Caledonia City Council Honors the Memory of Former Mayor Bob Burns

At its July 27 meeting, the Caledonia City Council honored the life and legacy of former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns by proclaiming July 23 as Bob Burns Day in the city of Caledonia.

Mayor Jeremy Leis read the following proclamation:

City of Caledonia, Minnesota Mayoral Proclamation

A Proclamation Honoring the Life and Service of Robert H. Burns

“Whereas, Bob Burns was a long time Caledonia resident and community member: and

Whereas, Bob Burns was a dedicated public servant who served 25 years on the Caledonia City Council, including seventeen as Mayor, on the Houston County Board of Commissioners, as a volunteer firefighter, and as a volunteer for countless causes; and

Whereas, Bob Burns was a champion of Caledonia, who represents her residents and interests here in Caledonia, and abroad, including trips to the Minnesota Legislature; and

Whereas, Bob Burns was born on July 23, and passed away on July 23, 2026; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Caledonia City Council, that we honor the life and dedicated service of Bob Burns, that  July 23, is ‘Bob Burns Day’ in the City of Caledonia.

Adopted by the Caledonia City Council this 27 Day of July, 2026.”

Mayor Leis called the regular Caledonia City Council meeting to order at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council members Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman and John Rauk were present along with Mayor Jeremy Leis. Councilor David Fitzpatrick was absent.

Councilor Rauk moved to approve the minutes from the July 13 regular city council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Klug and carried with Councilor Ninneman abstaining.

Councilor Ninneman moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Councilor Rauk. The motion carried unanimously.

The consent agenda included:

• Payment of bills totaling $89,079.71 in prepaid invoices and $70,460.30 in unpaid invoices.

• Annual step increases for the Public Works director and police chief on their employment anniversaries.

• Approval of the 2026-27 Crossing Guard Agreement with Caledonia Area Public Schools, Independent School District (ISD) 299.

There were no public comments.

Staff Updates

Public Works and Zoning Director Casey Klug and Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson each provided updates on departmental activities over the past month. Director Klug said they had their bid opening earlier in the day for Warrior Avenue and would probably be awarding the contract at the next meeting. Dickson announced that he received a technical assistance grant from the Minnesota Healthy Partnership which will be used for the city’s residential projects. He also announced that on Wednesday night there will be an open house for the Winnebago Street project from 5-7 p.m. in the city auditorium.

New Business

The city received two bids for cleaning and inspection of both water towers from KLM Engineering in the amount of $21,750 for both towers and from Maguire in the amount of $26,292. Director Klug recommended awarding the contract to KLM Engineering for cleaning the interior and exterior of both water towers and conducting an inspection. A motion to award the contract to KLM Engineering was made by Councilor Klug and seconded by Councilor Rauk. Motion carried.

Finance Officer Stephanie Mann reviewed the second-quarter financial report, telling the council she was “very happy with the first half of the year.” Mayor Leis thanked Mann for her hard work.

Councilor Klug motioned to approve an amendment to the city’s fee schedule for the Category C Sewer service charge at $253 per 1,000 gallons. Seconded by Ninneman, the motion carried.

Before adjourning the meeting at 6:49 p.m., council members reviewed the overtime report for the pay period ending July 19. There were no questions regarding the overtime report.