During its regular meeting on April 28, the Caledonia City Council approved a strategic planning and goal-setting session to be held in early summer.
The strategic planning session will be facilitated by Phil Kern, administrator for the city of Delano, who brings extensive experience in municipal government and has led strategic planning initiatives for numerous cities. City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson noted that he participated in Kern’s program in a previous role and described the experience as “very, very valuable.” The five-hour session, costing $3,500, will include participation from city council members and department heads. Attendees will develop a long-term vision for the city, identify organization values, establish immediate priorities, and conclude the session with a newly defined mission statement. Dickson emphasized that strategic planning represents a missing component for the city of Caledonia.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Leis at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members were present: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzgerald and John Rauk.
The consent agenda was approved through a unanimous motion. It encompassed the authorization of payments and disbursement, the approval of land use permits for 617 W. Caledonia Street and 155 Bissen Street, and the granting of a setback variance at 1218 E. Grant Street.
Department Updates
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported that several outdoor projects are currently underway, describing the efforts as “a lot of good outdoor projects.” Notable examples include the replacement of the drinking fountain at Veterans’ Park, the replenishment of mulch in the playground area, and maintenance work on the athletic fields. Mayor Leis complimented Klug and his staff, stating, “It looks real nice up there.”
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson provided an update to the council regarding two bills currently making the rounds in the Minnesota Legislature. First, the city has been asked to submit a letter opposing proposed legislation that would eliminate some of the city’s right to zone. Dickson also reiterated concerns about a separate bill which, if it passes, would prevent the city from preserving the first floor of downtown buildings exclusively for retail use. This bill would kill downtowns in small rural towns.
Financial Report
Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the financial reports for the first quarter, ending March 31. While the city has yet to hear from the auditors about presenting their results to the council, Mann noted that they are actively working, and she hopes they will attend the next council meeting.
She reported that the city received 9.402% of its Local Government Aid (LGA), totaling approximately $113,000, which is reflected in the general fund. Mann noted that this is an early distribution compared to previous years. Investments are on track, and departmental spending appears normal. The detailed report by department, spending appears normal. “Everyone looks good in the first quarter. There were no surprises,” Mann summarized.
Other Business
- No council action was needed for the Founder’s Day street closures. Plans have been agreed upon, including the closure of South Kingston Street from the four stoplights to the driveway adjacent to the pocket park. This area will be used for 15-minute parking. Main Street will close at 10 a.m. for the car show.
- The council reviewed the overtime report for the March 31 – April 13 pay period. Dickson described it as “pretty normal stuff.”
Mayor Leis adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. to allow everyone to get home safely ahead of a predicted severe storm.
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