Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Caledonia City Council proclaimed July as Wild Turkey Month at its July 10 meeting.
The mayoral proclamation recognizes the efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources which led to the successful reintroduction of wild turkeys across Minnesota. The proclamation also states that the reintroduction of the wild turkey began in the Caledonia area. The proclamation recognizes the work the National Wild Turkey Federation has completed over the past 50 years of working with state, federal, and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of the wild turkey which contributed to the birds’ return from the brink of extinction. The City of Caledonia is recognized as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota.
On Saturday, July 22, Caledonia will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the re-introduction of the wild turkey in Minnesota. At 2 p.m. will dedicate a bronze cairn at the North Park with guest speakers Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Minnesota National Wild Turkey Federation State Chapter President, Linden Anderson, TV Host and First Minnesota State Chapter President, Ron Schara, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, and Co-CEO National Wild Turkey Federation, Jason Burkhalter followed by a reception at the Four Season’s Community Center.
Mayor Schroeder called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6 p.m. Schroeder led his fellow council members and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The council unanimously approved the agenda as presented and the minutes from the June 26 regularly scheduled city council meeting.
Council members in attendance at the July 10 city council meeting: Robert (Bob) Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, and Ryan Stenzel. David Fitzpatrick was absent.
In one unanimous vote, the council approved the consent agenda as presented: (1) payments and disbursements, (2) LG230 application to conduct off-site gambling for American Legion Post 249, (3) payment request from Zenke Inc. for work done on the Grove Marshall Street and utility reconstruction project in the amount of $18,290.59, and (4) payment request from Wapasha Construction Co. for work done at the wastewater treatment facility in the amount of $459,438.85.
The mayor closed the regular council meeting and opened the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. to allow interested Caledonia residents and business owners to ask questions and share their opinion regarding the interim use permit (IUP) from homeowner Josh Myhre for a short-term rental at 514 S. Marshall St. The consensus of the public is that support Myhre’s request. One resident that supports Myhre’s business venture and welcomed him to town, questioned the future of short-term rentals in a city that is faced with a shortage of residentials homes. It was confirmed that short-term rentals in Caledonia pay sales tax, lodging tax, and must carry insurance. After the council closed the session and opened the regular meeting the council approved the IUP with the recommendation that a 25’ fence or tall plants be installed to provide a screen on the south side of the property.
In other business, the council:
• Reviewed the overtime report for June 12 through June 25. No action is required.
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24 at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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