MINUTES OF THE MAY 14, 2007 MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL

The May 14, 2007 meeting of the Clear Lake Town Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Tony Kraus.  Also present were Jack McArdle, Larry Armstrong, Councilmen, Virginia Nye, Clerk Treasurer, and Erik Weber and Neal Blythe, Town Attorneys.  Twenty seven people signed the guest register.

Minutes of the April 9, 2007 meeting were read by Virginia Nye.  Tony Kraus made the motion to approve the minutes as amended, Larry Armstrong seconded and the motion passed.

The Financial Report was read and approved with a motion by Larry Armstrong, and second by Tony Kraus.  Warrants for approval were read by Virginia Nye and approved upon a motion  by Larry Armstrong and second by Tony Kraus. 

The Marshal’s report and the Fremont Fire Department Report were given by Larry Armstrong.  The Fremont Fire Department report included one vehicle accident and one medical assist to the Town of Clear Lake. 

Tony Kraus gave the Zoning Director’s report.  There was one permit issued for a garage for Ken Coonce at 992 Lake Drive.  Notices have gone to two property owners concerning fence violations.  The Zoning Ordinance gives 30 days to bring the property into compliance.  Bruce reported that he and Bob Hull are working on several issues that could cause problems for the Town in the construction or alterations of structures.

The Town Superintendent’s report was given by Tony Kraus.  He reported that all property owners have now signed the right of entry release for the 176 Lake Drive area work. Engineering is complete and is ready for bid.  They continue to work on the  drainage problem at 750 Lake Drive.

Tony Kraus made the motion to approve the reports, Larry Armstrong seconded, and the motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Erik Weber’s update on the legal situation included no change in the 1114 Lake Drive situation.  He was happy to report we have received the ordinance update from American Legal Publishing.  They will read through the ordinances and then we will pass an ordinance to accept the codification.  They plan to update the codification on an annual basis. 

NEW BUSINESS

First Reading of the ORDINANCE TO BAN FERTILIZER CONTAINING PHOSPHORUS IN TOWN OF CLEAR LAKE, STEUBEN COUNTY.  This ordinance prohibits the sale or application of fertilizer containing phosphorus within the Town of Clear Lake, Indiana.

Tony Kraus made the motion to approve the first reading.  Larry Armstrong seconded, and the motion passed.  The second reading will occur at the June meeting and this will be followed by a public hearing.

Larry Armstrong commended Mrs. Fitzenrider for breaking ground on this need.  Clear Lake is the first entity in the county to deal with this commitment to keep the lakes clean.

Larry Armstrong opened the discussion of the old town hall property, including disposal of the property.  We have received appraisals of $100,000 and $85,000.  The average, $92,500, is the minimum acceptable to the town.  There are five lots.  Some of the questions raised were:  Take bids as a whole or subdividing, take sealed bids, or sell at auction.  Another option would be to keep the land as open space.  Following discussion, Larry Armstrong made a motion to pass a resolution to sell to the highest bidder.  Tony Kraus seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.

Ground Rules contract discussion to develop ordinances for the second half of the master plan.  Larry Armstrong outlined the steps to complete the master plan.  The company would do the major work on the plan.  There would be five committee meetings working on up to three drafts.  The Plan Commission would make final decisions on the proposed plan.  These would be user friendly zoning ordinances available on the web, including setbacks for lake, side, and road.  They would write very specific ordinances.

Pricing:             $37,800 Zoning ordinances

                            9,000 Subdivision Control Ordinance

                            3,500 Expenses

                        $50,300 Total

With approval at this meeting, the project could start in June and be completed in sixteen months.

Following discussion, Tony Kraus made a motion to approve the agreement with Ground Rules, Larry seconded, and the motion passed.

Jack McArdle reported that the town received $1,000 from the Clear Lake Association for the purchase of swim buoys. 

Larry Armstrong announced that we are planning an open house and dedication of the new town hall on Sunday, June 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the town hall.  We also want to recognize the hard work of Bill Geiger on this project.  In addition, this is also the 75th year of incorporation of the town.

There will be a boating class starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, for those eleven years old and up.

At 8:10 p.m., Larry Armstrong made a motion to adjourn, Tony Kraus seconded, and the motion passed.

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 John McArdle

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 Virginia Nye