Caledonia City Council Receives Legislative Update, Discusses Downtown Parking Striping

The Caledonia City Council took no action regarding the downtown parking striping during its regular meeting on June 8, but members received an update on the project, noting that it had already been approved at the previous city council meeting. Councilmember John Rauk emphasized that Main Street remains a priority.

Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present were Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk and Leis.

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 26 regular city council meeting with Ninneman abstaining.

Councilmember Klug moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Ninneman. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved included:

•Payments and disbursements totaling $382,715.65 in prepaid invoices and $84,990.21 in unpaid invoices;

•A gambling license for American Legion Post 249 from August 13 to August 16 during the Houston County Fair;

•The hiring of Haley Beseler-Kilfiana as the new liquor store clerk, effective immediately, at $14.73 per hour.

With Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug absent, Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson presented both the public works report and administrative report.

Dickson reported that pool furniture and restroom mirrors are being replaced at the city swimming pool. He said that the pool attendance has been pretty busy, and registration for swimming lessons is expected to begin in approximately two weeks. Because the Houston County Fair will be held later than usual this year, Dickson is recommending extending the pool season.

Dickson also presented a summary of the 2026 legislative session, which concluded May 17. He highlighted several items of significance to the city of Caledonia.

Among the key points:

•No local option sales tax legislation passed anywhere in the state.

•A $1.2 billion capital investment bill for local projects passed, though the city’s library proposal was not included.

•The bonding bill includes $2 million for the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure grants. The city plans to apply this summer.

•The bill also includes $165 million for housing infrastructure bonds that could help support future residential development in the community.

•No preemptive bills were passed.

•New cannabis law was passed.

•No legislation regulating data centers was enacted despite extensive discussion during the session.

•Changes were made to strength duty-disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters, improving their ability to secure insurance coverage following disability retirement.

•A $125 million property tax relief package was approved, along with a a one-year reduction in license tab fees.

•Prediction markets were banned.

•Candidates were prohibited from placing wagers on their own elections.

Dickson said he will continue working with Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, the Southeast Minnesota League of Municipalities, and the League of Minnesota Cities to pursue sales tax reform, capital investment reform and other legislative priorities.

In other business, the council, unanimously approved the purchase of a 7-by-12-foot aluminum utility trailer from Auto Toy Trader in West Salem for $3,750. The trailer will be used by the water and sewer department to store and transport pumps and hoses. Funding for the trailer will be split evenly between water and sewer funds, with no cost to the city’s general fund.

The council also reviewed the overtime report for the pay period ending May 24 but took no action. Councilmember Klug questioned whether police department overtime was running higher than usual.

After new business, the council entered into the first of two closed sessions.

Dickson explained that the first closed session was held to discuss legal strategy and options regarding the pending or threatened litigation with Wapasha Construction Company concerning the construction of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. The city council approved a tolling agreement with Wapasha Construction Company.

The second closed session was Dickson’s annual performance review. It was satisfactory and the city council voted to increase Dickson’s salary by 7.5% effective June 6, his anniversary.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. following the last closed session.