Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
On January 27, the Caledonia City Council interviewed seven Caledonia residents for the position vacated by Ryan Stenzel. John Rauk was appointed by a roll call vote to fill Stenzel’s seat. Rauk immediately took the Oath of Office administered by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson.
Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Jeremy Leis and David Fitzpatrick. The minutes from the January 13 regularly scheduled meeting of the city council were approved as presented.
The approved consent agenda included the payments, disbursements, and resolution 2025-03 designating signatory authority, and the city’s MiEnergy wholesale power rate increase.
Mayor Jeremy Leis asked each of the seven candidates (Kole Skauge, Shelly Sheehan, Mike Novak, John Rauk, Brad Rykhus, Patty Goetzinger-Krall, and Pree Amin) three questions. 1. What are the major issues facing our town. 2. What motivated you to apply? 3. What about your current or past occupations, do you think will help you as a city council member?
According to the applicants the major issues facing Caledonia include recruiting new businesses, a balanced budget, safety, children and elderly, first responders, and the town’s appearance.
Skauge emphasized the importance of having “more things to do with your family.”
Sheehan answered, “Make sure our small town stays here for the next 40 years and is viable; that’s probably the biggest thing.”
Novak answered with a sense of humor while serious at the same time, “Finances, finances, finances”.
Rauk answered, “Getting business in town.”
Rykhus emphasized the importance of supporting the town’s 1st responders.
Goetzinger-Krall wants to create a reason for people to stay in Caledonia.
Amin answered that finance is an importance issue facing the city, specifically balancing the budget, the future of the businesses in town, and the future of not having a sanctuary for families.
The council thanked all the candidates for their interest in serving on the council. Councilmember Amanda Ninneman confirming that this is what the council likes to see, residents interested in serving their community. The mayor encouraged unsuccessful candidates to run again.
Under new business was the purchase of a 2025 custom fire pumper which was tabled from the January 13 regular city council meeting. According to the staff report dated January 27, the staff does not recommend the purchase of the pumper truck because financing the pumper body at $554,428.27 and the $151,240.37 in interest over 10 years plus $16,250 in origination charges brings the total cost of the truck to $865,518.64. The city is responsible for $349,014.13. City Clerk Administrator Jake Dickson reminded the council that the city received a $50,000 grant from the Taylor Family Farms Foundation toward the purchase of a truck. The Rural Fire District Board is responsible for the balance.
On September 9, the city approved the purchase an International Chassis at a cost of $143,600. Dickson confirmed that if the city cancels the order, the 30% cancellation fee of $43,080 would be due. The fee would be paid for with funds from the Public Safety Aid distributed in 2023.
Instead, it was the recommendation of the city staff to “adopt the capital improvement schedule recommendations to put the city on track to make the most requested purchase for Emergency Services, which are station and facility improvements.”
The mayor moved to terminate the purchase of the chassis. Seconded by council member Bob Klug. The motion was unanimously approved.
Caledonia Street Scapes committee representatives, Polly Heberlein and Laurel Rusert, proposed placing a Military Rock, similar to Iowa’s Freedom Rocks in the city’s North Park. The 3-D rock would be visible to traffic traveling Hwy. 44 and offer easy access for persons with physical disabilities. The request was tabled as the council has more questions that need to be answered. Polly Heberlein confirmed that there is not a cost to the city. Mayor Leis emphasized the importance of keeping Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug in the loop.
In other business, the council:
- Approved the proposal from ECP for ambulance billing services.
- Approved the Parks and Rec director’s job description. The director will be responsible for both the pool and baseball manager’s duties.
- Reviewed the overtime report for January 6 through January 19.
The mayor moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
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