The City of Caledonia Public Works department is in the midst of fall rush. City Clerk/Administrator Adam Swann complimented the city Public Works department and department’s director Casey Klug for all the work they have completed this fall to ensure the city is ready for winter.
On November 8 the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting in the Caledonia City Hall Council Chambers. Council members present were Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Robert “Bob” Klug. Brad Rykhus was absent.
Promptly at 6 p.m. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the October 25, 2021 meeting minutes. There were no public comments.
Also in attendance were Adam Swann, city clerk/administrator; and Casey Klug, Public Works/Zoning director.
After the council approved Payment Application No. 10 from Ricchio, Inc, for $5,600 as settlement for Ricchio’s notice of claim regarding 51 days of liquidated damages assessed against Ricchio for work performed on the Caledonia Pool Gutter Replacement Project, the mayor mentioned that the council made the right decision at the last council meeting to send a counteroffer to Ricchio. As a result, money was saved by not having to take legal action.
The first payment request from Wapasha Construction Co., Inc. was approved for $87,024.75 for the wastewater treatment facility.
Elizabeth Wefel, attorney/lobbyist, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), appeared before the council to present an overview of the 2021 legislative session and a preview of the upcoming legislative session. CGMC goals for this year’s session were bonding, childcare, and city streets. A bonding bill was not passed in 2021. Legislators did pass a $22.5 million bill for childcare facilities, funds for childcare business development in 2022-23 and 2024-25. Wefel mentioned that it looked like the state would have a $2.4 billion deficit but after closed door negotiations and a special session the state ended with a projected $636 million surplus for 20-21 and a $1.2 billion surplus for 22-23.
Winter is just around the corner. Director Klug announced that his department finished fall clean-up and is now installing the snowplows on the front of the trucks. The department will be ready when that first flake falls.
Following the 6:30 p.m. public hearing on the assessment of unpaid utility charges and special charges, the council approved Resolution 2021-16 authorizing the assessment of properties for outstanding utility charges and unpaid special charges. Outstanding utility charges were assessed on Priyesh and Kristy Amin, 708 E. Main Street, $171.29; JSSR Investments, LLC., 219 E. Grove St. #2, $846.01; Matthew Schellsmidt, 418 E. Grove St., $688.69; and Kristen Davenport, 315 W. Grove St., $662.59. Unpaid special charges were assessed against Kristen Davenport, 315 W. Grove St. $135.00 for lawn mowing; Gordon Tippman, 916 E. Main St., $45.00 for lawn mowing, and Matthew Schellsmidt, 418 E. Grove St., for public nuisance abatement.
The council approved the proposed non-union salaries and wages for 2022. Full-time non-union employees will receive a 2% increase. Part-time, seasonal and temporary non-union employees will receive anywhere from $.25 to $1.00 per hour raise.
After the pocket park and mural dedication, the Streetscapes committee at once began preparing to light up the town. Light Up Caledonia 2021 will kick off the holiday season on November 18 at 4 p.m. and continue until January 19. This joint effort between the city, Streetscapes committee, and the Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce creates a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors.
The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 22 at 6 p.m. at Caledonia City Hall, 231 E. Main Street. The public is invited to attend.
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