Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Caledonia City Council approved an increase of 50 cents in standby pay for the ambulance department at the October 28, 2024, regularly scheduled meeting.
Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder called the meeting to order promptly at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. He then announced that all members were present.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the October 14 regular city council meeting, and the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes the payments and disbursements and an interim use permit for a short-term rental at 823 E. South Street. The property is owned by William M. Gavin.
Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom presented his department’s report followed by Finance Officer Stephanie Mann, who reviewed the city’s financial reports. Both emphasized that their numbers look good as the year comes to an end with only two more months to go.
Tornstrom said that the one thing included in the ambulance department’s proposed 2025 operating budget is the 50-cent increase in standby pay. Last year the council approved a $1 increase.
If anyone in Caledonia is interested in volunteering, give Tornstrom a call as they would love to talk to them. They can even ride along to see if they like it.
Tornstrom made one last pitch before concluding his presentation. Regarding a new ambulance station he said, “And remember, station construction is a once in a lifetime thing. We will all be long gone and that station will still be standing strong and looking good for decades.”
Mann reviewed the quarterly reports with the council which included the cash and investment monthly balances, confirming that at the end of August the city was sitting at $7,106,617.66, which was a decrease from July. She said that nothing has changed with the investments which are at $1,282,048.59. Looking at the general fund, Mann said that she did not think any departments were over, most are in or under budget. Other reports presented included long-term debt, and the capital budget.
There were no public comments.
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported that a water main broke last week, which was dug up and repaired. When the paver was in town to do the sewer plant they did some patching around town. The fence at the ball diamond is over half done. They will start digging on the stormwater project that was approved at the last city council meeting. Director Klug noted that he had the dates wrong for fall cleanup which has been extended until after Halloween to get all the leaves and pumpkins picked. He promised that they would get them all picked up.
Councilman Klug asked Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson for an update on the public hearing he attended regarding the proposed Houston County cannabis zoning ordinance. Dickson explained that the proposed ordinance “determines the time, place, and manner that cannabis can be sold,” and noted that this was the first reading. He went on to say that he has an issue with that ordinance because it applies to the cities within Houston County, and he does not agree with that and that the city will continue to oppose any infringement on local control.
In other business, the board:
- Approved payment application No. 32 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for a total of $601,944.91. Director Klug said he “expects that this contractor will be here another year.”
- Reviewed the overtime report for the previous pay period, September 30 through October 13, before it was unanimously approved. There were no questions.
The Presidential Election will take place Tuesday, November 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
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