by Mary Loden
A new Christian-based, family fun event will be coming to Clear Lake on July 29 with a musical headliner that has drawn upwards of 7,000 people. Bash-at-the-Lake was announced at the June 19 Clear Lake City Council meeting.
“It’s like Thursdays on Main on steroids,” commented Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Callanan after all the plans were laid out and the full scope of the event began to sink in.
A request to review the special event application and proposed street closure was brought forward by Starr Benjamin and Michael Eichmann on behalf of United to Serve With Passion & Purpose, a non-profit organization founded by Brad Barber, owner of Cabin Coffee Company in Clear Lake.
Benjamin said that planning has been in the works for some time and has the backing of several different community organizations and businesses in Clear Lake. She explained the event will start where Bash on the Farm left off a few years ago.
She said there will be live Christian music by several well-known bands, such as “Go Fish,” local vendors, a mobile Chick Fil-A and all sorts of games and entertainment for the whole family.
“One Vision has partnered with us to coordinate activities for people of all abilities,” Benjamin said.
Once council members and Mayor Pro-Tem Callanan understood the scope of the project they unanimously approved the event application, but tabled making a decision on road closures until the July 3 meeting, which would give them more time to meet with planner Michael Eichmann and the police department.
Other Business
In other business, an application for a new downtown retail business, 14 Karat Studios at 410 Main Avenue, was approved. Owner Josh Reind, of Clear Lake, will be opening a men’s clothing boutique with clothing and men’s grooming products. They will also offer professional body piercing.
Heartland Asphalt presented an extra work request to the S. Lakeview Drive leveler overlay project to continue for an extra block, from 25th Ave. S. to 26th Ave. The original project was approved at the last council meeting. This Consent Agenda item was pulled out for more discussion before the motion was passed, three to two in a voice vote.
Under new business, Public Works Director Jeremy Korenberg said the 2022 E. Main Street Reconstruction and Bike Lane Extension project is 94 percent complete and they have begun putting up the signage. Pay estimate #8 for $26,600 was approved.
Korenberg also gave an update on the 2023 Street Resurfacing & Alley Paving Project, Division 1, along with Pay Estimate #1 for $383,104, which he predicts will be the last pay out for this division. He explained the concrete portions of the street repairs from the 1st – 3rd Avenues North district, as well as the sidewalk ramp work is “pretty much complete,” and grass seeding has begun. The pay estimate #1 was approved.
Interim Chief of Police Mike Colby reviewed the proposed street closures and permit parking for the annual Fourth of July celebration. He also announced they have hired a new dispatcher, Matthew Adams, who will begin training soon.
To conclude the evening’s meeting Mayor Pro-Tem Callanan announced the appointment of Talitha Allen to the Library Board of Trustees for the term ending July 1, 2029 and the re-appointment of Bev Currier for the same term.
