Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Mayor Jeremy Leis called the regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council to order at 6 p.m. on June 22, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Other council members in attendance included Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick and John Rauk.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 8 regular city council meeting, with one correction.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved in a single motion. Items included payments and disbursements, a setback variance at 607 N. Hokah for a garage addition, and a field-use agreement with St. Mary’s.
There were no public comments.
Department Updates
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug and City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson provided updates on departmental activities.
Klug reported that he participated in a scoping meeting earlier in the day with the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the Highway 44 project between Spring Grove and Hokah. Discussions included potential pedestrian safety improvements, the addition of trails on the west side of the highway and the possible realignment of the two intersecting roads along Highway 44, where visibility of northbound traffic is limited.
Klug also reported that city crews recently completed crosswalk striping and hydrant flushing throughout the community.
“Typical ball field maintenance this time of year,” Klug said.
Klug announced that a public engagement/informational meeting regarding the 2027 Winnebago Street project will be held July 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the city auditorium.
Dickson reported that the city submitted the SAFER grant application earlier in the day. He expects to learn within the next three to four weeks whether the city will receive funding.
Dickson also met with the lifeguards to discuss priorities. He noted that this is something they do every year. He said they have a strong group of 15 lifeguards with extensive experience. The swim lesson registration website is expected to go live on Wednesday. While online payments will not be available this year, the rest of the registration system is operational.
The relocated Music in the Park events have been well received, drawing strong attendance, numerous vendors and positive feedback from the community.
Dickson attended a University of Minnesota-sponsored meeting on June 11 focused on data centers. The University is conducting a yearlong research project to examine the utility impacts of data centers and help municipalities better understand how development proposals are structured and negotiated. While Dickson said Caledonia is unlikely to become a data center location, he noted the importance of understanding the economic and infrastructure implications of such projects.
New Business
Hope Turner with Danielson Insurance Agency attended the meeting to discuss liquor liability coverage for special events that sell alcohol. Turner explained that obtaining coverage has become increasingly difficult for organizations hosting such events. She noted that the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Alliance (MJUA) offers liquor liability coverage. Turner explained that in order for event organizers to secure higher liability limits the city must require higher limits. Currently, organizations have been able to only obtain lower limits – similar to what was allowed 30 years ago.
It was clear the council members believe it should be higher and suggested a minimum of $1 million or maybe $1.5 million. No action was taken until Dickson looks into what other cities require. A public hearing will need to be held before the city can make any changes.
The council unanimously approved the Warrior Ave. Extension Construction Oversight Agreement and authorized the project for advertisement.
Dickson recommended increasing the starting wage for the liquor store’s part-time clerk position from $14.73 to $16.00 per hour. The council approved the wage adjustment and also approved hiring Pamela Haas for the position. Dickson mentioned that the last person hired worked for one day and did not return.
Adjournment
The council reviewed the overtime reports for the pay period ending June 7 before adjourning the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
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