Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder called the Caledonia City Council’s regular meeting to order Monday evening, March 8, 2021, at 6:02 p.m. in the city auditorium. City council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Councilmember Robert “Bob” Klug was absent.
Consent agenda
Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda, including:
•February 22 meeting minutes
•Payment application number 2 from Ricchio, Inc. for $15,390 for work performed on Caledonia Pool Gutter Replacement Project
•2021 bowling lane license for MAAD Alley, LLC (for period April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022)
•Approve 2021 3.2% off-sale beer licenses for Kwik Trip, Inc. #733; Kraus Oil Company; and Quillin’s IGA (for period April 5, 2021 – April 4, 2022)
•2021 3.2% on-sale beer license for The Wired Rooster, LLC (for period April 5, 2021 – April 4, 2022)
•2021 soft drink licenses for B&M Service Center, Bonanza Grain, Caledonia Rehabilitation & Retirement, Caledonia Implement Co., Caledonia ISD 299, Caledonia ISD 299, Caledonia Employee Pop Fund, General Parts, Good Times Restaurant/Bar, Elsie’s Bar & Grill, SEMA, A&A Floral, Quillin’s IGA Foodliner, MAAD Alley, Kraus Oil Co., Inc., Houston Co. Sheriff’s Office, Kwik Trip #733, Subway; Becker Properties, Caledonia Liquor Store, Fourteen Foods, ABC Works, Caledonia Haulers/Canteen, Caledonia True Value, Miken Sports, Four Seasons Community Center, Houston Co. Agricultural Society, Caledonia Celebrations, Astrup Drug, The American Legion, The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts; Dollar General, Canteen, Caledonia Elderly Housing MN, The Wired Rooster, Babler Auction Service, Houston County 4-H Federation, and Rustic Tap.
•Houston County Fair application for a one-day temporary on-sale liquor license on August 18, 2021, the application from Houston County Fair for a four-day temporary on-sale liquor license for August 19-22, 2021.
•Application from Eugene Osborne to erect sign advertising “Frankie’s 2nd Chance” at 139 S. Marshall St.
•Hiring Theresa Huff as manager of the 2021 baseball and softball program.
•Hiring of Maria Schieber as manager and Tessa Pieper and Austin Heaney as assistant managers of Caledonia Aquatic Center and the following lifeguards: Isaac Denstad, Lydia Jennings, Sasha McLees, Grace Privet, Lydia Lange, Lyza Hoscheit, Gracie Heaney, Jacob Staggemeyer, and Alysha Heaney.
•Street closures for Founder’s Day Weekend on June 19-20, 2021.
Public comments
Green Acres homeowners Matt Schuldt and Kevin Weichert asked what the city proposed to fix the first 300 feet of the road into Green Acres. Schuldt stated, “There has been some maintenance done, but it needs to be torn up and redone.” Wichert expressed his concern that the spring thaw is really going to do a number on it. Mayor Schroeder reminded the council and public that the city does not get any taxes from the Green Acres property, and in the past had offered to pay half. Newly appointed Robert Ellenz, Caledonia Township, offered to work with the city to get the repairs and share the cost 50/50. After a lengthy conversation, a representative from the township and city will get together and draw up an agreement before the next meeting.
Unfinished business
Councilmembers had a lengthy discussion regarding the city’s utility customer policies and procedures, specifically regarding voluntary removal of water and electric meters. In comparison to other cities, their policies and procedures were found to be all over the board. The proposed policy and procedures changes include a flat rate fee of $100 for water and $250 for electricity to put a meter back in. No action was taken.
New business
Stephanie Mann, Finance officer/deputy clerk, presented the final budget v. actual for 2020 (pre-audit). Mann mentioned, “Some revenues were up this year, but expenses were down in some departments, resulting in net income of $125,000.” Probably COVID-19 was responsible for the decrease in expenses. Mann would like to take $100,000 and save it for street projects instead of putting it into reserves.” This would put 64% in reserves. According to Mann, auditors like to see 50% in reserves. The auditor is scheduled to come an April to present the results of the audit. The mayor mentioned that “the books look a lot better than what we expected in November.” The council approved the transfer of $100,000 of net income from the 2020 General Fund budget to account 352 Capital Improvement Fund for future street improvements and $25,000 into reserves.
Mann presented council members with reports on proposed rate increases for both water/sewer and electricity needed to pay off two bonds – the new well and well house. If approved, the increase in usage will start May 15 and appear on the July 1 bill. In comparison to other towns in the area, Caledonia is middle of the road. No action was taken.
After a careful review of both the prepaid claims and claims payable, the council moved to approve both reports.
Thanks to the lack of snow, overtime is down.
The next regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council is Monday, March 22, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the city auditorium.