Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session Monday, May 9, from 6-7:50 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members in attendance included Mayor Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus.
Members approved the minutes from the April 25 regular city council meeting and the consent agenda.
Consent agenda items approved include payment in the amount of $136,834.42 to Wapasha Construction Co., Inc., wastewater treatment plant contractor and not waiving the monetary limits on municipal tort liability, July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
The council accepted a $15,000 donation from the Caledonia Fire Department gambling account. The donation will be used toward the purchase of the 1998 Pierce Lance Tower fire truck.
Katelyn Jensen has been hired as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for the town’s ambulance department.
Andrew Forliti, CPA, Smith Schafer & Associates presented the results of the 2021 city audit. Forliti noted that the city received a “clean” opinion, which he noted is the highest level one can receive. There were no Minnesota Legal Compliance exceptions, and not surprising there is a lack of segregation of accounting. He noted that the only city they audit that does not have this problem is the City of Rochester. It was noted that a single audit is required in 2021 because the city exceeded the federal threshold of $750,000. After explaining pages of graphs and numbers, Forliti summarized their finding. 1. Unassigned fund balance in the General Fund of $1,15,209 which was 60% of 2021 general fund expenditures; 2. LGA contributes more governmental revenue than property taxes; 3. Fire fund, ambulance/fire building and East Grove/South Marshall Street had deficit fund balances in 2021; 4. Debt outstanding, net discount – governmental $1,963,291, enterprise $2,908,252; 5. Water, stormwater, and light funds are generating sufficient cash flow to service outstanding bonds and maintain cash reserves; and 6. Liquor fund reported a net increase of $27,713, including transfers out of $31,687. Fund has a cash balance of $119,179. The council unanimously accepted the 2021 audit report as presented by Smith Schafer & Associates.
Stephanie Mann, interim clerk/administrator reported that it is proving challenging to find employees for the swimming pool.
Director Mike Tornstrom, Caledonia Ambulance, appeared before the council to discuss the purchase of a new ambulance to replace Unit 257. Tornstrom shared, “We are looking at least $220,000 to $225,000. The lead time is 18 months; therefore, delivery would be in 2024.” With the additional features – sliding door, powerlift cot, and powerlift apparatus, it will probably be closer to $270,000. The council gave their blessing to Tornstrom to talk with vendors about designing the ambulance and secure firm quotes.
The bid from Winona Controls Inc. for HVAC improvements in the city auditorium was approved for a total of $275,000. It was noted that both bids were for heating and air conditioning.
Matt Moh recommended keeping the policies simple and do not over think it. Mann shared with the council examples of policies from other communities noting that Moh likes Spring Valley’s.
The next regularly scheduled Caledonia City Council meeting is on Monday, May 23, at 6 p.m., at Caledonia City Hall, 231 E. Main Street, Caledonia. The meeting is open to the public.
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