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Hot Topics May
Hot Topics is designed to keep Clear Lake residents updated on what is happening in City government and around town. Hot Topics changes the first of each month, so don't forget to check back monthly! If you have an item to add to Hot Topics, please click here to email the City Clerk. City Tidbits The following is a list of City meetings. The Public is encouraged to attend and bring any questions or concerns that they may have. City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, City Hall – May 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Library Board of Trustees, Conference Room at the Library – May 13, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, City Hall – May 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. City Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, May 26, 2008 in observance of Memorial Day Planning & Zoning Commission, Council Chambers, City Hall – May 27, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. ~Can’t Make It To City Council Meetings?~
Keep up with Clear Lake's current issues in the comfort of your own home! City Council meetings are re-broadcast on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday on CLVision Channel 1. You can now listen to an “audiocast” of the most recent City Council meeting by visiting the City of Clear Lake’s website at www.cityofclearlake.com. ~Council Clips~
Included among the most notable actions taken by the Clear Lake City Council during the month of April 2008 are:
~Pothole Alert~
It’s that time of year again when potholes begin to appear. Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezing, 
expanding, and then thawing. This weakens the pavement. Traffic loosens
the pavement even more, and it eventually crumbles and pops out. Spring temperatures
warm the cold pavement, melting and evaporating any frozen water. This creates
air pockets that can eventually cause the pavement to break up. If you find
a location with potholes, please leave a message with the Public Works Department
at 357-6135. ~Open Burning Dates set~
Springtime marks that time of year when most residents jump into high gear in an effort to spruce up their properties after a long Iowa winter. The spring open burning period is scheduled to begin on April 19th and continue through May 11th. The open burning ordinance allows for burning only of yard waste accumulated on site and does 
not allow for the use of flammable liquids, paper, or trash to be burned.
Open burning is allowed from noon to dusk, with no burning on Monday or Friday.
All fires must be on private property, no burning is allowed on streets or
alleys and the fire must be further than 50 feet from any structure. Failure
to comply with these regulations is a simple misdemeanor and subject to fines. ~Reminders for Pet Owners~
Now that the warm weather has arrived, it is a great time for being outside with your dog. Below are a few guidelines for residents of the City:
~Yard Waste Collection Resumes in Clear
Lake~
The City has a yard waste drop-off site available to citizens of Clear Lake located in the 1400 Block of 4th Avenue S. and it is now open for the season. The drop-off site is for tree limbs/branches less than 6" in diameter and yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, twigs, 
garden vines, etc. Yard waste left in bags at the site shall be in biodegradable
brown bags. No plastic bags or lumber is allowed at the site. The hours
of operation at the yard waste site are Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ~Mowing season is here~
When mowing the lawn or using a blower, please keep grass clippings from going into the street. Grass clippings left in the street are not just an eyesore, they can also clog storm runoff drains when it rains and cause neighborhood streets and yards to flood. When mowing adjacent to the street, turn the mower output chamber away from the street so that the clippings are deposited back on the yard. Not only will you help prevent potential flooding from a clogged storm drain, your yard will benefit from the natural compost provided by the grass clippings. ~Holiday Garbage and Recycling Schedule~
The Memorial Day holiday will result in a one-day delay in collection of residential garbage and recycling for the entire week of May 26 
through May 30. Residential trash usually collected on Monday will be picked
up Tuesday; Tuesday’s route will be done Wednesday; Wednesday’s route will
be done Thursday. Recycling usually collected Thursday will be picked up
Friday and Friday’s recycling will be picked up on Saturday, May 31st.Absolute Waste Removal observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Water News & Updates ~2008 City of Clear Lake Drinking
Water Quality Report~ The annual Water Quality Report is required by the EPA and provides information on the City's drinking water. The Water Department regularly tests, treats and records our City's water quality. Every year, the City of Clear Lake makes all of this information available to consumers through this Water Quality Report. This report lets consumers know first-hand where Clear Lake's water comes from, and what treatments the Water Department employs before it is delivered to the residents. This Water Quality Report is available on the City's website and is also posted at City Hall, 15 North 6th Street, and the Water Treatment Plant at 110 - 1st Avenue S. The Clear Lake Water Department gets its water from three wells drilled into the Devonian (Cedar Valley Limestone) Aquifer. The well water is aerated to get rid of hydrogen sulfide, chlorine is added to disinfect, and then filtered through six sand and carbon filters. No fluoride is added as the well water contains natural fluoride at 1.2 ppm. The Water Treatment Plant is automated; the pumps are operated during the day and night depending upon water demand and tower levels. Our Water Department is making every effort to protect the water system from potential security threats. You, as customers, can also help. If you see any suspicious activity near the water towers, treatment plant, wells or fire hydrants, please dial 911. We appreciate your assistance in protecting the water system. News from your Volunteer Fire Department ~Fire Safety Tip~
Spring is a perfect time to practice your family fire escape plan. Select an outdoor meeting place away from the house. Ensure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed exits from every room. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, at different times of the day. Clear Lake Public Library Corner ~Children’s Book Week~
Children’s Book Week has moved from November to May 12 – 17 this year. To celebrate, the Clear Lake Public Library will have a “Shelebration” honoring Shel Silverstein’s children’s books of poetry and other nonsense. “Don’t Bump the Glump,” which was Silverstein’s first book published in 1964 has recently been re-issued and will be the star attraction. Other Silverstein titles are: “The Giving Tree,” “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “A Light in the Attic,” and “Runny Rabbit: a Billy Sook” and more. There will be popcorn and coloring pages and a drawing to win a copy of “Don’t Bump the Glump,” for children who come to the Children’s Department during Children’s Book Week. ~Summer Reading Program~
“Catch the Reading Bug” is the theme of this summer’s reading program at the Clear Lake Public Library children’s department. The Friends of the Clear Lake Public Library sponsor the program that runs for nine weeks in May, June and July. The program runs from Tuesday, May 27 to Saturday, July 26. Please pre-register for all special programs by phoning 357-0315. “Creepie Crawlies” will kick off the Summer Reading Program (SRP) on Wednesday, June 4 at 4 p.m. “Creepie Crawlies” is a demonstration put on by the Grout Museum District, who brought “Kitchen Science” last summer. Watch for more information about additional local programs that will get your kids to take a new look at bugs this summer. The last day to turn in points for the Summer Reading Program is July 26. The Scholastic Book Fair will held from July 28 to August 2. Blue News ~Emergency Sirens to Sound~
The Spring and Summer months in Iowa can bring some very unpredictable weather. The City of Clear Lake regularly tests warning sirens that alert residents to a tornado in the area. Testing of the 
sirens is held monthly from April through October. Weather permitting,
the sirens will be tested at noon on the first Monday of each month. Please
DO NOT call 911 after a siren sounds so that we may keep the lines open for
emergencies.~Safe Bicycle Operation & Bicycle Licensing~ The weather’s warming up and the Clear Lake Police Department would like to remind motorists to be extra cautious as more motorcyclists and bicyclists take to the streets. Bicyclists should remember that they could be subject to a fine for disobeying traffic laws. To make their ride safer, bicyclists should observe the following rules:
Around Town ~Iowa DNR sponsors free camping weekend~
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources sets aside a weekend for free camping at all Iowa State Parks. The free weekend is scheduled for May 2 to 4 and is open to Iowa residents only. Campers are required to fill out a camping slip just like normal but in the amount paid box, they just write “free”. Non-residents are allowed to camp, but must pay the appropriate fee. For more information please call 357-3517. ~Cemetery Rules~
As a reminder, all grave decorations must either be on the base of the stone or on the stone itself in the City of Clear Lake Cemetery. Fresh 
Flowers, artificial wreaths, or plants may be used for decorating on special
occasions and holidays, such as Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, and shall be
removed 10 days after placement. After the 10-day period, staff will pick
up flowers and items that are not attached to the base of the stone or the
stone itself. For questions regarding cemetery decorations please contact
the Public Works Department at 641-357-6135. ~Call before you dig~
Residents undertaking projects involving digging and excavating are reminded to call Iowa One Call. Under Iowa statute if you plan to dig deeper than 12 inches, you are required to make the toll-free call at least 48 hours before digging. The service is FREE to anyone who requests it. Use of Iowa One Call eliminates the risk of service disruption in homeowners’ and neighbors’ yards. It also greatly reduces risk of severe personal injury, and even death. Before any digging or excavation starts, Iowans need to know they should first call Iowa One Call at 1-800-292-8989 to have their utilities marked. It’s not only in their best interest, it’s the law. ~Central Gardens Bulb to Blossom Sale~
Choose from an assortment of perennial plants at this lighthearted fundraising event. Bone up on gardening skills by listening and visiting with knowledgeable garden enthusiasts. Pre-order bulbs for fall with pick up at the Harvest Festival event in October. Proceeds will support the ongoing growth and development of the Central Gardens of North Iowa organization and facility. The sale will be held on Saturday, May 31st with a members-only early bird sale from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and a sale for the general public from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Admission is free. Parks & Recreation
~2008 Summer Programs~
The 2008 Summer Brochure has been distributed and registrations are now being taken. The brochure is available at City Hall and the Parks & Recreation office. Registrations may be dropped off at City Hall during regular business hours or deposited in the drop box in the parking lot. You may also mail your registrations to P.O. Box 185, Clear Lake, IA 50428. For questions please contact the Parks Department at 641-357-7010. ~Aquatic Center Rates Set~
Opening Day for the new Clear Lake Aquatic Center is anticipated for May 24th. To purchase your Pool Membership or reserve a pool rental 
time, stop at the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department, 800 1st Ave.
N. or you may call 641-357-7010 for additional information. Click Here to
download a Membership Form. Admission rates are as follows:Daily Admission (3 years & up) $3.00 “Non-swimmer” admission $2.00 Lap swimmer (a.m. or noon) $2.00 Infants (under 3 years of age) No Charge Individual Membership $55.00 (prior to 5/14, $60 thereafter) Family Membership $90.00 (prior to 5/14, $100 thereafter) Senior Citizen Membership 55+ $45.00 (prior to 5/14, $50 thereafter) Coupon/punch card (11 punches) $30.00 Pool Rental per hour $100.00 (less than 100 swimmers) $150.00 (more than 100 swimmers) ~Parks & Recreation and Aquatic Center
Update~
Believe it or not but summer is just around the corner and the staff at the Parks and Recreation Department are in full swing working hard to be prepared for another Clear Lake Summer of Fun! We have lots of exciting programs that will be offered for children 4 years of age through students entering 7th grade. Along with our great assortment of programs we are teaming up again with the Cerro Gordo County Extension Staff, which will offer educational programs by doing a variety of fun hands-on science experiments! This year we are also partnering with the Clear Lake Arts Center to offer a variety of art classes ranging from Music in Art, Theater, and 3-D Art week. The Parks & Recreation Department also offers classes and activities for adults. Programs for adults include: Co-ed Sand Volleyball League, Wine Wisdom Made Simple, Introduction to Photography, Body Sculpting/Toning Classes, Water Fitness, Deep Water Fitness and Water Therapy for Seniors. The Clear Lake Aquatic Center is getting ready for its second season of fun in the sun! This year new amenities will be added including: an additional 20 ft. Shade Umbrella, screening on the north wall (to hide the county parking lot and keep the dust down), 30 additional chaise lounges, and LIGHTS which will give us the opportunity to be open later and offer private parties. Programs again are available at the pool for the very young to the young at heart! We will offer 4 different sessions of Swimming Lessons including Parent Child Aquatics, Swim Team, Family Swim on Monday Nights, Lap Swims, Water Fitness, Deep Water Fitness, Water Therapy for Seniors, Lifeguarding Course in July and special events to be announced! To register for any of our programs offered or to sign up for a pool membership you may contact us at 357.7010, or e-mail us at clpr@netins.net. You can also look at our Summer Brochure on line and fill out your registration at www.cityofclearlake.com, click on Departments then go to Parks and Recreation or Clear Lake Aquatic Center. ~Park & Shelter House Clean-up to begin~
The Parks & Recreation staff members have been busy getting the Shelter Houses cleaned up so they can open for the busy spring and summer seasons. The Parks are also getting raked and aerated. Picnic tables and benches will be distributed in the parks and restrooms opened up. Please help us in keeping all the City Parks clean by picking up after your picnics in the Park. Please report any vandalism or problems that you see or have seen occurring in any of the Parks by calling us at 641-357-7010. We appreciate your help. *****Having a gathering, party or reunion picnic? Consider renting a park facility. Articles and photos for the monthly Hot Topics are compiled and edited by Jennifer Larsen, City Clerk. Any Clear Lake resident or visitor is encouraged to contact Jennifer with suggestions and ideas for future articles that might be appropriate for this monthly feature. |
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