More information needed on third Clearwater parcel

A decision regarding a third parcel under consideration for annexation in Clearwater village limits was tabled, following a recommendation from the village's planning commission.

During the Nov. 11 board of trustees meeting, landowners Dwaine and Deborah Trease said they opposed annexation of parcel 000660200, situated adjacent to a Trease-owned parcel housing Sunset Storage.

"What's the purpose of any advantage of that little piece of ground to the city to have? There's no tax base to it. The taxes are $7.18." Dwaine Trease said.

Village chairman Kelly Kerkman reported it's to square off the parcels.

Trease said he wasn't opposed to the annexation, but he expected the village to supply water and sewer hookups.

Kerkman asked if there were plans that would require sewer and water capabilities.

"If you plan to annex it in, you have to supply water and sewer out there," Trease said.

Trustee Cody Kester asked where the nearest curb stop is located. Troy Behnke, village maintenance man, said the water line ends at the fire hydrant located by 613 Iowa Street.

"I don't know off the top of my head where sewer is at," Behnke said.

Kerkman again asked if the Treases had plans to use water or sewer on the property.

"I may eventually. I'd like to get some grass growing out there instead of tumbleweeds," Dwaine Trease said.

He wondered if a lift station would be necessary for sewer capabilities.

"I can't see where the elevation is that far off that you'd need a lift station," Behnke said.

Trease said when the couple purchased the property, it was zoned commercial, instead of residential, because the sewer was too low.

Kerkman asked if the village could run water line right away and add sewer when needed.

Trease said the village needs to "come up with a plan."

"You have to have a written plan, when and how you're going to put it in there ... I don't want it to be an issue if I do (need sewer hookup)."

Village attorney Kyle Petersen said if the existing water line is within 300 feet of the property, it's the landowner's responsibility and expense within 300 feet to connect to the main.

"The sewer is a little bit different. It's 100 feet," Petersen said. "Same thing, just a shorter distance."

Trease asked if the lines would run to the western edge of the proposed annexation.

"No, we just need to get it within what our ordinance says," Kester said.

Trease said he did not agree with that.

Kerkman suggested the Treases attend the December meeting so exact locations of water and sewer can be pinpointed.