The Caledonia City Council approved hiring two assistant managers and nine lifeguards for the upcoming 2025 swim season at its May 12 meeting.
Those hired included Assistant Managers Sophie Blocker and Owen Denstad, as well as lifeguards Evelyn Doyle, Jacob Klug, Tyson Ginther, Maddox Walk, Caden Hauser, Julian Moen, Kellyn Cognac, Oliver Bulman and Chase Hauser.
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson reported encouraging progress in staffing for the upcoming pool season, noting that the city currently has about 12 lifeguards – nearly twice as many as they had last year. Efforts are also underway to have lifeguards WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certified, which will help in meeting the demand for swimming lessons. The city is still accepting applications for lifeguards, with a goal of hiring a total of 15. Dickson reminded the board that the pool manager was hired at the March 24 city council meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Jeremy Leis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All members were present: Amanda Ninneman, John Rauk, David Fitzpatrick and Bob Klug. Staff present included Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. Guests included Bryan Spier, and Tracey Knutson.
The minutes from the April 28 city council were unanimously approved.
The consent agenda was also unanimously approved in one swift motion. Included payments and disbursements, a temporary liquor license for the American Legion, and a wine and beer license for Frank & Julia’s at 138 S. Kingston.Tracey Knutson noted that while the town has a “beautiful post office,” the grounds are not being maintained. It hasn’t been mowed and there are dandelions, dead and alive, everywhere. She stressed that “It looks like crap.” Dickson said that he will contact the post office about the situation. He confirmed that it is owned and operated by the federal government, Fish & Wildlife, making communication more difficult.
“On May 1, the wastewater plant came online, which is a very big step,” reported Dickson. Even with some critical errors, the new plant is treating the water. “This plant is broken, and it still works better, which is pretty impressive.”
There are an estimated six more weeks of construction before the contractor gets to the city’s punch list and the final payment.
In new business, the Police Officer Wellness Program was tabled until the next city council meeting. The council also reviewed the overtime report for March 31 through April 13.
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