Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
On July 12, 2021, the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting from 6 p.m. to 6:32 p.m. in the Caledonia City Hall Council Chambers. Council members present, Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, Robert “Bob” Klug, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Mayor Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda: June 28, 2021, minutes from the regular city council meeting; sign permit to replace existing signage on the awning at 611 Vista Dr.; lease between the State of Minnesota Department of Administration and City of Caledonia for the use of a portion of E. McKinley St. and N. Marshall St. for a motorcycle test course; creation of Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) position for Caledonia Ambulance Department with a pay rate of $18.00 for responding to calls and standby rate of $2.50 hour; hiring Wyatt Richardson as part-time police officer; accepted the resignation of Will Persons as a part-time police officer; and the resignation of Taylor Crapser as an emergency medical responder.
Sprague Woods
“Fifty-five goats got to work quickly cleaning out Sprague Woods, and none of the critters are getting out,” according to Director Klug. Spectators are stopping by to see and taking pictures of the goats. But, Klug mentioned, “If there becomes too much traffic, the city may need to block off the dead-end road.”
Caledonia Aquatic Center
Swann announced that the pool opened on Friday, and attendance was more than expected on Friday and Saturday. Swimming lessons start the following Monday. The mayor does not want to see lifeguards working overtime this summer. The hours should be spread out among lifeguards. Director Klug mentioned, “Repairs are being done on the slide and should be up and running within the week.”
Events
National Night Out is August 3, 2021. Commissioners approved offering free admission to the Caledonia Aquatic Center since the city did not offer free admission when the pool opened.
Director Katie O’Regan is purchasing insurance League of Minnesota Cities for the upcoming Film Fest. The city requires the insurance in order to use the city auditorium.
Music in the Park is July 13, July 20, and July 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Gazebo Park. Food is available beforehand at 5:30 p.m.
Other business
Watch for the well house project to start in a couple of weeks.
Caledonia resident Paul Rommes attended the council meeting to answer questions regarding his application to add a second driveway to his property at 424 East South St. City Code only allows one driveway. A second drive requires council approval. The proposed 13’x60’ driveway will be concrete, allow three cars to park in the driveway, and make it ADA accessible. The council approved Rommes’ request.
The council approved the Third Amendment to the Electric Service Agreement. Councilmember Klug asked Swann, “Why are they pushing for a 10-year contract?” Swann did not have an answer for Klug.
The mayor mentioned that he does not want to see overtime hours for the police department to assist with non-Caledonia events like the Spring Grove Music Fest.
Next meeting
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 26, 2021, at 6 p.m. at city hall.