves workforce housing plan

Clearwater trustees amended the village's economic development plan, to include a workforce housing plan, during its Feb. 16 meeting.

A 2017 housing study, conducted by Miller & Associates, of Kearney, rated housing stock available for sale or rent in Clearwater as deficient. Without adequate housing, businesses may not be able to recruit new employees.

In simple terms, the workforce housing resolution will allow for a program to support construction or rehabilitation of single-family housing or market-rate multifamily housing.

Trustees approved an LB840 grant, for $4,999, to Clearwater Development Group, for construction of a house at 603 South Second Street.

Discussion about a location for construction of another home, by the CDG, ensued.

According to village clerk Angie Hupp, the group is interested in a lot near the south end of the village park.

Trustee Kevin Filsinger said the board needs to hold in-depth discussion about the location.

"Once we lose that, we can't get it back," he said.

Trustee Steve Stearns expressed concerns about losing shade from the only trees on that end of the park, especially since there aren't other public spots for tents.

"It's close to the end of the baseball field," trustee Kelly Kerkman said.

Two or three ball games were played on the south field in 2021.

Clearwater resident Jay Snider said the area of the park is a draw for campers during the annual rodeo and concert.

"The first year, there were probably 150 people there. Last year, there were 300 to 400 people," Snider said. "If you take that away, where are you going to put 400 people?"

If the project would move forward, the village will incur multiple expenses, including fees for surveying, streets, alleys and utilities.

"That's expensive," Klabenes said. "If they want to clean up lots and build on existing properties that need cleaned up, we have those."

Stearns suggested the item be tabled until the March meeting, since chairman Steve Hankla was absent from the meeting.

In other business, trustees:

• Approved $10,000 in Mutual Finance Organization funds to assist the Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department with the purchase of a new ambulance cot; and

• Voted on the resignation of Trustee Mike Klabenes. The board will accept applications to fill the position.