On August 23, the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting from 6-7:50 p.m. in the Caledonia City Hall Council Chambers. Council members presen were Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, Robert “Bob” Klug, and David Fitzpatrick. Absent was Brad Rykhus. Mayor Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, minutes from the previous meeting, and consent agenda. There were no public comments.
CBS News National Correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Caledonia Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder regarding Rawlings Sporting Goods’ announcement that they are closing Miken Sports within the next two years.
City Clerk/Administrator Adam Swann shared, “In addition to the interview with the mayor, Van Cleave interviewed Dee Slinde, Workforce Development, and Good Times Bar and Grill. In addition, he attended the fair while he was in town.”
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported that he did not have an updated schedule on well house #8 as there are still problems getting steel pipe. Street repairs continue. Klug explained that Meyer Concrete replaced 668’ of curb and gutter with Klug’s staff doing the dirt and grass seed behind the curbs and asphalt patching where the curb needed to be replaced. City staff also had multiple storm drain repairs to do. Dunn Blacktop will be doing large hot mix asphalt patches too large for the department’s equipment and team to do. Klug mentioned that he tweaked the proposed fire/ambulance building drawings after meeting with City Clerk/Administrator Swann, Mayor Schroeder, and Fire Chief Kevin Jacobson. The pool is drained, and the pipe damaged during installation is repaired. Klug’s staff installed two doors purchased last spring, at the liquor store and the street department shop.
The 2020 census numbers are in. Caledonia is down 21 people. The 2020 population figure is 2,847 as compared to the 2010 population figure of 2,868. Swann noted, “Some 300-plus Minnesota cities lost more people than Caledonia. Spring Grove saw a loss of 74 people.”
Kudos to the staff of the Caledonia Aquatic Center. Swann informed the council that he did not receive any complaints from parents, customers, or staff this summer.
Finance Office Stephanie Mann’s report was brief this month as all departments are going with the flow, explaining, “Those departments over budget experienced abnormal expenses.”
Mann created the proposed 2022 tax levy first. The proposed levy is 6% for a total of $641,559, which cannot go up and can go down. Mann mentioned that she has created the 2022 budget and that this is the first round. The mayor chimed in, stating that this is a good start.
The council accepted the bid from Wapasha Construction of $13,529,400 to construct the new wastewater treatment facility. Swann mentioned that Wapasha Construction came in under by $2 million. In addition, the City received an $815,000 Green Project Reserve grant from the state. The grant is awarded to construction projects that are designed to be energy efficient.
The council approved the proposal from Donohue & Associates to provide construction phase engineering services for an amount not to exceed $1,098,059. Swann expressed his opinion that it did not make sense to bring in a new engineer.
After reviewing the sample amortization schedule for the PFA loan, council members approved the proposed sewer rate increases for 2022-2024 to fund the new wastewater treatment facility. Sewer rates will increase $0.20 per 1,000 gallons in 2022, $0.20 in 2023, and $0.30 in 2024.
The council went into the scheduled Public Hearing at 6:45 p.m. Klug explained that Nathan and Dana Boler purchased the home at 1002 Courtney Drive last year. The house built in 2014 sits on a corner lot with a tight backyard. Klug received one call from a neighbor asking questions, but that they did not express any concerns. After returning to the regular meeting, the city council approved the request from Nathan Boler to build a deck at 1002 Courtney Drive with a 12-foot setback variance. Boler thanked the council and staff for their assistance.
The Celebrate Caledonia Committee is sponsoring a community event fundraiser for the town’s local hometown heroes on Saturday, September 11, at the Four Seasons Community Center. Social hour is at 5 p.m., and supper is at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at Wired Rooster in Caledonia. Cost is $50 per plate and limited to ages 21+.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Caledonia City Hall.