Trey McArdle
20 Penny

I received word today from Bob Lewis that the request by Clear Lake residents for a public hearing on a weekend during the summer will not be granted. The MONDAY, May 8th meeting will be the first and final public hearing that the CLEAR LAKE TOWN COUNCIL will hold. Please bear in mind the documents were only put into final form at the May 4th Plan Commission meeting. This included last minute changes that never received public comment.

This is the quote from his email:

"In my conversations with other council members and council attorney, it is our feeling that this next public hearing will be our last hearing relating to this ordinance. I might add that this will be the 12th public hearing relating to this entire process. We are now into June and many "seasonal residents" presumably will be around."

Edited by author 06-03-2009 09:02 AM
Trey McArdle
20 Penny

This is the latest news from http://www.townofclearlake.org/

In the news it was announced that the public hearing addressing the UDO will be held the same time as the regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting. This will be held on Monday, June 8th at 7:00pm. The public notice for this meeting was only posted on the Clear Lake Town Website 10 days before the meeting/hearing is to be held. This gives little advance notification to anyone who would like to attend the meeting, especially seasonal residents.

I sent Bob Lewis, Town Council President, an email asking if he would consider another public hearing regarding the UDO this summer. The Clear Lake community overwhelming asked for a summer forum to be held on a weekend. A weekend hearing would give the the seasonal community and anyone interested an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns about UDO.

I also sent an email to all of the other Town Council members asking if they support a second public hearing on a weekend this summer, in addition to the June 8th meeting. I will post their responses to the forum as soon as I receive them.

The June 8th meeting is a regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. If there is not another public hearing (none are currently scheduled) then the June 8th meeting will be the second reading of the UDO and the last chance for public comment. The July 13th Town Council meeting would then be the last reading of the UDO and customarily no public comment would be allowed before the final reading (third and final vote). The UDO would then become law and take effect in 30 days - August 13th.


The news is copied exactly as it is written on the town website

NEWS

Replacement 3rd Ward Councilman Appointed

The Town of Clear Lake is happy to announce the appointment of Alan Korte by the Steuben County Republican Chairperson to fill the remaining term of Larry Armstrong - Ward 3 Councilman. The appointment is effective immediately. Alan accepted the position after Larry Armstrong resigned for medical reasons. Larry and the rest of the Town Council are pleased that Alan has stepped up to complete the remainder of his term.

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Public Hearings

The Clear Lake Town Council will conduct Public Hearings during the regular June 8th, 2009 Town Council meeting. The first Public Hearing will be regarding the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The second Public Hearing will be regarding an ordinance to increase the annual garbage collection fee. Both notices are posted under the Public Notices section.

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Free CPR/First Aid Class

This is an opportunity to get free CPR and First Aid training from the American Red Cross. The class will be at the Clear Lake Town Hall on June 6th, 2009 at 8 am. Call the number on the linked FLYER or call the Clear Lake Town Hall and provide your name, address and telephone number.

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Edited by author 05-27-2009 06:02 PM
20 Penny

This is the latest news from http://www.townofclearlake.org/

The "news" addresses the resignation of Larry Armstrong. We know Larry and our prayers are with him. Obviously filling his shoes with a new appointee will be difficult for those involved. The news also covers the initial passage of the UDO at the first reading. The UDO still has 2 more readings to go. As it now stands there will be two more readings: one reading is possible at each of the next two town council meetings . Bob Lewis, the town council president, has committed to deliberations as well as readings in his web address, "The Town Council will then begin its deliberations and readings over the next 3 or 4 months and hopefully have completed documents in August or September". Deliberations (public hearings) will give people a chance to ask questions and voice concerns. There is also a medium sized version of the new zoning map available on the main page that was not previously available. It should be noted Bill Geiger's address as plan commission president has been removed from the news.

The news is copied exactly as it is written on the town website and you can visit the website to view the links.

NEWS

3rd Ward Councilman Larry Armstrong Resigns

We were informed this week that our good friend and fellow council member Larry Armstrong was diagnosed with a thoracic aorta aneurysm that requires emergency intervention. The surgeon and cardiologist scheduled a heart catherization last Monday, May 11Th. The catherization went well and Larry completed CTA and PET scans Thursday, May 14th. Larry is home resting and will probably have surgery next week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry & Kay at this time. Cards may be sent to his home at 1004 Lake Dr Clear Lake Fremont, IN 46737.

Because of his recent health issue and Larry's desire to reduce stress in his lifestyle, he has decided to resign his position on the Clear Lake Town Council. We will miss his leadership in many areas but do respect his decision in this matter. Larry's letter is available at the following link: Larry Armstrong resignation letter.

Bob Lewis
Clear Lake Town Council President

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UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE

We are pleased to announce that on Monday, May 4th 2009 the Plan Commission under the direction of its President, Bill Geiger certified and passed with a favorable recommendation the UDO to the Town Council.

The Town Council will then begin its deliberations and readings over the next 3 or 4 months and hopefully have completed documents in August or September.

We are grateful for the many people that participated in this process from the very beginning. Their efforts are duly noted:

Town Council (2004 – 2007) Commissioned the Project:

   Jack McArdle
   Tony Kraus
   Larry Armstrong

Clear Lake Comprehensive Plan Committee with Region III-A Economic Development District & Regional Planning Commission:

Larry Armstrong, Chris Folland, Robert Lewis, Dan & Carolyn Bolovan, Brad & Teresa Gay, Jerry McArdle, Alan Brown, Ken Goeckel, Annemarie Rhinehart, Greg Brown, Robert Hull, Bruce Snyder, Robert Bruick, Sue & Alan Korte, Robert Troll, Orabelle Denzel, Ron Kummer, Kathleen Tyler, Jon & Mary Jo Fitzenrider, Sue Williams


Clear Lake Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee with Ground Rules Inc.:

Alan Brown, Ken Goeckel, Jerry McArdle, Greg Brown, Robert Hull, Bruce Snyder, Robert Bruick, Alan Korte, Robert Troll, Paul Federspiel, Ron Kummer, Nancy Wilhelm, George Schenkel, Larry Armstrong, Jon & Mary Jo Fitzenrider, Sue Williams, Chris Folland, Robert Lewis

Clear Lake Plan Commission:

Bill Geiger, President, Robert Lewis, George Schenkel, Rick Behnfeldt, Jerry McArdle, Chris Folland, Sue Williams

We would also like to thank everyone who took part in all the public hearings and sent letters for our consideration. Your participation shows that you care about Clear Lake and how we grow now and into the future.

As we go forward, the Plan Commission will continue its advisory committee meetings for those who wish to send in additional comments. All comments should be in writing and sent to the Plan Commission President, Bill Geiger.

Thank you for your support

Bob Lewis, President
Clear Lake Town Council

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Plan Commission Certifies UDO

On May 4th, 2009 the Clear Lake Plan Commission certified the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to the Town Council with a favorable recommendation. The certified draft and map are available at the following links: May 4, 2009 Certified UDO Draft *** Zoning Map.

The Town of Clear Lake's Comprehensive Master passed in 2007 is available at the following link: 2007 Comprehensive Plan Link.

584 Lake Dr.

What types of materials are you suggesting in terms of non-impervious surfaces for driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and nature trails?

I would like to set the record straight from previous postings that indicated I said using the roadways as a sidewalk is a danger to drivers and pedestrians. What I said was having homes on both sides of the roadways increases the danger of using the roadways as sidewalks due to the increased density of people and traffic. I certainly am not in favor of adding a strip of impervious surface around the lake. I would encourage anyone to consider not using impervious surfaces as driveways, parking lots and even sidewalks if they must be installed. The idea of non-impervious nature trails is a good one.

I think a discussion on pedestrian safety is a good one. We have three young children and are concerned for their safety. Last year we had our slow children playing flag man kidnapped never to be ransomed. Very disappointing. Rather than sidewalks which would make our beautiful lake community look more like the suburbs we love to get away from, I would like to see a nature trail (for biking, running and walking) that takes in the beautiful nature around our lake. There are so many special spots that people never see. This past summer I took my father to one of these special treasures after 40 plus years at the lake. He really enjoyed it. This could be a real asset for all ages and could positively impact safety on our public roads. Just a thought. I know that it did not get much support in the Comprehensive Plan.

20 Penny
Trey McArdle

Greg, it's refreshing to have a non UDO post. This forum was set up so the whole community can weigh in on town topics in an open forum.

Personally, road condition is at the top of my list of concerns. There are a lot of areas around the lake where the roads have flooded over for quite some time. Also, there are sections of road that badly need to be resurfaced. Some of these spots have been addressed. The new ditch by the Yacht Club / Rieke building is one example. It is my understanding that there is a limited budget for road repair every year. I'm not sure of the specifics.

The other issue I would love for people to weigh in on is a sidewalk. The Skinners brought this issue up at the last plan commission meeting. Mr. Skinner made the comment that we use roadways as a sidewalk and it is a danger to drivers and pedestrians. I have two young children and I think a sidewalk would be a big safety improvement.

The sidewalk question came up on the second survey in the comprehensive plan http://www.townofclearlake.org/content/Com...%20plan%20Final.pdf , page 25, qustion 8. From this survey it is unclear how the public feel about a sidewalk but I feel roadways and sidewalks are something the community should be talking about.

Can someone please tell me why Clear Lake has million dollar homes with five dollar streets.

I went by cottage 388 this past weekend. The road was flooded over (again), and full of pot holes. Its been like that for years.

Thank you.

Edited by author 05-12-2009 09:22 PM
Thanks to those who have been supportive of our efforts to make sure the UDO that becomes law is a document that will improve the lives and property of those who live around Clear Lake. Unfortunately, that is not the situation with the UDO currently under consideration by the town council. We still have time to let the Clear Lake Town Council know about our concerns. The UDO must be read and approved at three separate town council meetings before it becomes law.

Edited by author 05-11-2009 11:59 PM
Notes from Town Council Meeting May 11, 2009
Town council members in attendance: Barry Worl, Sue Williams, Bob Lewis, George Schenkel

Neal Blythe, Bob Hull, Ginny Nye, Frank Nye, Kay Kummer, BobTroll and his wife, Kathy Latz, Karen Lewis, Mary-Jo & Jon Fitzenrider, Mrs. Compo, Megan Moss, Jack McArdle, Marc Hansbarger, Diane McArdle, Jerry McArdle, Bruce Snyder, Rick Eckert, Chris Folland, Bob Hines, Mr. Spangler, and a few others were also present.

Larry Williams sent a letter resigning from the Town Council due to health problems.

Ordinance 2009-2 Penalty for failing to connect to the sewer $500 per day. Third Reading – will go into effect 30 days after it is published in the newspaper.

Ordinance 2009-3 Garbage collection charge increases to $135 per year. Collection date from residences may be changed to coincide with the date the town signs the contract.

Noxious weed Ordinance was also passed on its third reading.

UDO
Ordinance 2009 -4 Passed its first reading with all council members voting in favor. George Schenkel moved that the ordinance accepted. Sue Williams seconded.

Bob Lewis said there will be a public hearing sometime during the 2nd week in June.
-after the meeting, Marc Hansbarger pointed out that the version of the UDO that the town council voted on was not on the website. Bob said “We received these yesterday.”
He said that they would be put on the website as soon as possible.

Here is a detailed account:
Provisions: “This is ordinance 2009-4, an ordinance repealing all previous zoning and subdivision control ordinances and maps and adopting a replacement zoning subdivision control ordinance and also adopting a complete replacement zoning map. Summary: the ordinance repeals all previous zoning and subdivision control ordinances and maps and adopts a replacement zoning subdivision control ordinance, hereafter known as the Unified Development Ordinance, and also adopts a complete replacement zoning map. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the town of Clear Lake pursuant to a 6-1 vote of the Clear Lake Plan Commission. The Clear Lake Plan Commission, after proper notice and hearing as required by statue certified the UDO and replacement zoning map with a favorable recommendation to the Clear Lake Town Council. All previous zoning ordinances and subdivision control ordinances and zoning maps shall be repealed as of September 1, 2009. The UDO and replacement zoning maps, which were certified by the Clear Lake Plan Commission and hereby adopted shall replace the repealed zoning ordinance, subdivision control ordinances and zoning maps September 1, 2009. Be it further ordained that this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after Sept. 1, 2009, after passage by the Town Council and proper publication in a newspaper of daily circulation in Steuben County. Are there any discussions? Any additions? Do I have a motion to accept the ordinance?

George Schenkel: I so move that we move that we accept ordinance 2009-4.
Sue Williams: I’ll second it.

It’s been moved and seconded that we accept the ordinance 2009-4, an ordinance repealing all previous zoning and subdivision control ordinances and maps and adopting a replacement zoning subdivision control ordinance and also adopting a complete replacement zoning map.

We will have a public hearing on this in June, in regards to this. At this time I would like to have George, as you all know. Excuse me, I’m sorry. Do I have a move to accept the ordinance? (Audience members say, “We already did.”)
George: We just need to vote on it.
Bob: OK. All in favor. “Aye”. Thank you. Keep in mind that …(Several audience audience members mention the lack of a call for opposed votes) “Opposed?” (No opposed votes) OK. The next thing on our agenda is …

Public Beach
Steuben County board of Commissioners asked to meet with the town council members about their desire to sell the beach due to wanting to purchase another piece of land. They didn’t have an appraisal, so did not have an approximate dollar value to discuss. Lots of fond memories of the beach. The county would like to see it kept as a beach, but they would like to sell it. No town money is currently available to purchase this land, though Steuben county did say they would be willing to drag it out over time. Still a lot of work to be done. Open to thoughts and ideas from residents of Clear Lake. Conservancy has just gone through a fundraiser for Kasota Island, but if they would want to step-up, we would facilitate that process. We will just keep the dialog open with the county. On the survey (which approximately one-third of the property owners responded to, 76% of the people responded that they wanted to keep it a beach) They did say that they did not want to sell it with the idea that it was going to be developed, but obviously, if they sell the property, they loose control. Comment: "They are just shifting their political problem onto you guys."

Town Council Meeting Tonight at 7pm!!! First reading of UDO! Agenda available at http://www.townofclearlake.org/Agendas/Council%202009-05.htm

If you can not attend, please let your town council member know how you feel about the UDO. All their e-mail addresses are on the town website here: http://www.townofclearlake.org/content/email%20directory.htm

The next meeting will be:
June 8 Town Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall

Just so you know, there are always questions in the courts, and if you think there aren't, you haven't been there.

  CANCELLED! NO "Advisory Committee" meeting for C.L. Plan Commission for Thurs May 7th. Just got email from Bruce Snyder & cell call from Chris Folland; did not get advertised as required.
   Since the Plan commission PASSED it anyway despite objections raised on virtually every front, frankly, the "gloves should be off" and target PRECISE LEGAL objections for the Plan Commission and Town Board personnel!
    There are VERY real problems with many portions of the ordinance, too many almost to address here, but certainly no doubts in the courts.
    Legal problems seem certain since "intent" of the regulations are questionable and NOT what is stated in several instances, in fact certain parts conflict with other portions.
    READ and WRITE your specific questions and concerns, and feel free to send a copy to me also and I will try to see what else we can do.
    Sincerely, Mark Hansbarger mark@hansbarger.com Ofc: 260-665-2154x11.

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