The Caledonia City Council met in regular session on January 26. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present were Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk, and Mayor Leis.
Councilor Rauk moved to approve the minutes from the January 12 meeting. Councilor Fitzpatrick seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Approval of payments and disbursement
- Approval of surplus property designation valued at $15,000 for one Sludgemaster Plunger Pump, one Katolight Generator, nine seized scrap vehicles, and one Dodge Ram 2500
- Acceptance of a $14,500 donation from the Fire Department gambling account to purchase Wildland Firefighting Gear
- Acceptance of a $2,200 donation from Dunn Blacktop to purchase electric vehicle blankets and cooling rod.
- 2026 General Engineering contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH Inc.) The contract is estimated not to exceed $15,000 including expenses and equipment. The project completion date is December 31, 2026.
- Approval of liquor store hires
Reports
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported that the street guys have been busy plowing due to recent cold weather and the blowing winds. He said SEH has begun survey work for the Warrior Avenue extension following the council’s approval of the design at the previous council meeting.
Klug also reported that the city’s new influent lift station froze during the extreme cold and northwest winds, causing four out of the five pumps to freeze. Staff used insulated blankets and heat to thaw the equipment. Klug said he is looking into potential improvements to prevent future issues.
“Other than that, there’s really not a whole lot, just kind of surviving this cold weather, and knock on wood, no water main brakes, or anything terrible here yet, do…Status quo,” he said.
Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson reported that he is meeting with Representative Greg Davids this week regarding the new library and possible legislative support help. Dickson and Director Klug will also be participating in a mediation related to the wastewater treatment plant, which they hope will soon be resolved quickly. The council can expect to hear more about it at the February 9 meeting.
New Business
Director Klug said that the planning committee recommended that the council approve a setback variance for a 70’ by 120’ fitness center at 615 W. Washington. According to the staff report, the applicants are applying for a rear yard (south) setback variance and a side yard (east) setback variance. The site plan includes at least 20 parking stalls, clear emergency access route, and a storm water capture area. There will also be trees planted to provide a screen for the residential area. He noted that there were not any calls, emails, or letters in opposition to the setback variance. Councilor Fitzpatrick made a motion to approve the variance. Seconded by Councilor Rauk. Motion carried.
The Caledonia planning committee recommended that the council approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for storage at Parel Identification Number (PID) 211166005, located in a B-2 highway commercial district on Hwy 12 just west of Hwy 44/76 with one condition. The condition being that “The site can have up to 50 8’x20’ or equivalent storage units and be able to maintain emergency access.” Houston County requested that the driveway be relocated closer to Hwy. 44.
According to the staff report, applicants plan to install storage containers for use as storage units, with open parking for boats, trailers, campers, and possibly construction equipment. Director Klug said he did not hear anything from the neighbors. Council member Rauk had a couple questions for property owner Josh Gran before the council voted. He noted that a sign will be installed on the side of a container facing Hwy. 44, and a camera system will be installed for security. He said there would not be a fence around the property. Motion by Councilmember Klug to approve the CUP. Seconded by Rauk. Motion unanimously carried.
The board also reviewed the overtime report for the pay period ending January 18 and noted that it looks good.
Old Business
Mayor Leis said that the hiring of a part-time police officer has been tabled until the February 9 meeting.
Dickson explained that the money has already been transferred for the Doering Estates Phase II land purchase, and everything is set. Councilor Fitzpatrick moved to approve the Doering Estates Phase II purchase agreement. Councilor Rauk seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
The mayor called to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m.
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